Showing papers in "International Journal of Nursing Practice in 2006"
TL;DR: Key issues for constructivist grounded theorists to consider in designing their research studies are discussed in relation to developing a partnership with participants that enables a mutual construction of meaning during interviews and a meaningful reconstruction of their stories into a grounded theory model.
Abstract: Grounded theory is a popular research methodology that is evolving to account for a range of ontological and epistemological underpinnings. Constructivist grounded theory has its foundations in relativism and an appreciation of the multiple truths and realities of subjectivism. Undertaking a constructivist enquiry requires the adoption of a position of mutuality between researcher and participant in the research process, which necessitates a rethinking of the grounded theorist's traditional role of objective observer. Key issues for constructivist grounded theorists to consider in designing their research studies are discussed in relation to developing a partnership with participants that enables a mutual construction of meaning during interviews and a meaningful reconstruction of their stories into a grounded theory model.
646 citations
TL;DR: This review critically examines the factors that contribute to the development of poor nutritional status in older people and considers the consequences of malnutrition.
Abstract: The older population is the single largest demographic group at disproportionate risk of inadequate diet and malnutrition. Ageing is associated with a decline in a number of physiological functions that can impact nutritional status, including reduced lean body mass and a resultant decrease in basal metabolic rate, decreased gastric secretion of digestive juices and changes in the oral cavity, sensory function deficits, changes in fluid and electrolyte regulation and chronic illness. Medication, hospitalization and other social determinants also can contribute to nutritional inadequacy. The nutritional status of older people is an important determinant of quality of life, morbidity and mortality. This review critically examines the factors that contribute to the development of poor nutritional status in older people and considers the consequences of malnutrition.
371 citations
TL;DR: Light is shed on how nursing work might impact the health of nurses by exploring the concept of compassion fatigue andLimitations of current instruments to measure compassion fatigue are highlighted, and suggestions for future direction are presented.
Abstract: Health outcomes and, in particular, patient health outcomes have become a driving force within health-care delivery. Little emphasis has been placed on the potential health consequences for nurses providing care and caring within the health-care system. Compassion fatigue (or secondary traumatic stress) has emerged as a natural consequence of caring for clients who are in pain, suffering or traumatized. This paper sheds light on how nursing work might impact the health of nurses by exploring the concept of compassion fatigue. Limitations of current instruments to measure compassion fatigue are highlighted, and suggestions for future direction are presented.
281 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that complexities in nursing documentation require extensive resolution and implicitly dictate strategies for nurse managers and nurses to take part in solving these complicated obstacles.
Abstract: This study aimed to explore complexities in nursing documentation and related factors. Nursing documentation has been one of the most important functions of nurses since the time of Florence Nightingale because it serves multiple and diverse purposes. Current health-care systems require that documentation ensures continuity of care, furnishes legal evidence of the process of care and supports evaluation of quality of patient care. However, nursing documentation has not served such objectives because of its complexities. This study explores nursing documentation complexities and related factors through both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The study used multiple methods of inquiry: in-depth interviewing; participant observation; nominal group processing; focus group meetings; time and motion study of nursing activities; and auditing of completeness of nursing documentation. Complexities in nursing documentation include three aspects: disruption, incompleteness and inappropriate charting. Related factors that influenced documentation comprised: limited nurses' competence, motivation and confidence; ineffective nursing procedures; and inadequate nursing audit, supervision and staff development. These findings suggest that complexities in nursing documentation require extensive resolution and implicitly dictate strategies for nurse managers and nurses to take part in solving these complicated obstacles.
193 citations
TL;DR: Three barriers that hindered teamwork were identified: differing perceptions of teamwork; different levels of skills acquisitions to function as a team member; and the dominance of medical power that influenced interaction in teams.
Abstract: Multidisciplinary teamwork is viewed as one of the key processes through which care is managed in the British National Health Service, and yet is often viewed as one of the most problematic. Working in a multidisciplinary team requires many skills, which involves understanding not only one's own role but also the role of other professionals. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions of multidisciplinary teamwork in acute health-care. Nineteen nurses were interviewed using the critical incident approach to obtain their perceptions of multidisciplinary teamwork. Direct observation was conducted to record interactions between nurses and health-care professionals in multidisciplinary teams. In total, 14 meetings were attended in elder care and orthopaedics and seven in acute medicine. The findings of this study identified three barriers that hindered teamwork: (i) differing perceptions of teamwork; (ii) different levels of skills acquisitions to function as a team member; and (iii) the dominance of medical power that influenced interaction in teams. Thus, education establishments and nursing managers need to ensure that the acquisition of team-playing skills is an integral part of continued professional development.
156 citations
TL;DR: Although the majority of nurses reported that policies were in place for the management of workplace violence, these policies were not always adequate and associations were found between workplace violence and gender, the designation of the nurses, hours of employment, the age of the nurse, morale and perceptions of workplace safety.
Abstract: This paper presents the results on workplace violence from a larger study undertaken in 2004. Comparison is made with the results of a similar study undertaken in 2001. The study involved the random sampling of 3000 nurses from the Queensland Nurses' Union's membership in the public (acute hospital and community nursing), private (acute hospital and domiciliary nursing) and aged care (both public and private aged care facilities) sectors. The self-reported results suggest an increase in workplace violence in all three sectors. Although there are differences in the sources of workplace violence across the sectors, the major causes of workplace violence are: clients/patients, visitors/relatives, other nurses, nursing management and medical practitioners. Associations were also found between workplace violence and gender, the designation of the nurse, hours of employment, the age of the nurse, morale and perceptions of workplace safety. Although the majority of nurses reported that policies were in place for the management of workplace violence, these policies were not always adequate.
147 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that, irrespective of setting, assistant personnel and porters possess significantly greater negative attitudes towards older adults than nursing staff, and these negative attitudes seem to be a function of lower educational achievement.
Abstract: Considerable variations in the quality of care older adults receive may depend much on the attitude of staff towards them The attitudes of nurses, assistant personnel and porters towards older adults were assessed Determinants affecting this judgement, such as age, gender, education, years in practice and care setting, were also assessed Ninety-nine (acute) and 87 (long-term) hospital employees completed the self-report Kogan’s Attitude Towards Old People scale Significant statistical differences in negative attitudes were found between assistant personnel and nurses and between porters and nurses; these non-professionals believed that older adults were irritable, grouchy, complaining and untidy Practice area had no influence on attitudes; attitudes were, however, significantly predicted by education levels Findings suggest that, irrespective of setting, assistant personnel and porters possess significantly greater negative attitudes towards older adults than nursing staff Furthermore, these negative attitudes seem to be a function of lower educational achievement Implications for informing practice, education and policy-makers are discussed
107 citations
TL;DR: Some of the significant findings that emerged from the systematic review include the importance of pre-admission contact, provision of relevant, specific education and information, improving communication skills and maintaining patient privacy throughout their continuum of care.
Abstract: This systematic review used the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument to manage, appraise, analyse and synthesize textual data in order to present the best available information in relation to how patients experience nursing interventions and care during the perioperative period in the day surgery setting. Some of the significant findings that emerged from the systematic review include the importance of pre-admission contact, provision of relevant, specific education and information, improving communication skills and maintaining patient privacy throughout their continuum of care.
91 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the relationship between physical activity and Body Mass Index (BMI) on menopausal symptoms in Australian midlife women was examined and it was shown that exercise was effective in relieving somatic and psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
Abstract: The main objective of the study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and Body Mass Index (BMI) on menopausal symptoms in Australian midlife women. This study is a secondary data analysis of the Queensland Midlife Women Health Study (2001), which included a randomized, population-based postal survey with a questionnaire. Selected women completed a questionnaire, which included measurement of sociodemographic factors (age, employment and education attainment), general health, use of hormone replacement therapy, smoking, exercise pattern and BMI. The measures that are reported in this paper include menopausal symptoms, BMI and exercise. After adjusting for confounding variables, significant multivariate difference was still found for most menopausal symptoms, including a significant relationship between somatic symptoms, psychological symptoms, depression and anxiety. No significant relationship was seen, however, between vasomotor symptoms, sexual function and exercise. In conclusion, the study showed that exercise was effective in relieving somatic and psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety. These findings are promising news for women who are interested in using non-pharmacological interventions for relieving menopausal symptoms.
87 citations
TL;DR: The concept of information need has been explored using concept analysis in this article, with the aim of providing greater clarity in the literature on the topic and guiding further study in this area.
Abstract: Identifying information needs is frequently espoused in textbooks, policy documents and reports of research studies; provision of health-care is also now described as 'needs-based', rather than 'service-based'. Yet, there is little understanding or clear definitions of this construct in the literature on the topic. The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of information need, using concept analysis, with the aim of providing greater clarity. Rodgers' evolutionary approach to concept analysis was used to identify common attributes, antecedents and consequences, of the term information need. Information need emerged as a want or desire for information to be shared by professionals using appropriate communication skills. Information-seeking behaviour manifests in individuals as a response to a stimulus that is perceived as either a challenge or a threat. This attempt to provide a greater clarification of the term was prompted by the ubiquitous use of the term with little consistent definition. It is hoped that this conceptual clarification will guide further study in this area, particularly in relation to the subjective nature of contemporary information needs and its role in coping behaviours of individuals and groups.
77 citations
TL;DR: Findings from an ethnographic study conducted in an Australian operating department are used to explore the ways in which nurses in theatre interpret their role in terms of caring in a technological environment.
Abstract: Operating room nurses continue to draw criticism regarding the appropriateness of a nursing presence in the operating room. The technological focus of the theatre and the ways in which nurses in the theatre have shaped and reshaped their practice in response to technological change have caused people within and outside the nursing profession to question whether operating room nursing is a technological rather than nursing undertaking. This paper reports findings from an ethnographic study that was conducted in an Australian operating department. The study examined the contribution of nurses to the work of the operating room through intensive observation and ethnographic interviews. This paper uses selected findings from the study to explore the ways in which nurses in theatre interpret their role in terms of caring in a technological environment.
TL;DR: The evidence-based practice framework emerged in the early 1970s as a means of improving clinical practice and despite the many advantages, many practitioners remain cautious about embracing the model.
Abstract: The evidence-based practice (EBP) framework emerged in the early 1970s as a means of improving clinical practice. This shift towards EBP allowed health professionals to move from a culture of delivering care based on tradition, intuition and authority, to a situation where decisions were guided and justified by the best available evidence. Despite the many advantages of EBP, many practitioners remain cautious about embracing the model. Part of this opposition is due to a misunderstanding of EBP, which this paper aims to address.
TL;DR: The emergency nurse practitioner candidate (ENPC) role is relatively new in Victoria and the scope of the ENP(C) practice is yet to be defined, but Extensions to the current scope of emergency nursing practice are pivotal to effective management of specific patient groups by ENP.
Abstract: This study examined the emergency nurse practitioner candidate (ENPC) scope of practice in a Victorian emergency department (ED). The emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) role is relatively new in Victoria and the scope of the ENP(C) practice is yet to be defined. International research literature regarding the ENP role has focused on outcomes such as patient satisfaction, waiting times and/or ED length of stay, accuracy and adequacy of documentation, use of radiography, and patient education, health promotion and communication issues. A prospective exploratory design was used to conduct this cohort study. There were 476 ENPC-managed patients between 14 July 2004 and 31 March 2005 with an average age of 29 years. The majority (77.2%) of ENPC-managed patients were discharged from the ED. The majority of the ENPC time was devoted to clinical practice (55%) and development of clinical practice guidelines (25%). Of patients managed by the ENPC, 49.6% required medications, 51% required diagnostic imaging and 8.6% required pathology testing during their ED stay. The most common discharge referrals were made to local medical officers (73.5%) and the most common referrals made for patients requiring admission were made to the plastic surgery (37.3%) and orthopaedic (35.5%) units. Extensions to the current scope of emergency nursing practice are pivotal to effective management of specific patient groups by ENP. The ENP model of care is an important strategy for the management of increased service demands in Victoria; however, little is known about the scope of the ENPC practice and many outcomes of the ENP care are yet to be defined. Further research to better understand the relationships between ENP outcomes is required if the contribution that ENPs make to emergency care is to be accurately quantified.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide nurses with guidelines on how they might include this aspect of care within their everyday work, where patients are seeking information about the impact of illness and treatments on their sexual function.
Abstract: Nurses, by virtue of the close relationship with patients, are in a unique position to promote sexual health and provide sexual health advice to people in their care. Although nurses espoused the ideals of person-centred and holistic care, evidence from research studies suggested that, for a number of reasons, nurses did not consciously and proactively engage with patients in relation to sexual concerns. In today health-care environment, where patients are seeking information about the impact of illness and treatments on their sexual function, nurses have a responsibility to proactively engage with patients' sexual health concerns in an informed and sensitive manner. The aim of this paper is to provide nurses with guidelines on how they might include this aspect of care within their everyday work.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that BRT can be an effective technique in reducing disease process in patients suffering from RA and studies with large sample size and > 8-week intervention are recommended.
Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease and has the highest rate of prevalence among rheumatic inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Benson Relaxation Technique (BRT) combined with medication on disease activity in patients with RA. Following ethical approval, 50 consecutive matched patients were selected and allocated into two groups, either an experimental or a control group. Patients in the experimental group received BRT combined with medication and patients in the control group were given only medication. Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, anxiety, depression and feeling of well-being were measured before and after intervention to evaluate the effect of BRT. There was a significant difference between the two groups in anxiety, depression and feeling of well-being. Changes in clinical symptoms and laboratory findings were not large enough to be statistically significant between the two groups, but they indicated decline in disease progress. The results demonstrate that BRT can be an effective technique in reducing disease process in patients suffering from RA. However, in order to support the findings of this trial, studies with large sample size and > 8-week intervention are recommended.
TL;DR: It was found that young adult women were very likely (80.6%) to have accurate knowledge about osteoporosis but also typically had a low calcium intake (454 mg/day), and the factors that most strongly affected the intake of calcium by women were knowledge, number of children, self-rated health score, Body Mass Index and family history.
Abstract: This investigation found that young adult women (n = 265) were very likely (80.6%) to have accurate knowledge about osteoporosis but also typically had a low calcium intake (454 mg/day). The women in this study believed that they were at risk of osteoporosis but felt that prevention was difficult. Meanwhile, they held the opinion that osteoporosis is not serious and that taking preventative measures would not be worthwhile. The factors that most strongly affected the intake of calcium by women were, in order, knowledge, number of children, self-rated health score, Body Mass Index, graduation from high school, experience of bone density examination and family history. These seven items accounted for 31.8% of the variation in calcium intake.
TL;DR: Overall, this study has shown that NSI events represent an important workplace issue for tropical Australian nurses, and their actual rate might also be higher than official reports suggest.
Abstract: Although needlestick and sharps injuries (NSI) represent a major hazard in nursing practice, most studies rely on officially reported data and none have yet been undertaken in tropical environments Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional NSI survey targeting all nurses within a tropical Australian hospital, regardless of whether they had experienced an NSI or not Our overall response rate was 767% A total of 39 nurses reported 43 NSI events in the previous 12 months The most common causative device was a normal syringe needle, followed by insulin syringe needles, iv needles or kits and blood collection needles Half of the nurses' NSI events occurred beside the patient's bed: drawing up medication was the most common reason Nurses working in the maternity/neonatal wards were only 03 times as likely to have experienced an NSI as their counterparts in the medical or surgical wards Overall, our study has shown that NSI events represent an important workplace issue for tropical Australian nurses Their actual rate might also be higher than official reports suggest
TL;DR: This paper specifically challenges nurses to consider their capacity to really know another's best interests--particularly in the nursing home.
Abstract: This paper has been derived from a review of literature from a recent qualitative study that explored the meaning of truth-telling within the care provider-aged resident dyad in high-level (nursing home) care of elderly people. In the literature reviewed here, paternalism (as benevolent decision-making in another's best interests) is critically analysed. Autonomy is then described and its function in promoting health is underscored. Furthermore, this paper specifically challenges nurses to consider their capacity to really know another's best interests--particularly in the nursing home. Finally, a very simple recommendation is proposed for determining and managing the (competent) aged-care resident's informational disclosure preferences: ask them.
TL;DR: The results of the study show that Western Australian midwives, like their national and international colleagues, are concerned about the delivery and organization of maternity services, the invisibility of the postnatal experience and how to operationalize evidence-based care in the clinical area.
Abstract: This paper reports a two-round Delphi study undertaken to identify the research priorities of midwives at five public maternity hospitals in Western Australia's metropolitan area of Perth. In round one, 117 midwives identified 64 different problems or issues for research. Using thematic content analysis, these problems were grouped together and then collapsed to develop 17 specific research topics within four major categories. In round two, 152 midwives were asked to rank how important each of the topic statements were to women, their families and midwives. Research focusing on 'the postnatal experience' was ranked by midwives as the most important to the care of women and their families. From a midwife's perspective, the highest ranked topic was 'examining the professional issues that impact on midwives' clinical practice' (e.g. midwifery and medical collaboration, potential litigation and horizontal violence in the workplace). The results of the study show that Western Australian midwives, like their national and international colleagues, are concerned about the delivery and organization of maternity services, the invisibility of the postnatal experience and how to operationalize evidence-based care in the clinical area.
TL;DR: Sleep quality predictors means progress in knowledge about the complexity of the situation for peritoneal dialysis patients, especially for nephrology nurses who are in a unique position to give supportive nursing health care.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe habitual sleep, daytime symptoms, sleep-disturbing factors, current sleep during 1 week and fatigue in patients with peritoneal dialysis treatment at home and also discover predictions for sleep quality outcome. The knowledge should increase possibilities for supportive nursing health care. Fifty-five patients answered two mailed questionnaires and filled in a sleep diary. Of these, 60% had moderate, persistent sleep problems combined with daytime symptoms. Nocturnal awakenings with difficulties falling asleep again and a sleep duration predicted as 57% of sleep quality. Nocturnal pruritus and 'difficulties finding a comfortable sleeping position' were significant sleep-disturbing factors. Sleep quality predictors means progress in knowledge about the complexity of the situation for peritoneal dialysis patients. Poor sleep, daytime symptoms, sleep-disturbing factors and chronic fatigue need to be enlightened, especially for the nephrology nurses who are in a unique position to give supportive nursing health care.
TL;DR: The strongest and most adverse association with SOC was seen in the relation with feeling pressured by schoolwork among both genders, and the next strongest associations were found with support from peers and adequate expectations.
Abstract: Associations between sense of coherence (SOC) and school-related resources (supportive school environment, adequate learning conditions) and stress (pressure of schoolwork, bored of school) were explored in a representative sample of 4116 Norwegian school adolescents, aged 11, 13 and 15 years. The students participated in the World Health Organization Cross-National Survey 'Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children 1997/98 (HBSC)'. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied. In unadjusted analyses, all resources and stress factors were significantly related to SOC. In analyses adjusted for all these factors, support from teacher was the only variable that did not remain significant. The strongest and most adverse association with SOC was seen in the relation with feeling pressured by schoolwork among both genders. The next strongest associations were found with support from peers and adequate expectations. In general, the associations with SOC were stronger among girls than boys, but a similar tendency was found for both genders. Implications for school health promotion are discussed.
TL;DR: Findings from haematology nurses on their experience with terminal care in both public and private hospitals throughout Australia are presented, finding that patients from these diagnostic groups typically die in the acute ward dealing with escalating technology and invasive treatments.
Abstract: There is now extensive consumer research to indicate that patients with haematological malignancies are not receiving appropriate or timely referrals to the palliative system. This paper begins to explore the issue from the professional perspective by presenting findings from haematology nurses on their experience with terminal care. The nursing insights have been gathered through open-ended interviews with a national sample of nurses with extensive experience in haematology in both public and private hospitals throughout Australia. The findings resonate with the previous consumer research in that all the acute care nurses affirmed that it is their belief, based on their professional experience, that patients from these diagnostic groups typically die in the acute ward dealing with escalating technology and invasive treatments. For some, the statements could be qualified by the satisfaction that they worked in a haematology unit, aware of the death-denying issues, trying to address the problem. Others, caught in a 'refractory' subculture (i.e. a subculture with a negative perception of palliative care), outlined the factors driving the lack of integration for their specific hospital. The focus of the discussion of findings is on the latter.
TL;DR: The findings gathered consistently support the hypothesis that vegans do have lower bone mineral density than their non-vegan counterparts, but the evidence regarding calcium, Vitamin D and fracture incidence is inconclusive.
Abstract: The purpose of this review is to examine the current literature regarding calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies in vegan diets and the possible relationship to low bone mineral density and incidence for fracture Prominent databases were searched for original research publications providing data capable of answering these questions: (i) Do vegans have lower-than-recommended levels of calcium/Vitamin D? (ii) Do vegans have lower bone mineral density than their non-vegan counterparts? (iii) Are vegans at a greater risk for fractures than non-vegans? The findings gathered consistently support the hypothesis that vegans do have lower bone mineral density than their non-vegan counterparts However, the evidence regarding calcium, Vitamin D and fracture incidence is inconclusive More research is needed to definitively answer these questions and to address the effects of such deficiencies on the medical and socioeconomic aspects of life
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to explore the differences between Jordanian men and women in signs and symptoms presentation of MI and follow-up care and to find out whether women are less likely than men to receive the therapeutic regimen used for men.
Abstract: Heart disease is the number one killer in the USA. In Jordan, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, and about 34.5% of women die of cardiovascular disease as compared with 44.25% of men. The differences between men and women in heart disease, such as signs and symptoms presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, are becoming more apparent in the literature. There is a dearth of research regarding gender differences among Jordanian myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the differences between Jordanian men and women in signs and symptoms presentation of MI and follow-up care. A convenience sample of 83 patients (26 women and 57 men) who were diagnosed with MI, mentally competent and haemodynamically stable were used to explore the research questions. An interview guide and chart audit were used to elicit information about initial and associated signs and symptoms and treatment plan of MI patients. Chest pain was the most common initial symptom in both men and women. The four most common associated signs and symptoms reported by both men and women were general weakness, sweating, nausea and fatigue. However, women experienced more general weakness and sweating compared with men. Women were less likely to receive intravenous nitroglycerin, heparin and thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of MI. Chest pain was the initial symptom of MI reported by men and women. Although similarities exist in the associated sings and symptoms, women might experience different associated signs and symptoms from men. Despite these similarities, women are still less likely than men to receive the therapeutic regimen used for men.
TL;DR: The results showed that the intervention was effective in decreasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in increasing the rate of controlled hypertensives and the partnership care model is recommended as a model to replace previous approaches in hypertension control.
Abstract: One of the shared common goals of World Hypertension League (WHL) and World Health Organization (WHO) is the control of hypertension. Despite many local and international interventions, the goal has not been achieved. This study evaluated an intervention based on the partnership care model to control hypertension in a rural population in the north of Iran. The results showed that the intervention was effective in decreasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in increasing the rate of controlled hypertensives (based on criteria of WHO/WHL). The intervention also had positive effects on health-related quality of life, body mass index, anxiety, high density lipoprotein level and compliance score. Based on these results, the partnership care model is effective in hypertension control and is recommended as a model to replace previous approaches in hypertension control.
TL;DR: A lack of resources, illiteracy, poverty, lack of awareness about the types of available health care make developing palliative-care services a major challenge in India.
Abstract: India is a land of ancient civilizations with cities and villages, cultivated fields and works of art dating back 4,000 years. Currently, it is sharing the position of the second largest population in the world. Two-thirds of the population live in rural areas and only one-third live in urban areas. Because of these disparities in the population locations, the health-care system faces significant problems of adequate provision in rural areas. A lack of resources, illiteracy, poverty, lack of awareness about the types of available health care make developing palliative-care services a major challenge in India.
TL;DR: The Norwegian version of the Premature Infant Pain Profile seems to be a reliable and valid instrument for pain assessment in neonates and a significant interaction effect was detected from sucrose and event type for neonates from 36 weeks.
Abstract: As neonates are submitted to pain, assessing the pain is crucial in effective pain control. The Premature Infant Pain Profile, an acute measurement tool combining physiological, behavioural and contextual indicators, was translated into Norwegian and tested clinically. The purpose was to establish construct validity, interrater reliability and internal consistency. In addition, the effect of sucrose as pain analgesia was tested in neonates >or= 36 weeks of gestational age. In a known-groups comparisons design with repeated measures, 111 consecutive neonates, preterm and term, were all observed at baseline, non-pain and pain event. Neonates in the neonatal unit received sucrose at pain event. A significant interaction effect of gestational age and events was found in the sucrose neonates. A significant interaction effect was detected from sucrose and event type for neonates from 36 weeks. The internal consistency of the six-item score was acceptable. A correlation coefficient of 0.89-0.97 was obtained for interrater reliability. The Norwegian version of the Premature Infant Pain Profile seems to be a reliable and valid instrument for pain assessment in neonates.
TL;DR: It is evident that families play a major role of support for HIV/AIDS patients in Thai society and the determinants that are associated with caregiver burden such as caregiver characteristics, patient characteristics and social stigma are important for nurses to minimize the burden of care.
Abstract: The present paper provides an initial picture of HIV/AIDS-affected families. It is evident that families play a major role of support for HIV/AIDS patients in Thai society. Caregiver burden is one of the patient-related outcomes, which is the most common outcome measure in caregiver research. The demands on the family caregivers of these patients are enormous and need to be addressed. The determinants that are associated with caregiver burden such as caregiver characteristics, patient characteristics and social stigma are important for nurses to minimize the burden of care so that appropriate interventions can be developed for persons with HIV/AIDS and family members who share the work of managing their care at home.
TL;DR: For example, this article found that registered nurses experience tension in their search for value in their practice, which incorporates professional, political and social mediators of value and worth, and highlighted the need for sensitive policy initiatives that support issues of value in nursing practice.
Abstract: Contemporary literature on long-term aged care focuses heavily on issues associated with the recruitment and retention of nursing staff, such as job satisfaction and attitudes towards caring for older people. This paper aims to highlight one aspect of a larger study of registered nurses' experiences in long-term aged care in Australia and the influence that government policy and reform has in shaping that experience. This insight into aspects of nurses' everyday experience also contributes to a broader understanding of job satisfaction in long-term care. Findings from this study suggest that registered nurses experience tension in their search for value in their practice, which incorporates professional, political and social mediators of value and worth. These issues are discussed in relation to the impact of policy and reform on nurses' sense of value in long-term aged care and highlight the need for sensitive policy initiatives that support issues of value in nursing practice.
TL;DR: The findings showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients received information from multiple sources, indicating patients' resourcefulness in obtaining information related to their surgery.
Abstract: This study, a component of a larger research project examining the effect of pre-admission education on patients' ability and confidence in domiciliary self-care following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, identified the source(s) of specific health- and hospital-related information for patients undergoing this operative procedure. One-hundred laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients were surveyed at pre-admission, following assessment by the pre-admission nurse, anaesthetist and registered medical officer to determine what information had been provided by the pre-admission nurse and/or alternative sources of information provision. The findings showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients received information from multiple sources. Pre-admission clinic nurses were more likely to provide information related to the surgical procedure and hospital length of stay than about postoperative expectations and self-care. Overall, patients perceived that medical practitioners imparted the most information. Printed literature and informal channels of information provision featured strongly, indicating patients' resourcefulness in obtaining information related to their surgery. Informal communication showed the importance of social networks and personal experience in aiding patients' comprehension of the hospital and recovery experience.