bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caring and curing revisited: student nurses' perceptions of nurses' and physicians' ethical stances
Authors: Joudrey Ron , Gough Jim 
Published: March 2003

Caring and curing revisited: student nurses' perceptions of nurses' and physicians' ethical stances As a result of a research study involving nursing students, we have discovered some interesting patterns in the way that nursing students perceive physicians' ethical stances in comparison to their perceptions of their own profession's ethical stances. Some of the findings of this study confirm what writers in the literature have pointed out regarding how the nursing profession defines and perceives itself with reference to the medical profession. As a result of our findings, it may be useful for nursing programmes to revise and re‐think the ethics of their profession vis‐à‐vis that of doctors.
Transition in care: family carers′ experience of nursing home placement
Authors: Kellett Ursula M. 
Published: March 2003

Transition in care: family carers’ experience of nursing home placement This paper explores families’ experience of nursing home placement, which emerged as a significant aspect of a larger hermeneutic phenomenological study of family caring in nursing homes. Hermeneutic analysis of 14 family carers’ stories of nursing home placement uncovered five shared meanings: experiencing a loss of control; being disempowered; feeling guilt, sadness and relief simultaneously; possessing a sense of failure; and having to make a forced and negative choice. Discussion of the findings focuses upon the importance of family carer support during the transition period from home care to nursing home care and the subsequent benefits realized as a result of having received such support. Particular emphasis is placed upon how such support assists family carers to begin the process of reconstructing a valued and positive identity through which new possibilities for meaningful caring within a nursing home context can be realized.
The management of embarrassment and sexuality in health care
Authors: Meerabeau Liz 
Published: March 2003

The management of embarrassment and sexuality in health care In this paper, the literature on embarrassment, the related topics of delicacy and privacy, and the implications for nursing and medical practice are discussed, drawing on empirical data from an observational study of fertility clinics, plus other studies involving consultation and/or examination relating to sexual issues. It will be argued that current data are too patchy to give clear guidelines for professional practice, but that the issues should be explored in a more systematic way in (inter)professional education.
Observations on positivism and pseudoscience in qualitative nursing research
Authors: Johnson Martin 
Published: March 2003

Observations on positivism and pseudoscience in qualitative nursing research In this paper I will examine the boundaries between positivism, interpretivism and pseudoscience, arguing that some qualitative researchers may risk the credibility of nursing research by utilizing concepts from the margins of science. There are two major threats to the perceived rigour and credibility of qualitative research in its many forms. First is a trend in some work towards a mystical view of both the methods and the content of the qualitative enterprise. This can be detected, I will argue, in the work of Rosemary Parse in particular. The second potentially damaging trend is almost its epistemological opposite, towards excessive reliance on precise procedures, strict definitions and verification exemplified by Juliet Corbin and others. I will suggest that this is nothing to fear, but something to be clear about. This is not social constructionism or interpretivism but a ‘qualitative’ version of positivism. The paper concludes that students and researchers should be cautious in the uncritical acceptance of theories and ‘research’ which approach the boundaries of pseudoscience on the one hand, and ‘hard’ science on the other.
Determinants of parental decisions on ‘drop out’ from cancer treatment for childhood cancer patients
Authors: Yeh Chao‐Hsing , Lin Chiou‐Fen , Tsai Jia‐Ling , Lai Yu‐Mei , Ku Hsueh‐Chen 
Published: March 2003

Determinants of parental decisions on ‘drop out’ from cancer treatment for childhood cancer patients Little is known about the psychosocial process of parental decisions on ‘drop out’ from cancer treatment for paediatric patients in Taiwan. This study, based on structured in‐depth interviews, attempted to document the determinants of parental decisions on drop out. A total of 19 parents of paediatric cancer patients who dropped out from a cancer treatment for at least a month within 3 years since first treatment were interviewed. Content analysis of qualitative data revealed six categories of determinants associated with parental decisions: suffering severe pain from medical treatments and adverse side‐effects; desire for better and less painful treatments; adverse effect of other patients’ experiences; searching for possible explanations for disease after prolonged denial of diagnosis; lack of empathy from health care professionals; and misinterpretation of improved prognostics. These findings reflected the deficiency of psychological and emotional support for parents from health care professionals prior to and during cancer treatment.
Practice innovation: a methodological maze
Authors: Tolson Debbie 
Published: March 2003

Practice innovation: a methodological maze Practice innovation is an inevitable feature of a health culture preoccupied with evidence‐based practice. The cyclical process of defining best practice, implementing and evaluating change represents an unparalleled opportunity for nurse researchers to engage in, and develop, practice through ‘realistic evaluation’. However, the methodological dilemmas and challenges inherent in evaluation research which informs policy should not be under‐estimated. This paper seeks to introduce and wrestle with some of the political tensions and methodological issues surrounding practice innovation when it is undertaken within an evaluative research framework. A critical pathway is presented to stimulate discussion and guide novice evaluators through this often perplexing methodological maze. A case study in audiological rehabilitation in elder care is used to illustrate the issues raised.
The critique of Heideggerian hermeneutical nursing research
Authors: Draucker Claire Burke 
Published: March 2003

The critique of Heideggerian hermeneutical nursing research Within the past decade, over 25 research reports claiming to be based on Heideggerian interpretive phenomenology have been published in the nursing literature. This article reviews this research focusing on two critical issues. First, do the reports reflect a convergence of researcher understanding and participant narratives as called for by the Heideggerian tradition? Second, do Heideggerian ideas inform and enrich the studies’ findings? The review reveals wide variations with regard to how these two issues are reflected in published reports. The author recommends that Heideggerian nurse researchers (a) seek to create a new narrative literature that allows for flexible and creative presentation of interpretive findings, while demanding adherence to sound interpretive scholarship, and (b) strengthen their partnerships with philosophers and other scholars so that ideas from Heideggerian interpretive phenomenology and other sources can not only guide their methods, but enrich their findings.
A cross‐cultural analysis of the use of the Edinburgh Post‐Natal Depression Scale (EPDS) in health visiting practice
Authors: Clifford Collette , Day Asha , Cox John , Werrett Julie 
Published: March 2003

A cross‐cultural analysis of the use of the Edinburgh Post‐Natal Depression Scale (EPDS) in health visiting practiceThis report describes a project that developed and undertook initial validation of a Punjabi version of the Edinburgh Post‐Natal Depression Scale (EPDS). A multi‐disciplinary and multi‐ethnic project team translated the EPDS from English to Punjabi. A pilot study indicated a high level of correlation between the two scales opening the way for a larger study in which a total of 98 bi‐lingual women completed both the English and Punjabi version of the scale 6–8 weeks after delivery of their child. Of these a further 52 completed the scales on a second occasion, 16–18 weeks post‐partum. A small sub‐group (n=15) was subject to independent clinical assessment by a community psychiatric nurse (CPN) to determine their mental state, enabling the outcome of the assessment to be compared with the EPDS score. The scores of the English and Punjabi versions of the scale were analysed using Spearman correlation coefficient and the Bland Altman test. A high correlation was found between overall scores and most individual items on the scale. Furthermore, the independent assessment of mental health state indicated that a number of those women who scored 12 or above on the EPDS scale (the cut‐off point for determining risk of post‐natal depression (PND)) were diagnosed as having a post‐natal depressive disorder by the CPN assessing them independently. Whilst the results to date are promising there is a need for further work to determine the validity, sensitivity and specificity of the Punjabi EPDS tool against international classification of depressive disorders and to establish optimal cut‐off scores when using the Punjabi version of the EPDS.
Can the needs of the critically ill child be identified using scenarios? Experiences of a modified Delphi study
Authors: Endacott Ruth , Clifford Collette M. , Tripp John H. 
Published: March 2003

Can the needs of the critically ill child be identified using scenarios? Experiences of a modified Delphi studyThe Delphi technique enables the structuring of group opinion and discussion using a survey approach, maintaining the anonymity of panel members and preventing contamination of individual responses through peer pressure. The Delphi technique was used by the authors to form an expert opinion regarding the needs of a critically ill child. The abstract and evaluative nature of need was a key issue to arise during early pilot work and stimulated the first author to undertake a concept analysis of the term ‘need’. The defining attributes arising from the concept analysis were used to construct two hypothetical case studies for the modified Delphi; these were used as part of the questionnaire for all three rounds. In the first round, the panel was asked to identify the needs of the child in the two case studies; in subsequent rounds the panel activity involved modifying these need statements and indicating the importance, frequency and maximum acceptable delay in meeting each need. Extensive pilot work was required for each round of the modified Delphi. This article evaluates the use of this technique to identify needs, discusses key features arising from the results and examines the difficulties experienced by the respondents in completing the time scales.
Health visitors’ perceptions of domestic violence: the private nature of the problem
Authors: Frost Marion 
Published: March 2003

Health visitors’ perceptions of domestic violence: the private nature of the problemThis study investigates health visitors’ perceptions of domestic violence with a focus on the abuse of women by their male partners. Criticism has been levied at health visitors for responding inappropriately to women who seek help. There has been limited research into the process of health visiting practice in dealing with this emotive health need. The extent of the problem is difficult to ascertain, but estimates would suggest that it is a major public health issue. The abuse frequently commences or intensifies during pregnancy, and many of the women who experience domestic violence have children of pre‐school age. It is during this time that they are most likely to come into contact with the health visiting service. The research was carried out in two National Health Service (NHS) trusts, one in the London region and the other in the south‐east of England. A brief questionnaire was sent to all health visitors within the NHS trusts to ascertain the numbers of abused women known to the health visiting service. The findings suggest that the majority of health visitors in both NHS trusts were involved with families where domestic violence occurs. One of the key themes which emerged from interviews with 12 health visitors from each NHS trust (n= 24) was the very private nature of domestic violence in terms of identifying the issue. Implications for practice are that health visitors need to be more pro‐active in their questioning techniques and in influencing public policy, but they also require support through the provision of appropriate training.
Trends in ophthalmology services, nursing skill‐mix and education: 2nd national survey
Authors: Waterman Heather , Waterman Christine 
Published: March 2003

Trends in ophthalmology services, nursing skill‐mix and education: 2nd national survey This paper reports on a replication study of the first national survey commissioned by the RCN Ophthalmic Nursing Forum to assess the changing skill‐mix of staff caring for ophthalmic patients and the nature of ophthalmic services. After minor modifications to the original questionnaire, it was circulated to the total population of ophthalmic units and hospitals in the United Kingdom (n=181). Following quantitative data analysis, it was found that the numbers of nurses holding ophthalmic nursing qualifications has risen to almost 50%, although this did not reach statistical significance. This increase has occurred alongside a significant rise in numbers of institutions offering ophthalmic nurse education and the expansion of day case surgery. Regional variations exist, however, to the extent that the increase in ophthalmic nurses and provision of ophthalmic nurse education has not been reflected nearly as much in Scotland as the rest of the UK. Overall, it was also found that the proportion of C, G and I grade nurses has fallen significantly, whilst the numbers of nurses graded D and F has risen. The implications of the results are discussed and recommendations for future research made.
An evaluative study of clinical supervision based on Proctor’s three function interactive model
Authors: Bowles Nick , Young Christine 
Published: March 2003

An evaluative study of clinical supervision based on Proctor’s three function interactive model This paper reports on a study of the benefits reported from participation in clinical supervision by registered nurses (n=201) working in a large English community and mental health NHS Trust. It summarizes the emergent practical and theoretical ‘key ingredients’ of clinical supervision in the United Kingdom and argues that these provide a basis for generalizable research practice. The study is based on Proctor’s three function interactive model previously commended as a guide for supervisory practice and evaluation. Within this study, the three functions underpin instrument design but are also a primary focus of evaluation. The development of this instrument through semi‐ structured interviews with supervisors and supervisees is described. The study aims to assess and compare reported benefits in each of the three functions of accountability, skill development and support in order to examine the effects of contract use, length of experience of clinical supervision and length of service as a registered nurse on reported benefits by using non‐parametric statistical analysis. The results indicate that reported benefits are experienced in almost equal proportion across each of these three functions. Statistical analysis indicates a significant positive correlation between experience of clinical supervision and its reported benefits. An inverse correlation is reported between length of service and overall benefits; however, no similar reduction over time against normative benefits was found. There was no relationship between contract use and reported benefits. Limitations of the study are discussed with reference to bias, interview transcription and overlap between the three functions. The paper concludes that nurses report clear benefits from clinical supervision in each of the three functions. This validates the three function interactive model and demonstrates that clinical supervision is used to critically examine and change nursing practice. The content and usage of contracts is identified as an aspect that merits further study.
Transition to residential care: experiences of elderly Chinese people in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Diana T.F. 
Published: March 2003

Transition to residential care: experiences of elderly Chinese people in Hong Kong A qualitative study was designed to explore the experiences of transition into residential care among elderly Chinese people in Hong Kong. With the elderly people’s consent, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 10 residents 1 week after their admission into a residential care home. The purpose of the interviews was to explore what the transition experience was like for the Chinese elders and how they settled into residential life. Content analysis of the interview data revealed the significance of cultural influences in the transition experiences. A number of issues suggested in the literature as barriers to adjustment to residential care, such as living with rules and regulations, lack of privacy and autonomy were not regarded as important by the Chinese elders. The Chinese values of balance, harmony and collectivism have made it easier for them to remain open and accept the communal way of living. Yet, these same values have restricted the elders in developing new relationships with staff and other residents. This appears to be the particular challenge facing Chinese elderly residents. Implications for professionals working with elderly residents are discussed in the light of these findings.
Caring: theoretical perspectives of relevance to nursing
Authors: McCance Tanya V. , McKenna Hugh P. , Boore Jennifer R.P. 
Published: March 2003

Caring: theoretical perspectives of relevance to nursing Caring as a central concept within nursing has led to the development of several caring theories, the most well known being Madeleine Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care and Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, both of which were formulated in the 1970s. This paper explores a total of four caring theories: the two established theories presented by Leininger and Watson, Simone Roach’s theory developed in the 1980s, and a recent caring theory developed by Boykin & Schoenhofer. A comparison of these theories is presented drawing on a number of criteria, namely: origin of theory, scope of theory, definition of caring, description of nursing, key concepts of the theory, and goal/outcome. Additionally, simplicity as a central component of internal structure is examined in relation to each. Based on this analysis, similarities and differences are highlighted, concluding with a discussion of the utility of the caring theories within nursing practice.
Students’ perceptions of their psychiatric mental health clinical nursing experience: a personal construct theory exploration
Authors: Melrose Sherri , Shapiro Bonnie 
Published: March 2003

Students’ perceptions of their psychiatric mental health clinical nursing experience: a personal construct theory exploration Personal construct theory and repertory grid technique provides a suitable framework for exploring Registered Nursing students’ perceptions of their psychiatric practicum. This descriptive research was designed to understand students’ own ways of constructing knowledge during their mental health clinical experience. A constructivist conceptual perspective and George Kelly’s personal construct psychology were the theoretical bases of the research. A qualitative case study methodology allowed creation of and reflection on personal construct changes as provided in participants’ review of repertory grid ideas about psychiatric nursing. The participants were six Canadian second‐year nursing students in a Baccalaureate programme that integrated psychiatric and medical surgical nursing curricula. The following three overarching themes were identified and are used to explain and describe significant features of the psychiatric clinical experience: 1) students’ anxiety related more to feeling unable to help than to interactions with mentally ill patients; 2) students’ feelings of a lack of inclusion in staff nurse groups; 3) student emphasis on the importance of nonevaluated student‐instructor discussion time.
First‐time mothers and child care when the child is 8 months old
Authors: Tarkka Marja‐Terttu , Paunonen Marita , Laippala Pekka 
Published: March 2003

First‐time mothers and child care when the child is 8 months old The aim of the present study was to examine those resources and strengths that mothers find helpful for coping with child care when the child was 8 months old. This study is part of a more extensive longitudinal study project in which the growth into motherhood of first‐time mothers was followed for 8 months postpartum. Data were collected by using structured questionnaires between August 1995 and March 1996. The sample comprised 254 first‐time mothers and 248 mothers returned the questionnaires by mail. The multivariate method used was a stepwise regression analysis. Predictors included in the multivariate method to explain coping with child care were as follows: the mother’s competence, mother’s attachment to the child, mother’s self‐concept, relation to the spouse, breastfeeding, decision‐making support from the public health nurse and activity of the child. The strongest predictor was competence as a mother. The more competent the mother felt and the more attached the mother was to her child, the better her coping. The better the mother’s self‐concept and relationship with the spouse were, the better she succeeded in taking care of the child. If the mother still breastfed her child and received decision‐making support from public health nurses, she coped better in child care. Finally the more active the child was, the more the risk for unsuccessful child care increased. The results indicate that the first‐time mother’s successful coping with child care when the child is 8 months old is associated with her own resources and attachment to the child as well as activity of the child and breastfeeding. A good relationship between the spouses and support for decision making from the public health nurse also contribute to coping with child care.