bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mothers’ grief following the death of a child
Authors: Laakso Hilkka , Paunonen‐Ilmonen Marita 
Published: March 2003

Mothers’ grief following the death of a child Aim of the study. Research has shown that caring for a dying child is among the hardest and more demanding tasks in nursing, because the staff are forced to manage their heavy work with inadequate skills and experience. This article deals with the findings of a recent study, the purpose of which was to analyse the mother’s grief and coping with grief following the death of a child under the age of 7 years. Design. Data were collected from mothers using a survey (n=91) and an interview (n=50). As the topic was very sensitive ethically and emotionally, survey data were collected first and the mothers were asked to give their consent to taking part in an interview. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. The data were analysed using statistical methods and content analysis. However, only the qualitative part of the study is presented in this article. Findings. The findings show that nursing staff had skills to support grieving mothers, but that there were many feelings and experiences of grief that remained unidentified by staff. The staff’s ability to meet the mothers’ individual needs while the child was in hospital and after the child’s death was inadequate. The information received from staff was perceived to be insufficient or offensive to mothers. Conclusions. The development of basic and further education and of various support measures would enable the staff to better cope with their work. Focusing on interactive skills and meeting the patient’s individual needs using reflective practice would improve the quality of care. Communication and collaboration between different occupational groups should be promoted, because mothers were dissatisfied with dissemination of information, and ambiguous responsibilities between different occupational groups hampered the acquisition of information.
Reflective practice and clinical supervision: meticulous rituals of the confessional
Authors: Gilbert Tony 
Published: March 2003

Reflective practice and clinical supervision: meticulous rituals of the confessional Background. Reflective practice and clinical supervision are progressively asserting hegemony upon nursing practice with claims of emancipation and empowerment. However, this is being achieved in an environment where there is little critical debate about the assumptions on which these practices are based. Aim. This paper sets out to challenge the basis upon which reflective practice and clinical supervision are promoted within nursing discourse by employing Michel Foucault’s (1982) concept of governmentality. Theme. A broad Foucauldian perspective is used to demonstrate how the technologies of reflective practice and clinical supervision have been accommodated within modern forms of government. These technologies are consistent with the flattened hierarchies and increasing dispersal of practitioners in contemporary health care. In this context reflective practice and clinical supervision can be shown to function in two independent but interrelated ways. First as modes of surveillance disciplining the activity of professionals. Second, as ‘confessional’ practices that work to produce particular identities – autonomous and self‐regulating.
Private thoughts in public spheres: issues in reflection and reflective practices in nursing
Authors: Cotton Antoinette H. 
Published: March 2003

Private thoughts in public spheres: issues in reflection and reflective practices in nursing Aim. This paper aims to problematize the notions of reflection and reflective practice, particularly as they relate to private thoughts in public spheres and the constitution of personal and professional subjectivities. Background/rationale. Reflection and reflective practice, through the technologies of power and technologies of the self, permit the previously private thoughts of nurses to enter the public sphere where they are subject to surveillance, assessment, classification and control. Instead of raising serious concerns and debate about such practices, the plethora of literature, whilst using a bewildering array of ambiguous, diverse interpretations of reflection and reflective practice, has been united in claiming them as good for nurses and nursing. Approach. The paper draws on Foucauldian concepts of power‐knowledge and discourse to interrogate radically the conceptualizations of reflection and reflective practice in contemporary nursing literature. Conclusions. The paper challenges the hegemonic discourse of reflection in nursing. It argues that new conceptualizations of reflection that acknowledge and value a diversity of perspectives, contexts and dimensions are needed.
Mental health nurses’ perceptions of nurse prescribing
Authors: Nolan Peter , Haque M. Sayeed , Badger Frances , Dyke Robert , Khan Imran 
Published: March 2003

Mental health nurses’ perceptions of nurse prescribing Aims. This study aimed to ascertain mental health nurses’ perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of nurse prescribing and to identify the educational needs of mental health nurse prescribers. Design. A questionnaire was designed and administered to a convenience sample in the UK of 73 mental health nurses in clinical practice, 14 working in in‐patient settings and 59 in the community. Questions included both closed and open‐ended items. Descriptive statistics were used for numerical data, and category analysis of the open‐ended questions was undertaken by two of the researchers independently and then conjointly. Findings. The majority of respondents felt that mental health nurse prescribing would significantly improve clients’ access to medication, improve compliance, prevent relapse and prove cost effective. However, many were anxious that they did not have sufficient knowledge and skills to assume responsibility for prescribing. Conclusions. Although there would be benefits to clients and patients, further training, rigorous supervision and the co‐operation of doctors will be required if mental health nurse prescribing is to yield the anticipated benefits.
A relational approach to providing care for a person suffering from dementia
Authors: Greenwood Dennis , Loewenthal Del , Rose Theresa 
Published: March 2003

A relational approach to providing care for a person suffering from dementia Aims of the paper. This paper examines the care provision for people suffering from dementia and explores the potential benefits associated with an approach to care that emphasizes the importance of relationships. Background. Recent research findings have provided an incentive to re‐evaluate the established approaches to care for this client group. Two separate studies identified education and intellectual stimulation as important determinants of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (Ott et al. 1995, Snowdon et al. 1996). These findings have encouraged the hypothesis that potential symptomatic benefits may be achieved by providing a more stimulating environment for people with dementia. Methods. A case study is outlined which illustrates an approach to caring influenced by the Continental philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas. Primacy is given to the relationships that make up caring, and not to a method that sets out to achieve an identified objective. The issue of mutual responsibility within the provision of care is highlighted in the case study. Findings. The hypothesis presented in this paper is that a person has more of an opportunity to develop to the limits of their potential by establishing the importance of relationships in providing care by means of education and training of the people involved. The beneficiaries might be the caregiver or the person in receipt of care. Conclusions. An environment that attempts to educate people to recognize the importance of relationships will be more effective in achieving the potential benefits of symptom alleviation identified by the research into Alzheimer’s disease outlined in this paper.
The meaning of suicidal psychiatric inpatients’ experiences of being treated by physicians
Authors: Talseth Anne‐Greth , Jacobsson  , Norberg  
Published: March 2003

The meaning of suicidal psychiatric inpatients’ experiences of being treated by physicians Twenty‐one psychiatric inpatients who had thought about, expressed a wish to, or even attempted to commit suicide narrated their experiences of receiving treatment from physicians. The interview texts were transcribed and interpreted using a phenomenological‐hermeneutic method inspired by the philosophy of Ricoeur. Two main themes and eight themes were found. Participating Approach: being with the patients, listening to patients without prejudice, trusting each other, respecting patients’ integrity; and Observing Approach: leaving patients to themselves, listening to patients with prejudice, mistrusting each other, not respecting patients’ integrity. These findings were interpreted in the light of the writings of Hegel, Buber and Cissna and Sieburg. The suicidal patients expressed their need for confirmation in their interaction with physicians, that is they needed to meet with respect and interest when staying in the hospital with suicidal thoughts or after suicidal attempts.
Behaviour modification and gentle teaching workshops: management of children with learning disabilities* exhibiting challenging behaviour and implications for learning disability nursing
Authors: Gates Bob , Newell Robert , Wray Jane 
Published: March 2003

Behaviour modification and gentle teaching workshops: management of children with learning disabilities exhibiting challenging behaviour and implications for learning disability nursing Background. Challenging behaviours (behaviour difficulties) represent a problem of considerable clinical significance for learning disability nurses, and a source of much human distress. Gentle teaching is a relatively new approach to dealing with behavioural difficulties, and has been received with enthusiasm by clinicians, but has so far received little empirical support. The current study attempted to compare gentle teaching with a well‐established alternative (behaviour modification) and a control group. Objectives. To examine the comparative effectiveness of gentle teaching, behaviour modification and control interventions for challenging behaviour amongst children with learning disabilities. Design. Nonrandomized controlled trial. Setting. Service users’ homes in East Yorkshire. Participants. Seventy‐seven children who presented with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour (behaviour difficulties) and their parents. Procedure. One‐day workshops in were offered by recognized authorities in either behaviour modification or gentle teaching that were not otherwise involved with the research project. Forty‐one participants were recruited to the gentle teaching condition; 36 to behaviour modification; 26 to the control group. Random allocation was not possible, because of the slow uptake by interested parents. Measures was preintervention, and at assessment points up until 12 months following intervention. Analysis. Quantitative analysis of pre–post differences between the groups, using t‐test. Results. In general, no significant differences were found between the treatment groups and controls. Significant improvements were found for both gentle teaching and behaviour modification children over controls on the AAMR ABS XVII (social engagement) subscale. Controls had more contact with medical practitioner (GP) services than behaviour modification children and less than gentle teaching children. Conclusion. Although very few differences were found between the three groups, those that did exist generally favoured behaviour modification. Implications for service provision and learning disability nursing practice are described.
Achieving consensus about pain content for child branch curricula
Authors: Twycross Alison 
Published: March 2003

Achieving consensus about pain content for child branch curricula Aim. The aim of the study was to identify nurse educators’ and nurse managers’ perceptions of the educational needs of children’s nurses in relation to pain management. Rationale. Children continue to suffer unnecessary pain during hospitalization. This has been attributed, in part, to inadequate education among paediatric nurses with a number of studies demonstrating that nursing curricula need re‐evaluating with respect to the content relating to pain management. In order to equip nurses to manage pain within clinical practice nurse education needs to provide them with the knowledge and skills required. It is apparent that nurse education is currently failing students in this regard. In order to evaluate nursing curricula with respect to pain management it is necessary for there to be a degree of consensus, among paediatric nurses, regarding appropriate content. Methodology. A two‐round Delphi study was used to ascertain the appropriate pain content for pre‐registration child branch courses. When undertaking a Delphi study a number of ‘experts’ in the field are identified, who complete a series of questionnaires. The first round is used to generate ideas, which are reconsidered in subsequent rounds (Hicks 1999, Reid 1988). Following analysis of the responses to each questionnaire anonymous feedback is sent to the respondents together with the next questionnaire (Walker 1994). Participants were either senior nurse educators or senior nurse managers. Results. Positive correlations were found within the two groups as well as between the educators’ and managers’ rankings for the 14 categories identified. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that nurse educators and nurse managers have similar views about the pain management knowledge they would expect a newly qualified child branch nurse to have. The list of appropriate pain content derived from the results of this study provides a useful tool with which to evaluate the content of child branch curricula.
A review of older people’s experiences with residential care placement
Authors: Lee Diana T.F. , Woo Jean , Mackenzie Ann E. 
Published: March 2003

A review of older people’s experiences with residential care placement Background. Transition to the care and environment of a residential home has been identified in the literature as the most significant relocation affecting older people. However, little effort has been made systematically to review and synthesize the body of knowledge relating to older people’s experiences with such placement. This has led to lack of concerted effort in the development of strategies to help elders adjust to such placement with dignity and success. Aim. This paper presents a critical review of the literature related to older people’s experiences with residential care placement, with an attempt to identify how knowledge in this area could be moved forward. Conclusions. It is concluded that, while understanding of older people’s pre and postplacement experiences was abundant, there was a dearth of literature on the actual experiences involved as older people made their day to day adjustment after placement. There is a need for future research to identify the dynamic processes of how older people come to terms with residential living. Future research should also focus on developing an accurate understanding of the adjustment experiences of elders with different ethnic background.
Maintaining privacy on post‐natal wards: a study in five European countries
Authors: Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Välimäki Maritta , Dassen Theo , Gasull Maria , Lemonidou Chryssoula , Scott P. Anne , Arndt Marianne , Kaljonen Anne 
Published: March 2003

Maintaining privacy on post‐natal wards: a study in five European countries Aim. To describe how mothers’ privacy is maintained on post‐natal wards in five European countries: Finland, Spain, Greece, Germany and Scotland [United Kingdom (UK)] Background. Privacy is an important concept in nursing and nursing ethics. Empirical studies in this field, however, are few. In this study, privacy is defined as comprising both physical and social‐informational dimensions and both the perceptions of mothers and professional were investigated. Methods. The data were collected by a questionnaire from mothers (n=1192) and midwife/nursing staff (n=952). Results. The results revealed differences both between the different countries and between patients’ and professionals’ views. Mothers in Finland, Germany and Scotland felt their privacy was maintained better than mothers in Greece and Spain. The differences in staff perceptions are less clear‐cut. Different background factors emerge as statistically significant in different countries. Conclusion. Empirical studies in privacy are important and give ideas about the problems in nursing practice. Future analyses should look also at other areas of nursing.
The requirement for informed consent prior to nursing care procedures
Authors: Aveyard Helen 
Published: March 2003

The requirement for informed consent prior to nursing care procedures Aim of the paper. The aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which there is a requirement to obtain informed consent prior to nursing care procedures. Rationale. The requirement for nurses to obtain consent prior to nursing care procedures is addressed in various nursing policy documents. It is important that nurses understand the legal and ethical rationale behind the principles of informed consent so that the principles are applied appropriately to the particular context of nursing care. Argument. The ethical and legal rationale behind the concept of informed consent and its relevance to nursing practice are examined. In this paper, it is argued that the function of informed consent is to protect patient autonomy and to promote meaningful decision‐making. Given the potential for nursing care procedures to infringe patient autonomy, consent is clearly a relevant concept in nursing. Furthermore, in law, any touching without consent is a potential battery. Informed consent is often associated as a rigid procedure, only relevant to surgical or research procedures. Consent should be obtained prior to nursing care procedures whenever patient autonomy is at stake. However, information‐giving should be determined by the needs of the patient and approached in such a way as to facilitate meaningful decision‐making. Given the individual nature of infringements to patient autonomy, it is difficult to predetermine all those care procedures that require consent; any list of procedures would fail to be comprehensive. Conclusions. The principles of informed consent should underpin our approach to nursing care procedures, which should not be mechanistic but determined by the needs of individual patients.
From caring to managing and beyond: an examination of the head nurse's role
Authors: Drach‐Zahavy Anat , Dagan Efrat 
Published: March 2003

From caring to managing and beyond: an examination of the head nurse's role Aim. The aim of this study was to depict the essence of what head nurses do, and how they perform their managerial role. Methods. To achieve this, the work behaviour of 48 head nurses was examined by a semi‐structured observation technique for 6 hours each. Results. Results demonstrated that head nurses spent a large proportion of their time in clinical practice, followed by co‐ordinating care, operating the unit's functions, and leading staff. Personnel management and quality improvement occupied only a marginal share of head nurses' time. Conclusions. These results implied that head nurses exhibited a management style orientated to maintenance rather than to re‐creation, focusing more on the `doing' and the `here and now' aspects of the job than on leading, planning, and proactive problem solving.
Nursing the clinic, being there and hovering: ways of caring in a British fertility unit
Authors: Allan Helen T. 
Published: March 2003

Nursing the clinic, being there and hovering: ways of caring in a British fertility unit Aim. To explore the meaning of caring in a fertility unit and to present the findings and discuss their implications for practice. Background. Little research has been published internationally on the nature of nursing care in the fertility field. This study was intended to stimulate debate over the nature of care in fertility work. Methodology. An ethnographic approach, which included part‐time participant observation and in‐depth focused interviews with staff and patients. Data were also collected using a field and a research diary. Data were analysed using a modified thematic analysis. Findings. The data suggest that caring is strongly linked with nurses and that patients' expectations of nurses may be more practically than emotionally focused. I argue that the organization of nursing work, which I call `nursing the clinic and the doctor', facilitated this practical approach to caring. I discuss two features of nursing the clinic and the doctor: hovering and being there. Conclusions. While there may be other factors that influence the practice of this form of non‐intimate caring, nursing in this way may be what patients desire and may be congruent with managing emotions. The findings have implications for the discourse on intimacy and caring within fertility nursing as well as in different outpatient settings.
Dilemmas of spiritual assessment: considerations for nursing practice
Authors: McSherry Wilfred , Ross Linda 
Published: March 2003

Dilemmas of spiritual assessment: considerations for nursing practice Background. Interest in the spiritual dimension of nursing has resulted in a proliferation of published research internationally that is very prescriptive, suggesting that nurses should be providing spiritual care. However, little research has been published that provides nurses with a potential framework for the assessment and subsequent delivery of spiritual care. It would appear that there is a consensus of opinion that nurses can and should be able to undertake an assessment of their patients' spiritual needs. However, such assumptions may be unfounded, inaccurate, misguided and potentially detrimental to patient care. Aim. This article explores the area of spiritual assessment, drawing on the international literature, highlighting potential dilemmas in conducting a spiritual assessment. A review of some of the currently available spiritual assessment tools is also undertaken. Design. A debate is presented based on the authors' experiences and opinions with regard to this aspect of care. The debate is informed by a review of the literature specifically addressing spiritual assessment. The authors use United Kingdom policy to illustrate drivers and provide a context for the debate. However the dilemmas presented and issues raised are of significance to a wider international audience. Conclusion. It is argued that the area of spiritual assessment needs careful consideration, both nationally and internationally, by those professionals involved in the provision of spiritual care so that potential dilemmas can be identified and reviewed. Such consideration may prevent the construction and subsequent use of inappropriate assessment tools within practice. The article incorporates some considerations for practice.