bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research utilization and attitudes towards research among learning disability nurses in Northern Ireland
Authors: Parahoo Kader , Barr Owen , McCaughan Eilis 
Published: March 2003

Research utilization and attitudes towards research among learning disability nurses in Northern Ireland The current emphasis on evidence‐based practice has focused attention once again on the research activities of health professionals in general and their research utilization in particular. While there has been a limited number of studies on research utilization in the United Kingdom, these have tended to concentrate on general nurses and midwives. Little is known about the research activities, research utilization and the attitudes to research of learning disability nurses. This paper reports on data from a survey of a convenience sample of 87 nurses from three learning disability hospitals in Northern Ireland. The results show that while these nurses generally held positive attitudes to research, a substantial minority (18·3%) believed that ‘research is not relevant to the day to day work in nursing’. Only a quarter of the sample reported using research ‘frequently/all the time’ in their practice. The extent of research utilization among these disability nurses must be considerably improved if evidence‐based practice is to become a reality in their field of nursing.
The ‘cues’ to diagnosis: describing the monitoring activities of women undergoing diagnostic investigations for breast disease
Authors: Poole Karen , Lyne Patricia A. 
Published: March 2003

The ‘cues’ to diagnosis: describing the monitoring activities of women undergoing diagnostic investigations for breast disease Waiting to ascertain the nature of an undiagnosed breast abnormality is an intensely stressful experience for many women. Uncertainty surrounding the aetiology of symptoms is underpinned by the threat of malignancy, and the ‘need to know’ the diagnosis is of primary concern at this time. Seeking out threat‐relevant information through a process known as ‘monitoring’ attempts to fulfil this need. This paper details the qualitative phase of a multimethod research study that investigated the psychological impact of diagnosing breast disease. This involved focus interviews with a subset of 40 women from the original study cohort. Several types of threat‐related cues were identified by respondents and were categorized as temporal, interpersonal, procedural and spatial. In the context of uncertainty (and in some cases suspicion) these cues were interpreted as ‘indicators’ of the pending diagnosis. The manner in which particular aspects of the environment are identified, interpreted and designated as ‘threat‐relevant’ cues is discussed. Furthermore, the implications for health professionals working with patients during this stage of ‘pre‐diagnosis’ are considered.
An evaluation of information cards as a means of improving communication between hospital and primary care for women with breast cancer
Authors: Luker Karen , Beaver Kinta , Austin Lynn , Leinster Samuel J. 
Published: March 2003

An evaluation of information cards as a means of improving communication between hospital and primary care for women with breast cancer This paper describes an intervention study aimed at improving communication between hospital services and the primary health care team. A series of information cards were developed by breast specialist secondary care professionals for members of the primary health care team. Women with breast cancer were involved in the communication pathway and were asked to take the information cards to their own general practitioner (GP) practice. It was envisaged that women would be more likely to utilize the primary health care team for information if they were aware that the primary health care team was in receipt of information specific to the treatment they had received. Women newly diagnosed with breast cancer were allocated to either an intervention (n=38) or non‐intervention (n=38) group. Patient interviews were carried out around the time of diagnosis and at 4 months from diagnosis. Interviews were also carried out with 31 GPs to ascertain their views on the provision of information for women with breast cancer, and on the information cards if relevant. The study findings were interesting although not significant in terms of the direction anticipated. The cards did not impact on the utilization of the primary health care team and women in the intervention group were no more likely to utilize primary care sources of information than women in the non‐intervention group. Factors such as the long‐standing relationship women had with their GP, the perceived lack of specialist knowledge on the part of GPs and district nurses, and the women’s perception that information seeking was not a tangible reason for primary care contact had an impact on information‐seeking behaviour.
Psychosocial experiences of cardiac patients in early recovery: a community‐based study
Authors: Dixon Tracy , Lim Lynette L.‐Y. , Powell Heather , Fisher Janet D. 
Published: March 2003

Psychosocial experiences of cardiac patients in early recovery: a community‐based study Objective To report on the nature, incidence and severity of problems commonly experienced by cardiac patients in the early months of recovery, and to test the hypotheses that there exist differences in the incidences of these problems depending on age and sex. Methods 1124 emergency cardiac patients discharged from hospital with acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stable angina pectoris, chronic ischaemic heart disease or heart failure were surveyed 4 months after discharge. They were asked to indicate how often during the previous 2 weeks they had experienced each of a range of feelings and problems common to cardiac patients. Results A large proportion of patients reported experiencing problems in the areas of emotional reactions (70%), physical condition (79%), convalescence (67%) and relating to family and friends (63%). Severe problems were experienced especially in the physical and convalescence areas (43% and 44%, respectively). A greater proportion of patients diagnosed with heart failure experienced problems than those with other diagnoses, and these problems were more severe. Amongst myocardial infarction patients, a greater proportion of females than males reported severe problems in the emotional and physical areas, and patients 65 years and over were more likely than younger patients to report experiencing severe problems with physical condition. Conclusions Many cardiac patients are experiencing psychosocial problems 4 months after hospital discharge, especially with physical activities and convalescence. A knowledge of the incidence and nature of these problems may help nurses to assist patients to validate their experiences.
Respondent‐generated quality of life measures: useful tools for nursing or more fool’s gold?
Authors: Macduff Colin 
Published: March 2003

Respondent‐generated quality of life measures: useful tools for nursing or more fool’s gold? Within health services research the quest for better ways of measuring quality of life as an outcome variable continues apace. Recent developments in this area have seen increasing attempts to incorporate individually generated content and values into quality of life measures while retaining valid psychometric measurement properties. Following a brief overview of current conceptual approaches to quality of life measurement, this paper reviews the development of two leading Respondent‐generated instruments: the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life (SEIQoL) and the Patient Generated Index (PGI). The relative strengths and weaknesses of these tools and their potential applications for nursing and nursing research are appraised. These measures both address and manifest a number of fundamental conceptual and methodological problems, and represent an innovative attempt to square the quantitative–qualitative circle. As such they offer challenging opportunities for nursing at a number of levels. Their elicitation and quantification of individual components of quality of life offer opportunities for nurses to plan care and goal set with patients. As yet, however, the validity, reliability, responsiveness and practicality of these instruments as outcome measures are debatable and require further testing. Nurse researchers could contribute to this process by using Respondent‐generated measures as an adjunct to existing, established tools in outcome studies. Moreover, nursing is well placed to investigate and debate the validity of the conceptual assumptions underpinning these new instruments.
Training programme in techniques of self‐control and communication skills to improve nurses’ relationships with relatives of seriously ill patients: a randomized controlled study
Authors: De Lucio Luisa García , López Fernando J. García , López María Teresa Marín , Hesse Blanca Mas , Vaz María Dolores Caamaño 
Published: March 2003

Training programme in techniques of self‐control and communication skills to improve nurses’ relationships with relatives of seriously ill patients: a randomized controlled study The interpersonal relationships with relatives of seriously ill patients may cause anxiety on the part of nurses and the need for adequate communication and self‐control skills. To assess the efficacy of training nurses in self‐control techniques and communication skills when they interact with relatives of seriously ill patients we planned a randomized, controlled trial in two parallel groups: an experimental group, with immediate training, and a control group, with training delayed for 6 months. We recruited 61 nurses from the nursing staff of a university hospital of 500 beds. The intervention consisted of training in relaxation, cognitive restructuring and some communication skills. The outcome variables were communication skills measured under simulated conditions using an observation instrument of our own, administered by observers masked with respect to the study groups, and the levels of state‐anxiety measured with the self‐assessment questionnaire the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, under imaginary conditions. The two groups initially had similar scores in the scales of communication skills, and state and trait‐anxiety. After intervention, compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in the skills of listening, emphasizing, interrupting and coping with emotions (P < 0·05). State‐anxiety levels did not show any changes. In conclusion, the joint training in self‐control and communication improves some communication skills in nurses when they interact with relatives of seriously ill patients under simulated conditions.
Coronary artery disease patients’ perception of their health and expectations of benefit following coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Lindsay Grace M. , Smith Lorraine N. , Hanlon Philip , Wheatley D.J. 
Published: March 2003

Coronary artery disease patients’ perception of their health and expectations of benefit following coronary artery bypass grafting This prospective descriptive study has analysed 214 patient interviews before and 1 year after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The preoperative interview explored issues related to the impact of coronary artery disease upon health and expectations of benefit from the patients’ perspective. The postoperative interview examined patients’ accounts of the experience of operation and its impact on their health. A thematic analysis of the interview data was undertaken. The main factors relating to health status preoperatively were described in terms of ‘dependency’ on others and medication, and ‘impending doom’ of some major life threatening event. Benefits to health postoperatively were viewed in terms of ‘removal of a death sentence’ and ‘freedom of choice’. Expectations of benefit from operation were varied and included ‘freedom and independence’, ‘hope, chance and uncertainty’ and ‘addition of years to life and life to years’. Undergoing the operation was described by themes of the ‘enormity of the experience’ and ‘the importance of lay support’. These findings provide a greater understanding of the ‘lived experience’ of both coronary artery disease and undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Unrealistic expectations of the benefits of CABG highlights the need for improvement in the way patients are informed about risks and benefits of interventions. In addition, the views and insights suggest that CABG operation is regarded as a significant major life event; thus more information, advice and counselling might help support patients before, during and after surgery.
The paediatric diabetes specialist nurse and diabetes education in childhood
Authors: Llahana Sofia V. , Poulton Brenda C. , Coates Vivien E. 
Published: March 2003

The paediatric diabetes specialist nurse and diabetes education in childhood Aims of the study.  The aim of this study was to identify the job title, work setting, qualifications and training of the paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN) as well as to examine the composition of the multidisciplinary diabetes team. It also aimed to determine who is involved in diabetes education and to explore the teaching methods, approaches, tools and materials that the PDSN uses in the educational process. Design and methods.  A survey design was used. Questionnaires, which combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, were sent to 80 participants from eight opportunistically selected regions of the United Kingdom (UK). Access to names and addresses was gained through the directory of diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs). The selection criteria were nurses working full‐time with children with diabetes or having children with diabetes on their caseloads. The overall response rate was 66 (82·5%). Findings.  The study findings showed that the majority of the respondents were based in both hospital and community, held paediatric qualifications and had undertaken further training to prepare as diabetes specialists. Respondents used a wide range of teaching methods and materials in the educational process. A substantial number of individuals and voluntary organizations were also involved in diabetes education. Conclusions.  The findings of this study support the belief that the PDSN, as a member of the multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes team, has a key role in the education of children with diabetes and their parents/carers. However, the importance of the team approach as a whole should not be underestimated.
Nursing in the public sphere: health policy research in a changing world
Authors: Scott Cherill , West Elizabeth 
Published: March 2003

Nursing in the public sphere: health policy research in a changing world Aims of the paper.  To identify recent trends in the academic field of health policy, setting them in the context of wider changes in the socio‐political and research environments and considering their implications for nursing research. Background.  Health policy is a well‐established field of academic study and research in the United Kingdom (UK). The 1990s have seen some important intellectual developments in this field, as well as some major changes in the context of health‐related research. Design.  A selective review of the relevant literature. Conclusions.  The Department of Health’s new Research & Development strategy can be understood as part of a wider trend, moving away from the traditional, university‐based model of knowledge production towards a new one which involves other groups, such as employers, practitioners and patients. This may increase the opportunities for health care professionals in general – and nurses in particular – to influence the research agenda and to participate as researchers in the critical evaluation of health policy.
The nurse’s workload in care situations
Authors: Nuikka Marja‐Liisa , Paunonen Marita , Hänninen Osmo , Länsimies Esko 
Published: March 2003

The nurse’s workload in care situations Aim.  The aim of this study was to describe the nurse’s workload in care situations and on different work shifts on surgical and medical wards. Changes in heart rate, shoulder–neck muscle tension and perceived exertion were measured in these care situations. Design.  Nurses’ physical fitness was tested using a clinical exercise test. Results.  Transportation of a patient to the operating theatre was the most strenuous care situation on morning and evening shifts. Primary care, and situations related to practical nursing procedures were the second most strenuous situations regardless of the shift. Workload in primary care situations and in transporting the patient can be classified as medium heavy based on heart rate and relative workload, whereas in other situations it can be classified on average as moderate or light. The nurse’s good physical fitness was reflected in relative workload in care situations so that in primary care and practical nursing procedures there was a statistically significant difference between those who scored high on a fitness test and those who scored low. Transferring tasks and practical nursing procedures involved more shoulder–neck muscle tension than other care situations.
Occupational stressors and coping as determinants of burnout in female hospice nurses
Authors: Payne Nicola 
Published: March 2003

Occupational stressors and coping as determinants of burnout in female hospice nurses Aims.  Stressors, coping and demographic variables were examined as predictors of burnout in a sample of hospice nurses. The study aimed to investigate the level of burnout among hospice nurses; to ascertain which aspects of nursing work were positively or negatively related to burnout; to examine the relative contributions made by these different variables and to suggest individual and organizational interventions to reduce levels of burnout. Methods.  Eighty‐nine female nurses from nine hospices completed a battery of questionnaires comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Nursing Stress Scale, Ways of Coping Scale and a demographic information form. Results.  In general, the level of burnout (characterized by high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization of patients and low personal accomplishment) was found to be low. In multiple regression analyses, ‘death and dying’, “conflict with staff’, ‘accepting responsibility’ and higher nursing grade contributed to emotional exhaustion. ‘Conflict with staff’, ‘inadequate preparation’, ‘escape’ and reduced ‘planful problem‐solving’ contributed to depersonalization. ‘Inadequate preparation’, ‘escape’, reduced ‘positive reappraisal’ and fewer professional qualifications contributed to lower levels of personal accomplishment. Overall, stressors made the greatest contribution to burnout and demographic factors contributed the least. Conclusions.  The importance of not labelling individuals as good and bad ‘copers’ was discussed, as the effectiveness of a strategy may depend on the situation. It was concluded that the investigation of problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping in relation to burnout, was oversimplifying the coping‐burnout relationship. Suggestions for stress management included staff training in counselling skills, monitoring staff conflict, implementing stress inoculation training to teach appropriate use of coping skills and finally, monitoring particularly vulnerable groups of hospice staff such as unqualified nursing assistants and qualified nurses in management positions. It was concluded that despite the difficult nature of hospice work, the hospice is a positive environment in which to work.
Bridging theory and practice in the supervisory relationship: a sociocultural perspective
Authors: Spouse Jenny 
Published: March 2003

Bridging theory and practice in the supervisory relationship: a sociocultural perspective Aim of the paper. This paper proposes alternative theoretical frameworks for conceptualizing supervisory relationships in clinical settings where professional development is the key activity. In discussing findings from the research, paradigm examples of students’ mentor experiences will be used to illustrate socio‐cultural theories of learning and their relevance to professional education in clinical settings. Background rationale. The concept of a theory‐practice gap dominates approaches to preparing professionals for their future role. With increasing emphasis on work‐based learning one of the many strategies designed to support students and professionals is supervision. This strategy has had mixed success. In many instances this is because of insufficient numbers of suitably experienced and prepared staff. Another factor is how supervision has been conceptualized. In professional education the term mentorship is often used synonymously with preceptorship and supervision. These terms are all concerned with activities intended to foster professional and educational development, and in many instances the learner is a novice working in an unfamiliar setting over a predefined period of time. Research aims and design. This longitudinal study using a Constructivist/Naturalistic paradigm was designed to investigate factors influencing the professional development eight preregistration nursing students’ during their practice experiences. A multimethod approach to data collection was used. An extensive literature review of nurse education texts was conducted. Research findings. The most significant influence was found to be effective mentorship. Characteristics of successful mentorship are best explained using frameworks derived from socio‐cultural theories. Concepts of sponsorship, legitimate peripheral participation, scaffolding and zone of proximal development (ZPD) offer a more effective means to understand and implement an educational partnership for work‐place learning.