bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying the factors influencing minority language use in health care education settings: a European perspective
Authors: Roberts Gwerfyl Wyn , Paden Liz 
Published: March 2003

Identifying the factors influencing minority language use in health care education settings: a European perspective The recent enhanced status of many minority languages across the European Community has led to increasing demands for their use within the public sector. This is particularly evident in health care, where, in circumstances of stress and vulnerability, denying opportunities for clients to communicate in their preferred language may place them at a personal disadvantage and compromise their health chances. In view of the exclusion of many minority languages from the public domain over the years, their re‐introduction demands adaptations to health care education programmes in order to promote language sensitivity in practice. Before embarking on developments which establish such languages within the professional sphere, valuable insight may be gained by examining their current use in practice education. Furthermore, comparing their use across language communities enables the sharing of common experiences and furthers opportunities for developing networks across Europe. This paper describes an ethnographic study of the use, within midwifery education, of the Welsh language in north Wales, the Catalan language in Barcelona and the Irish language in Western Ireland. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with key lecturers, clinical mentors and students across the three communities in order to determine patterns of language use within a range of learning environments. Focus groups were also held in order to confirm the findings. The data reveal many commonalties in terms of language use across the three settings and important factors are identified which support the use of minority languages in practice education. The findings are invaluable for guiding future bilingual initiatives across health care education programmes.
Priority‐setting for nursing research in the Republic of China
Authors: Yin Teresa J.C. , Hsu Nanly , Tsai Sing Ling , Wang Bette Wei , Shaw Fu Ling , Shih Fu Jin , Chang Wen‐Yin , Henry Beverly 
Published: March 2003

Priority‐setting for nursing research in the Republic of China The question of how public funds for research should be allocated has led to participatory priority‐setting in prosperous democracies like Taiwan, Republic of China. Useful criteria for research priorities are scientific merit, social benefit and feasibility. Taking a health needs approach and using these criteria, nearly 200 nurses from service and education in a national forum participated in describing research priorities. Through the group method of idea‐writing, for clinical nursing, of high priority were assessing quality, care of the elderly, and preventing infectious disease. For nursing education, research addressing advanced role preparation and bridging nursing education and practice were priorities. For nursing management, research of highest priority pertained to economic evaluation, personnel administration, and effectiveness. These suggestions from the deliberation of a committed group of nurses can help shape future national decisions about research funding and training.
A comparative study of the financing, provision and quality of care in nursing homes. The approach of four European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands
Authors: Meijer Astrid , Van Campen Crétien , Kerkstra Ada 
Published: March 2003

A comparative study of the financing, provision and quality of care in nursing homes. The approach of four European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands As result of an increase in the numbers of frail elderly people, most European countries are facing problems with the financing and provision of services by nursing homes. At the same time, the expectations of quality of these services continue to rise. The main question investigated in this study was that of how countries approach the problems of financing and service provision by nursing homes and, at the same time, attempt to increase the quality levels in these institutions. The study was conducted in Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. A study was made of the relevant literature and questionnaires were sent to experts in each country. The four countries are addressing the problems of financing and sufficient service provision by controlling the use of nursing home services. In addition, financial problems are approached by extending co‐payments, encouraging cheaper forms of care and putting pressure on nursing homes to operate at lower costs. Problems in the provision of care are addressed by applying more selective admission criteria and offering alternative forms of care outside the nursing home. As a result nursing home beds are used for those with the greatest care‐dependency. Nursing home services are adjusted to rising quality expectations by offering a greater range of provision, decreasing the number of residents per room, improving comfort and improving the training of nursing staff. Another way to increase the quality of care is to separate the housing and service functions. Many nursing homes nowadays collaborate intensively with other facilities for the elderly to cope with all these problems and changes. The workload for nursing home staff has increased because of the increasing care‐dependency of residents, the demand for higher quality of services and the financial problems.
The nursing education programme in Lithuania: voices of student nurses
Authors: Kapborg Inez 
Published: March 2003

The nursing education programme in Lithuania: voices of student nurses The nursing education programme in Lithuania has passed through many changes. The latest change has been carried out with support from Denmark. Ten female student nurses have been interviewed with the assistance of an interpreter. The purpose of this paper is to describe how student nurses perceived their preregistration training. The most outstanding feature of the nursing education programme in Lithuania was lack of adequate textbooks and students found this disadvantage caused a heavy workload. Students were spending the whole day in school, then studying during the evening. They were constantly tired. Although students were encouraged to be independent and to think actively during lectures, in reality this was difficult because of their workload. Students as a group were satisfied with their education, but they were doubtful about how to manage work as an independent nurse. Nowadays, many nurses in Lithuania view their work professionally and have taken over responsibility for some tasks that were carried out previously by physicians. Nurses trained previously may cause problems for newly graduated nurses because these nurses still work in a traditional manner. It will be impossible to evaluate the usefulness of the new nursing education programme in Lithuania until further investigations show how students qualify and manage their work as nurses.
The development of an instrument to measure the compliance of adolescents with a chronic disease
Authors: Kyngäs Helvi A. , Skaar‐Chandler Carrie A. , Duffy Mary E. 
Published: March 2003

The development of an instrument to measure the compliance of adolescents with a chronic disease The purpose of this paper was to describe the process of developing an instrument for measuring the compliance of adolescents with a chronic disease. The aim was to develop an instrument that could be used in a clinical setting to evaluate the compliance of young people with a chronic disease and to test a theoretical model of compliance, which had been developed along with the instrument. The instrument was originally developed to measure the compliance of adolescents with diabetes and later adjusted to measure the compliance of adolescents with asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy. To test and develop the instrument, face and criterion validity, factor analyses, linear structural relations (LISREL) analyses, correlation coefficients and Cronbach’s α were used. The instrument has 13 background questions and 41 items to measure compliance and factors connected to it.
Women’s anxieties surrounding breast disorders: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Woodward Val , Webb Christine 
Published: March 2003

Women’s anxieties surrounding breast disorders: a systematic review of the literature A systematic review of the research literature published in English between 1990 and 1999 was carried out to discover whether women with benign breast disorders suffer similar amounts of anxiety to women with breast cancer in the time between discovery of the problem and receiving a diagnosis, to include the immediate postdiagnosis phase. The study was limited to primary research papers with explicit methodology applicable to hospital specialist breast clinics where the main focus of the papers was anxiety and/or psychological distress. Studies focusing exclusively on routine breast screening or exclusively on women with previously diagnosed breast cancer were omitted. A protocol for the review was agreed at the outset, addressing selection criteria, search procedures, methods of data extraction and analysis, and dissemination. Search terms were refined as the study progressed. A data extraction tool was constructed based on Benton and Cormack’s framework (Benton & Cormack 1996, pp. 80–81). An initial search revealed 89 papers. Fourteen papers were found to meet the criteria for inclusion. The main findings were that women with benign breast disorders and those with breast cancer suffered from similar levels of anxiety and psychological distress in the period from first being aware of the problem up to the time of receiving a diagnosis. Anxiety levels were found to fall more quickly in women with benign disorders postdiagnosis. Methodological flaws were detracted from the rigour of many of the studies. Implications for practice are discussed.
Equal opportunities policies and nursing employment within the British National Health Service
Authors: Culley Lorraine 
Published: March 2003

Equal opportunities policies and nursing employment within the British National Health Service Aims. The National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in Western Europe and the largest employer of minority ethnic workers in Britain. This paper is concerned primarily with an examination of the experiences of nurses from minority ethnic groups. Background. Recent research evidence suggests that many minority ethnic nurses face racial harassment from patients and colleagues and that there are continuing problems in recruitment and promotion. The Macpherson Report on the enquiry into the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence has stimulated a wide ranging discussion of institutional racism throughout the public sector in the UK, including the NHS. Discussion. This paper discusses the continuing failure of equal opportunities policies to have a sustained impact on the experiences of minority ethnic nurses and discusses a number of reasons for the lack of progress of such policies. It examines the reasons why health care organizations might adopt equal opportunities policies and the pragmatic reasons why implementation has been both slow and patchy. It goes on to consider the concepts of managing diversity and ethnic managerialism as new tools to theorize equal opportunities and considers some of the continuing problems inherent in current strategies.
The effects of clinical supervision on the quality of care: examining the results of team supervision
Authors: Hyrkäs Kristiina , Paunonen‐Ilmonen Marita 
Published: March 2003

The effects of clinical supervision on the quality of care: examining the results of team supervision Aim(s) of the study. This study is part of a larger research project (1995–1998) aiming at quality improvement by means of clinical supervision (CS). The purpose of the study is to ascertain the conceptions of five ward teams having CS of its effects on the quality of care. Background. The quality of nursing care has been debated since at least the 1980s. An extensive literature and research reports describe a variety of interventions and methods to improve the quality of care. One of the interventions is CS. However, the amount of empirical research exploring the effects of CS especially on the quality of care is limited. Method. Data were collected using group interviews and analysed using the method of phenomenography. Findings. The following categories describing the conceptions related to CS and to the quality of care emerged: knowledge, change and ‘I and we as providers of quality’. Conceptions of the effects varied between and within the teams and sometimes contradicted each other. The importance of knowledge was underlined on three of the five wards. The patient’s point of view emerged only on one ward. Conclusions. It can be concluded that CS has effects on the quality of care and it can be considered a quality improving intervention in nursing practice. However, the knowledge of the different conceptions produced in this study also gives proof that team supervision is a challenge for supervisors.
Feminist conceptualizations of women’s madness: a review of the literature
Authors: Wright Nicola , Owen Sara 
Published: March 2003

Feminist conceptualizations of women’s madness: a review of the literature Background. Gender is one aspect of an individual’s identity that has been widely debated and discussed in relation to many different aspects of social life. The literature review explores how gender stereotypes affect women and their experience of mental illness. The aim is to demonstrate how a feminist perspective provides a useful lens through which women’s experience of mental illness can be viewed. Methods. The papers were identified by a computerized search of the CINAHL, Medline, BIDS ISI and Mental Health Nursing Collection databases and a hand search. All papers were screened and subjected to critical review. Results. A theoretical framework was developed that reflected two key themes to emerge from the feminist literature on women and mental illness, namely psychiatry as a method of socially controlling women and the medicalization of women’s unhappiness. In addition the complexities and contradictions in the feminist arguments are highlighted. Conclusion. The paper concludes by considering the implications of the issues raised for nursing practice by drawing attention to the current debates on the need to focus on gender relations rather than just on women’s issues.
‘Breaking bad news’ within a paediatric setting: an evaluation report of a collaborative education workshop to support health professionals
Authors: Farrell Mike , Ryan Steve , Langrick Brian 
Published: March 2003

‘Breaking bad news’ within a paediatric setting: an evaluation report of a collaborative education workshop to support health professionals Aims of Project. To evaluate a workshop to prepare health professionals for breaking bad news in the paediatric setting. Background. Breaking bad news can be difficult for health professionals, and it seems that few receive specific training for undertaking this challenging task. Latterly, however, there have been reports of training programmes being developed to prepare health professionals for breaking bad news, although most focus upon meeting needs of medical staff only. While doctors have a uniquely important role in breaking bad news it is evident that other health professionals, most frequently nurses, can be equally involved in this encounter. Accordingly, nurses and other professionals need training to recognize the contribution that they can make in ensuring sensitive and effective bad news disclosure. Design. A one‐day, multi‐professional, experiential training workshop. Method. Forty‐five participants, mainly nurses (34, 76%) and doctors (10, 22%), attended one of five breaking bad news workshops set up for staff working in a range of paediatric settings including Accident and Emergency and Intensive Care. Each of the workshops was facilitated by three facilitators from varied backgrounds. Using an experiential design, participants were supported to explore and reflect upon breaking bad news issues, which also included engagement with actors to act out realistic bad news scenarios. Debriefing, using a positive learner‐centred model of feedback, provided the main platform for promoting learning. Following the workshop, participants completed an evaluation questionnaire, seeking their perceptions of the effectiveness of the workshop in enhancing knowledge and communication skills. Data Analysis. Atlas.ti, a qualitative computer data analysis software program was used to explore the evaluation comments made by participants, resulting in the generation of common themes. Findings. Seven themes, including development of practice, the value of sharing, benefit of feedback, and team work, emerged from responses. All responses indicated that the workshop had been beneficial and an effective training method, with most participants (40 of 89%) indicating that they would strongly recommend their colleagues to attend a similar workshop. Conclusion. The educational approach reported is considered by participants to be beneficial in preparing health professionals for breaking bad news in a collaborative way.
The impact of foot massage and guided relaxation following cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hattan Jennifer , King Lindy , Griffiths Peter 
Published: March 2003

The impact of foot massage and guided relaxation following cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial Background. Because of the widely presumed association between heart disease and psychological wellbeing, the use of so‐called ‘complementary’ therapies as adjuncts to conventional treatment modalities have been the subject of considerable debate. The present study arose from an attempt to identify a safe and effective therapeutic intervention to promote wellbe ing, which could be practicably delivered by nurses to patients in the postoperative recovery period following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Aim. To investigate the impact of foot massage and guided relaxation on the wellbeing of patients who had undergone CABG surgery. Method. Twenty‐five subjects were randomly assigned to either a control or one of two intervention groups. Psychological and physical variables were measured immediately before and after the intervention. A discharge questionnaire was also administered. Results. No significant differences between physiological parameters were found. There was a significant effect of the intervention on the calm scores (ANOVA, P=0·014). Dunnett’s multiple comparison showed that this was attributable to increased calm among the massage group. Although not significant the guided relaxation group also reported substantially higher levels of calm than control. There was a clear (nonsignificant) trend across all psychological variables for both foot massage and, to a lesser extent, guided relaxation to improve psychological wellbeing. Both interventions were well received by the subjects. Conclusions. These interventions appear to be effective, noninvasive techniques for promoting psychological wellbeing in this patient group. Further investigation is indicated.
Nursing diagnosis taxonomy across the Atlantic Ocean: congruence between nurses' charting and the NANDA taxonomy
Authors: Thoroddsen Asta , Thorsteinsson Hrund Sch. 
Published: March 2003

Nursing diagnosis taxonomy across the Atlantic Ocean: congruence between nurses' charting and the NANDA taxonomy Purpose and aims. The purpose of this study was to analyse expressions or terms used by nurses in Iceland to describe patient problems. The classification of NANDA was used as reference. The research questions were: (a) Does NANDA terminology represent patient problems documented by Icelandic nurses? (b) If so, what kind of nursing diagnoses does it represent? (c) What kind of patient problems are not represented by NANDA terminology? (d) What are the most frequent nursing diagnoses used? Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted in a 400 bed acute care hospital in Iceland. The sample was defined as nursing diagnosis statements in charts of patients hospitalized in two 6‐month periods in two separate years. The data were analysed according to a predefined grading system based on the PES format or Problem – (A)aetiology – Signs and symptoms. Results. A total of 1217 charts were used for the study, which yielded 2171 nursing diagnoses statements for analysis. Charts with at least one nursing diagnosis documented were 60·1% and the number of diagnoses per patient ranged from 0 to 10, with 65% of charts with three diagnoses or less. The number of diagnoses correlated with patients' length of stay, but not with increased age of the patients. The average number of statements per patient was 3·28. Almost 60% of the diagnoses were according to NANDA terminology, another 20% were stated as procedures, medical diagnoses or risks for complications. The 20 most frequently used nursing diagnoses accounted for 80% of all diagnoses documented. Discrepancy between nurses' documentation on emotional problems and availability of diagnosis in the NANDA taxonomy was evident. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the NANDA taxonomy seems to be culturally relevant for nurses in different cultures.
Managing adverse drug reactions: an orphan task
Authors: Jordan Sue 
Published: March 2003

Managing adverse drug reactions: an orphan task Background. Nurse prescribing initiatives have potential to impact on medication management for long‐term conditions. Over time, the adverse effects of medications become increasingly onerous. This `side‐effect burden' is particularly heavy for users of antipsychotic medication. Although consensus exists that strategies are needed to alleviate these problems, currently, they are not clearly the responsibility of any one professional group. Aim. This paper explores the introduction of nurse‐administered evaluation checklists, in relation to nurse prescribing initiatives and division of professional responsibilities for medication management. Methods. This was an observation study, with a quasi‐experimental comparator group design, undertaken with clients receiving long‐term antipsychotic medication. In both intervention and comparator groups, before and after introduction of evaluation checklists in the intervention group, 20 nurse–client interactions were observed. Problems actioned by the nurses, with and without the checklists, were compared. Stakeholders' views were sought concurrently. Findings. Implementation of evaluation checklists increased the numbers of adverse effects detected and actioned by nurses. They also served to apportion aspects of medication management between nurses and medical prescribers. Most actions taken by nurses to alleviate adverse effects concerned clients' physical health and advice on health‐promotion. However, the nurses' interventions would have been more effective had they been able to supply clients with certain medicines either by prescribing from the Nurse Prescribers' Formulary or issuing under Patient Group Directions. For some clients, ameliorating the adverse effects of medication would have involved changes to prescribed antipsychotic medication; here decisions were more equivocal. Implications. The identification of previously unattended problems, together with the views of service users, suggests that empowering nurses to address the `care gaps' in medication management may benefit service users. The `checklist evaluation' approach warrants further investigation, ideally in conjunction with nurse prescribing initiatives.