bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mothers’ evolving relationships with doctors and nurses during the chronic childhood illness trajectory
Authors: Swallow Veronica M. , Jacoby Ann 
Published: March 2003

Mothers’ evolving relationships with doctors and nurses during the chronic childhood illness trajectory Aims. In this paper the evolution of mothers’ relationships with doctors and nurses during the chronic childhood illness trajectory is explored and discussed and the implications for child health care are considered. The discussion reports one aspect of a qualitative study that sought to determine whether time of diagnosis influenced mothers’ coping across the illness trajectory. Background. The quality of relationships between mothers, who are usually the primary carers, and nursing and medical staff is central to the experience of coping with chronic childhood illness. Mothers need to develop expertise in a wide range of technical skills and knowledge of complex health care issues, while also coming to terms with the uncertainty of a condition with an unpredictable trajectory. Attempts to understand the significance of relationships between those living with chronic illness and staff have highlighted a number of factors that may influence the degree to which they are viewed as satisfactory. The way staff communicate with families has been identified as one of the mediating processes through which the quality of such is determined. Design. Mothers of 15 children diagnosed presymptomatically and 14 children diagnosed postsymptomatically with the chronic illness Vesicoureteric Reflux (VUR) were interviewed to assess and compare coping strategies across the trajectory. Mothers’ written consent was obtained and interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using the ‘Framework Technique’. Findings and Conclusion. The need to develop and sustain trusting relationships with staff was reported as a continual source of stress for mothers. The formation of satisfactory alliances, based on mutual respect and good communication early in the trajectory, in particular during the prediagnostic phase, was found to be instrumental in coping and competence development during the later chronic phase of the trajectory. Further research is needed to map prospectively the evolution of relationships between mothers and staff across the trajectory.
Experiencing a nurse identity: the meaning of identity to Swedish registered nurses 2 years after graduation
Authors: Fagerberg Ingegerd , Kihlgren Mona 
Published: March 2003

Experiencing a nurse identity: the meaning of identity to Swedish registered nurses 2 years after graduation Rationale. The professional identity and experiences of nurses have been focused upon in different studies Aim. This is a longitudinal study whose aim was to understand how nurses experience the meaning of their identity as nurses, when they are students and nurses 2 years after graduation. Design. Data were collected through interviews once a year during education and two years after graduation, and were analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method, inspired by the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. Findings. The analyses of the narratives resulted in four perspectives: ‘Having the patient in focus’, ‘Being a team leader’, ‘Preceptorship’ and ‘Task orientation’. The nurses did not change perspectives but the perspective showed a transition over time. Conclusion. The nurses’ not changing perspective over time is understood as being a life paradigm, remaining throughout the years.
Meanings of good nursing care among Thai female last‐year undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Lundberg Pranee C. , Boonprasabhai Kobkul 
Published: March 2003

Meanings of good nursing care among Thai female last‐year undergraduate nursing students Aims of the study. To describe and express the meanings of good nursing care among female last‐year undergraduate nursing students of a nursing college in Bangkok, Thailand. Background. In Thailand today, nursing educational programmes aim at producing graduates who can explore options in nursing science. Method. Twenty nursing students were interviewed and observed using the ethnographic method. Findings. Six categories emerged, viz., compassion (give care from heart; have sympathy; be kind and helpful; have and share feelings; be friendly and be concerned; be honest), competency (have knowledge, skill and experience; be interested to learn; have responsibility; be professional; be confident; know what to do without hesitation), comfort (assist, help and treat patient as self; attend, give patient dignity and respect; have goals and give nursing care corresponding to the patients’ needs), communication (have time to listen, talk and explain; be willing to listen and inform patients; meet patients’ needs), creation (create new knowledge; apply theory in practice; continue MSc or PhD study; do research) and courage (advocate for patient’s needs and rights, intervene for and with patient; make decisions about nursing care; face and solve patient’s problems). Conclusions. The findings should be useful in the development and continuous improvement of nursing educational programmes, including curricula and teaching methods.
Preferences for female and male nurses: the role of age, gender and previous experience – year 2000 compared with 1984
Authors: Chur‐Hansen Anna 
Published: March 2003

Preferences for female and male nurses: the role of age, gender and previous experience – year 2000 compared with 1984 Background. The situations in which patients prefer a male or female nurse are not clear, as the literature reports differing relationships between gender and preference. Furthermore, most research has focused on female preferences. Methods. This questionnaire study investigated the preferences of both males and females for a male or female nurse, depending on four clinical situations. The role of age and previous experience with a male nurse was also taken into account. Gender, age and experience were further examined in relation to attitudes towards professional nursing practice. To determine whether preferences and attitudes have changed over time, the study was replicated in 2000, having been first conducted in 1984. Data were collected from the same general practice waiting room on each occasion. Results. Consistent with previous research, the degree of intimacy in a clinical situation was found to be predictive of same‐gender preferences. Younger females may prefer female nurses more than older females. Experience with male nurses was limited in both samples, but was not predictive of preferences or attitudes. Conclusions. Generally speaking, results from 1984 and 2000 were not significantly different. As a quantitative study, this research contributes to an understanding of patient preferences. However, in‐depth, qualitative research is recommended to understand better the reasons for preferences and attitudes, for both male and female patients.
Using ICIDH‐2 in the classification of nursing diagnoses: results from two pilot studies
Authors: Van Achterberg Theo , Frederiks Carla , Thien Nynke , Coenen Chel , Persoon Anke 
Published: March 2003

Using ICIDH‐2 in the classification of nursing diagnoses: results from two pilot studies Background. As an International Classification of Functioning and Disability, the ICIDH‐2 is potentially relevant to the work of all health care professionals. Nurses, however, had little involvement in the development of this classification and have no tradition of using it. Aim. Two pilot studies were designed to explore the fit between ICIDH‐2 and the nursing domain. Methods. In the first study, experts (n=2) and nurses (n=9) were asked to identify and classify patient problems that they observed on a video taped case. In the second study, problem statements from nursing diagnoses (n=199) that had been retrieved from patient files were classified using ICIDH‐2. Each problem statement was classified by a panel of three individuals. Results and conclusion. Results from the two studies suggest that the ICIDH‐2 is certainly relevant to the nursing discipline and allows a large majority of nursing diagnoses to be classified. It is recommended that nurses take an active role in the ongoing development of the ICIDH in order to further improve its usefulness to the nursing profession. Limitations. The studies were small‐scale pilots performed in a single medical centre. Preliminary insight resulted from these pilots, but more research is needed.
Stresses and coping strategies of mothers living with a child with cystic fibrosis: implications for nursing professionals
Authors: Hodgkinson Rebecca , Lester Helen 
Published: March 2003

Background.  Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited disease of childhood. Caring for a child with CF is stressful and this has implications for the main carer, the parental relationship, well siblings, family functioning as well as the affected child. Aim.  This study aimed to explore current stresses and coping strategies used by mothers and to identify roles and strategies that nursing professionals could extend or adopt to support them and families of children with CF. Method.  Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 17 mothers of children with CF who attended the regional cystic fibrosis hospital clinic. Interviews were analysed using the Framework method of analysis. Findings.  The study suggests that major stresses for many mothers are feeling in the middle in terms of decision‐making particularly concerning the genetic implications of CF, the burden of responsibility for parenting a child with a chronic illness, and coming to terms with a personal change in identity. The most commonly used coping strategy was seeking support from others including nursing professionals. Relationships with health professionals in secondary care were generally positive, with nurses often the first people mothers turned to when they had concerns and also key in interpreting medical information. Relationships with primary care health professionals appeared to be more limited with a role reversal described by some mothers who felt it their responsibility to educate and inform primary care professionals about CF. Conclusions.  This study suggests that nursing professionals in primary and secondary care need to look beyond the care of the child to the needs of the mother. It provides evidence to suggest that nursing professionals in primary and secondary care have a number of important roles to play as holders of hope, bridge builders and in providing continuity of care for such families. It also suggests strategies to strengthen nurse–patient relationship.
A controlled trial to compare the ability of foam swabs and toothbrushes to remove dental plaque
Authors: Pearson Linda Susan , Hutton Jane Luise 
Published: March 2003

Aims of the study.  To measure how effective foam swabs are at removing dental plaque when compared with using a toothbrush and to quantify any difference in ability. Background.  Few nursing studies have aimed to determine the effectiveness of different mouth care tools to remove plaque which is associated with the tooth/gingival margin and, therefore, with gingivitis and chronic inflammatory periodontal disease. Findings from a previous case study of two people that compared the ability of foam swabs and toothbrushes to remove plaque at the gum/tooth margin (gingival crevice) and plaque from between teeth (approximal plaque) suggested that the success of a toothbrush is affected by user technique and that foam swabs are not able to remove plaque from some ‘sheltered’ areas of teeth. Methods.  A time‐series, cross‐over controlled trial with 34 volunteers was used to determine the ability of foam swabs and toothbrushes to remove dental plaque which had been allowed to accumulate overnight. Plaque accumulations were scored at each approximal and crevice site for the buccal surfaces of the eight upper and eight lower teeth after each treatment of either toothbrushing or swabbing. Results.  Plaque frequency distributions in the form of boxplots, together with results from summary statistics demonstrate that toothbrushes performed substantially better than foam swabs in the ability to remove plaque from the sites studied in this larger sample of people. Conclusions.  The trial verified the findings from the previous study. The conclusions can be generalized to a wider population because of the magnitude and direction of the differences measured. The implications for nurse education and the development of nursing in practice settings include the need to teach effective toothbrushing skills to nurses, and to support clinical staff in developing mouthcare practice, particularly in relation to the use of assessment strategies that include the choice of effective tools.
Developing an understanding of gender sensitive care: exploring concepts and knowledge
Authors: Miers Margaret 
Published: March 2003

Background.  In the United Kingdom (UK), concern about inequalities in health and health care has led to interest in gender sensitivity in health policy and practice. Aim.  To develop an understanding of possibilities for gender sensitive care through exploring the concepts of gender and gender sensitivity and through reviewing relevant knowledge about gender and health. Methods.  The dimensions of the concept of gender and theories explaining gender relations are explored through a review of key social science texts. A discussion of gender sensitivity draws on Bowden's analysis of gender sensitive ethics. A literature review of evidence about gender and health identifies relevant knowledge for gender sensitive care. Findings.  Seven features of the concept of gender are identified. Gender sensitivity involves an understanding of the socio‐political context of experience and relationships. The social context also affects health. Differences in male and female mortality and morbidity rates are likely to be related to differences in economic resources, differences in men and women's position in public and private worlds, to power in social relations and to sexuality and body image. Possibilities for gender sensitive care may be supported through feminist approaches and through a postmodernist understanding of the manner in which discourses shape our understanding of gender and gender relations. Valuing care is a feature of gender sensitivity. Conclusion.  Gender sensitive care involves recognizing the significance of research related to social influences on health and understanding nursing in its socio‐political context, and care in the context of gender relations. Experiential learning can synthesize learning across varied learning modes, bridging learning through experience and formal analysis. Exploring concepts, evidence about gender and health and personal experience will all be important in the development of gender sensitive care.
Poetry as an aesthetic expression for nursing: a review
Authors: Hunter Lauren P. 
Published: March 2003

Objective.  To provide the reader with a basic understanding of the elements of poetry and to review poetry's contribution to nursing. The review will examine the poetry written by nurses, poetry's effect on the profession, and its use in education, patient care, and research. Data sources.  Classic and current sources of poetry, which enhance the understanding of poetry and how poetry has changed over time are reviewed. The review of nursing literature was conducted in works published in the English language using the keywords: poetry, nursing, and aesthetics. The initial search included all nursing literature with the above keywords from 1960 to 2001. Articles from relevant journals and textbooks, which could contribute to the understanding of the use of poetry in the field of nursing, were included. Conclusion.  The use of poetry in the nursing profession provides us with the opportunity to gain new meaning and understanding about the profession and the clientele served. Poetry is a rich textual medium that can assist in illuminating nursing's core belief about the uniqueness of the nurse–patient relationship, and enhance the ‘art’ of nursing and ‘ways of knowing’.
An evaluation of the role of the Clinical Placement Coordinator in student nurse support in the clinical area
Authors: Drennan Jonathan 
Published: March 2003

Purpose of the study.  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the Clinical Placement Coordinator (CPC) and the continued development of the role in the context of the provision of student support in the clinical area. Background.  Following the introduction of the Registration/Diploma in Nursing Studies programme in the Republic of Ireland in 1994 the post of CPC was created to support student nurses in the clinical area. The CPC is an experienced nurse who provides dedicated support to student nurses in a variety of clinical settings however, unlike the role of mentor/preceptor they do not have a client/patient caseload. To date no major evaluation of the post has taken place. Therefore the Department of Health and Children commissioned a national evaluation of the post of which part of the findings are reported in this paper. Methodology.  A two‐stage study is described utilizing a mixed‐methods approach. Data collection included individual and focus group interviews and questionnaires. Interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis and data collected from questionnaires were analysed utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings.  An analysis of the data identified the responsibilities and functions of CPC were multivariate, however, core elements of the role were evident. The core elements were identified as student support and practice development. The central and most frequent finding from the data collected was the individual support students received from CPCs throughout their clinical placement. Conclusion.  The role of CPC was evaluated as a positive addition to the realm of student support and the clinical team. The positioning of the post in the clinical area also adds the dimension of a CPC being a link between student nurses and the various groups that provide student support, this is essential in light of the changing role of the nurse tutor following the full integration of preregistration nurse education into the third‐level sector and the development of a formal preceptorship role for clinical nurses in the Republic of Ireland.
Agency nursing in Melbourne, Australia: a telephone survey of hospital and agency managers
Authors: Peerson Anita , Aitken Robyn , Manias Elizabeth , Parker Judith , Wong Kitty 
Published: March 2003

Background.  Agency nursing is a poorly understood and under‐researched phenomenon. Despite the considerable costs and possible benefits of using agency nurses, little is known about the nature of agency nursing from different perspectives, including hospital and agency managers. Aim.  To describe the professional relationship between hospitals and nursing agencies, utilization trends of agency nurses, and institutional policies relating to the employment of agency nurses. Methods.  A telephone survey was conveyed to managers of 70 acute hospitals (service purchasers) and 26 agencies (service providers) to provide baseline information on the utilization of agency nurses in acute hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Introductory telephone calls were made to the chief nursing officers of the hospitals and the chief executive officers of nursing agencies in order to explain and seek approval for the proposed project. Approval to conduct telephone interviews was obtained from 30 acute hospitals and six agencies, representing a response rate of 43% and 23%, respectively. Separate questionnaires were used for the two categories of respondent. In some cases the questionnaire could not be completed using the telephone and a copy was then sent by post for completion. Results.  Findings revealed the high utilization of agency nurses in hospitals, the limited nature of continuing education for agency nurses, tensions between matching agency nurse qualifications with acute specialty needs and the notion that agencies preferred nurses to be flexible in their work assignments. Conclusions.  The study was limited by the fact that the final sample was small (30 hospitals and six agencies), and therefore may not be representative of the wider population of Melbourne hospitals or agencies. However, it provided evidence on the utilization of agency nurses in public and private hospitals that will help shape policy on the regulation of the agency nursing workforce.
Nurses' attitudes towards clients who self‐harm
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Creedy Debra , Moyle Wendy , Farrugia Charles 
Published: March 2003

Background.  Deliberate self‐harm is frequently encountered by emergency department (ED) nurses. However, clients are often dissatisfied with the care provided and clinicians feel ambivalent, helpless or frustrated when working with clients who self‐harm. Aim.  The aim of the study was to develop and test a scale to identify relevant dimensions of ED nurses' attitudes to clients who present with self‐injury. Methods.
Items on Attitudes Towards Deliberate Self‐Harm Questionnaire (ADSHQ) were drawn from a literature review and focus group discussions with ED nurses. The tool was piloted with 20 ED nurses not working in the target agencies. A survey of nurses working within 23 major public and 14 major private EDs in Queensland, Australia (
n  = 1008) was then undertaken. Results.  A total of 352 questionnaires were returned (35% response). Analysis revealed four factors that reflected nurses' attitudes toward these clients. The factors related to nurses' perceived confidence in their assessment and referral skills; ability to deal effectively with clients, empathic approach; and ability to cope effectively with legal and hospital regulations that guide practice. There was a generally negative attitude towards clients who self‐harm. Correlations were found between years of ED experience and total score on the ADSHQ, and years of ED experience and an empathic approach towards clients who deliberately self‐harm. Conclusion.  There is a need for continuing professional development activities to address negative attitudes and provide practical strategies to inform practice and clinical protocols.
Action research: politics, ethics and participation
Authors: Williamson Graham R. , Prosser Sue 
Published: March 2003

Aim.  This paper contributes to an understanding of the political and ethical aspects of action research (AR). Background.  Action research is growing in popularity in nursing and health care as a means of changing practice and generating new knowledge. As a methodology, AR relies on a close collaborative working relationship between researcher and participants, but this close relationship is also the source of political and ethical problems faced by researchers and participants. Content.  We argue that action researchers and participants working in their own organizations should be clear about the extent to which they are engaged in a political activity, and that AR does not offer the same ethical guarantees concerning confidentiality and anonymity, informed consent, and protection from harm as other research methodologies (both quantitative and qualitative). This argument is illustrated by our experiences of participation in an AR study. Conclusion.  We outline three areas where AR is implicitly political, and three areas where it is ethically problematic. We recommend that researchers and participants recognize, discuss and negotiate these problematic areas before starting their work.