International Journal of Nursing Practice via MedWorm.com

A systematic review: Students with mental health problems—A growing problem

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:01:51 +0100

Storrie K, Ahern K, Tuckett A. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 1[ndash]6A systematic review: Students with mental health problems[mdash]A growing problem The number of university students with a serious mental illness has risen significantly over the past few years. A systematic review was conducted that addressed emotional and or mental health problems of university students worldwide. In total, 572 articles were identified, of which 11 met inclusion criteria. Issues identified included types of problems experienced by students, how staff dealt with these students, barriers to seeking help, tools that facilitated help-seeking and epidemiological trends in the university student population. Recommendations include (i) providing better links between the university and ex...

What is the matter with crushing pills and opening capsules?

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to map out to what degree medication is being crushed and mixed into the patients' food and beverages and how often this practice included medication, which has a statement in the Norwegian pharmaceutical compendium that this should not be done (inappropriately altered medication (IAM)). Data from a total of 2108 patients in 151 wards in 65 nursing homes were collected. The data contained information about the kind of drugs the patient received, in which form it was given and how it was given. Patient characteristics and ward characteristics were also recorded. Twenty-three per cent were given at least one drug mixed into their food or beverages and 10% were given at least one IAM. This study shows a malpractice regarding one aspect of medication in nursing homes. Even thou...

An analysis of narratives to identify critical thinking contexts in psychiatric clinical practice

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Mun MS. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 75[ndash]80An analysis of narratives to identify critical thinking contexts in psychiatric clinical practice The development of students' critical thinking abilities is one of the greatest challenges facing contemporary nursing educators. Nursing educators should know about what kind of contents or situations need critical thinking. The research was undertaken to identify the critical thinking contexts that nursing students confront in psychiatric clinical practices. Students were asked to document their everyday experience. The narratives were analysed and interpreted from the philosophical notion of hermeneutics. Four themes emerged as critical thinking contexts: anxiety, conflict, hyper-awareness, dilemmas. Writing narratives a...

Experiences of the new role of advanced practice nurses in Swedish primary health care—A qualitative study

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Lindblad E, Hallman E-B, Gillsjö C, Lindblad U, Fagerström L. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 69[ndash]74Experiences of the new role of advanced practice nurses in Swedish primary health care[mdash]A qualitative study The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the experiences of the first advanced practice nurses (APNs), a new profession for Swedish health care, and of their supervising general practitioners (GPs), regarding the new role and scope of practice of APNs in primary health care. Individual interviews were conducted with the four first APNs and one focus group interview was conducted with five supervising physicians. The material was transcribed verbatim and analysed using latent content analysis. The respondents expressed confidence and trust in...

Elderly persons' experiences of striving to receive care on their own terms in nursing homes

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, important issues were raised concerning elderly persons' perspectives on care and help in daily life in nursing homes. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice)

Caregiver burden of family members of persons living with HIV in Thailand

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines complex ways in which caregivers' mental health affects their levels of caregiver burden. This study uses data from 409 caregivers of PLH in northern and north-eastern Thailand. Multiple regression models were used to examine the predictors of caregiver burden. Depression was significantly associated with caregiver burden (P < 0.0001) and being HIV positive (P = 0.015). Inverse associations were observed between depression and quality of life (P < 0.0001) and caregiver burden and quality of life (P = 0.004). Social support had direct positive association with caregiver's quality of life (P < 0.0001). Our findings underscore the complex relationship between caregiver burden, depression and HIV-status. Interventions that address the caregiver burden are urgently needed. (...

'Caring? It's the little things we are not supposed to do anymore'

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study explored the views of twenty-five qualified nurses in five hospitals to determine what they perceived as dominant values in clinical nursing work. Aspects of a grounded theory approach were used and this study formed the final one of three. The first two studies had student nurse samples and this study aimed to confirm and validate the data from the students' perceptions. The student nurses had implied that nurses communicated and 'cared' for patient's much less than they expected. Findings from this study reaffirm the students' perceptions and suggest that nurses may not be as caring as they would like to be. One significant issue to emerge, in conjunction with the realization that nurses were not being as caring as they would have liked, was that it mattered to them that carin...

Associations between psychosomatic symptoms in adolescence and mental health symptoms in early adulthood

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Kinnunen P, Laukkanen E, Kylmä J. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 43[ndash]50Associations between psychosomatic symptoms in adolescence and mental health symptoms in early adulthood This longitudinal study explored associations between psychosomatic symptoms in adolescence and mental health symptoms in early adulthood. The baseline data were collected in 1996 from 14-year-old pupils (n = 235; 116 girls, 119 boys) at schools using a structured questionnaire that included a 14-item scale of psychosomatic symptoms. The follow-up data were collected in 2006 from the same persons at the age of 24 using the Symptom Checklist-90. Follow-up questionnaires were returned by 149 (63.4%) young adults (88 women and 61 men). Young adults who had many psychosomatic symptoms in adoles...

The influence of a health education programme on healthy lifestyles and practices among university students

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed at exploring the lifestyles of university students, the relationship between specific demographical variables and health practices and the role of training in improving these practices. An experimental and a comparison group were selected using the convenient sampling method. Two 5-day training programmes on healthy lifestyles were conducted. Self-reported behaviours of both groups were assessed before and after the programme. The results reflected slightly positive health practices related to the three behavioural categories with the type of diet being the highest and physical activity being the lowest. No significant differences were reflected in relation to the selected variables. A positive influence of training on improving health behaviours of university students rel...

Bedside nursing handover: A case study

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Chaboyer W, McMurray A, Wallis M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 27[ndash]34Bedside nursing handover: A case study A case study of six wards in two hospitals was undertaken to describe the structures, processes and perceptions of outcomes of bedside handover in nursing. A total of 532 bedside handovers were observed and 34 interviews with nurses were conducted. Important structural elements related to the staff, patients, the handover sheet and the bedside chart. A number of processes before, during and after the handover were implemented. They included processes for managing patients and their visitors, sensitive information, and the flow of communication for variable shift starting times. Other key processes identified were the implementation of a safety scan and med...

Ethical values in caring encounters on a geriatric ward from the next of kin's perspective: An interview study

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Jonasson L-L, Liss P-E, Westerlind B, Berterö C. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 20[ndash]26Ethical values in caring encounters on a geriatric ward from the next of kin's perspective: An interview study The aim of this study was to identify and describe the governing ethical values that next of kin experience in interaction with nurses who care for elderly patients at a geriatric clinic. Interviews with 14 next of kin were conducted and data were analysed by constant comparative analysis. Four categories were identified: receiving, showing respect, facilitating participation and showing professionalism. These categories formed the basis of the core category: 'Being amenable', a concept identified in the next of kin's description of the ethical values that they and the ...

Prevalence of frailty on clinical wards: Description and implications

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Andela RM, Dijkstra A, Slaets JPJ, Sanderman R. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 14[ndash]19Prevalence of frailty on clinical wards: Description and implications This paper describes the prevalence and frailty level of patients aged [ge] 75 years upon admission to various clinical wards. The data collection took place on five clinical wards of different clinical specialisms: Geriatric Centre, traumatology, pulmonology/rheumatology, internal medicine and surgical medicine. The Groningen Frailty Indicator was used to assess the frailty of newly admitted patients. The presence of number and kind of the various frailty indicators was different for the clinical wards, because of clinical diagnose, age and gender. On the Geriatric Centre, almost all patients were indicated as ...

Consumer participation: Ensuring suicide postvention research counts for end users

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article describes how consumers were included in the research processes of a South Australian study into suicide postvention services, and illustrates important principles to consider when including consumers in research. A concurrent mixed-method approach facilitated the collection of mixed data through the application of questionnaires. The study was conducted in an Australian metropolitan area. Because of media releases, a large number of people rang to enquire and volunteer their participation. From over 200 expressions of interest, 161 individuals participated. The participation of consumers in the research process ensured the findings were relevant for end users. A number of recommendations for the care and support of those bereaved through suicide were developed as a result. (S...

Impact of cancer on psychosexuality: Cultural perspectives of Asian women

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:41:29 +0100

This study helps us to understand the cultural perspectives of 50 Asian women diagnosed with cancer. Median age was 50+ years. Median duration of time from diagnosis to interview was 23 months. Thirty-eight per cent stopped sex before illness, 36% stopped sex completely whereas 18% stopped gradually after diagnosis; 8% continued to have sex till time of interview. Overall, 70% were living with spouse but not engaged in sexual intercourse; 31.4% slept in different room, 48.6% slept in the same room but without any form of sexual contact. Thirty-eight per cent believed sexual activity could cause cancer recurrence, and 30% believed cancer could be sexually transmitted. Eighty-two per cent reported acceptance of changes to physical appearance. Approximately 70[ndash]86% did not discuss sexual...

Reducing nosocomial infection in neonatal intensive care: An intervention study

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study highlights the importance of education in contributing to the control of nosocomial infection in the neonatal intensive care unit. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice)

Having a child with asthma—Quality of life for Jordanian parents

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study was conducted to assess the quality of life (QoL) of Jordanian parents of children with asthma and its associated factors. Three hundred and twenty-six parents of 200 children participated in the study. The Pediatric Asthma Caregivers' Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) was used to measure how parents of children with asthma disease impaired their daily life during the previous week on two domains 'activity limitations' and 'emotional function'. In this study, parents of children with asthma scored their QoL during the past week moderately to the positive end of the scale but they scored more limitations in the domain of activities than in emotions. Parents in the same family scored activity domain fairly similar and there was a significant difference in their scoring of tot...

Nurses' perception of the quality of care they provide to hospitalized drug addicts: Testing the Theory of Reasoned Action

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A correlational design was used to examine nursing staff attitudes and subjective norms manifested in intended and actual care of drug users based on the Theory of Reasoned Action. One hundred and thirty-five nursing staff from three central Israeli hospitals completed a questionnaire examining theory-based variables as well as sociodemographic and professional characteristics. Most respondents reported a high to very high level of actual or intended care of drug users. Nurses' stronger intentions to provide quality care to drug users were associated with more positive attitudes. Nursing staff members had moderately negative attitudes towards drug users. Nurses were found to hold negative stereotypes of drug addict patients and most considered the management of this group difficult. Positi...

The attitudes of student and registered nurses to sleep promotion in hospitals

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study explored the attitudes of student and registered nurses regarding sleep promotion in hospitals. Qualitative data were obtained using semistructured interviews with volunteer samples and subsequently transcribed and analysed. The findings showed that the study participants held generally positive attitudes to sleep as a curative and beneficial medium. However, for many there were clear blocks to their practice, including the attitudes of others, the ward culture and routine orientation of care, resulting in sleep promotion having a low priority. The implications of the findings include the need to foster staff awareness and practice of this element of care, particularly through managers who have to take responsibility for encouraging a positive ethos towards sleep promotion. (Sou...

An evaluation of the level of satisfaction with a dedicated inpatient venepuncture service at a rehabilitation centre

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this prospective observational study was to determine the levels of satisfaction of the three main 'customers' of a dedicated inpatient venepuncture service at a rehabilitation centre, namely the patients, medical staff and nursing staff. The venepuncture service was delivered by two part-time nurses. One hundred and six patients, 14 medical staff and 35 nurses participated in the study. Three purpose-designed surveys were administered to investigate levels of satisfaction. High degrees of satisfaction were reported by all three 'customer' groups. Patients were highly satisfied with the interpersonal skills of the venepuncture nurses and their ability to obtain blood on the first pass, medical staff agreed that a dedicated venepuncture service gave them more time to spend in...

Registered nurses' everyday activities in municipal health care: A study of diaries

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study described the work content of registered nurses (RNs) employed in municipal health care. Diary notes of three working days from 34 RNs were analysed using content analysis, and a total of 3185 activities were identified. Of these, 2807 were analysed further and grouped by comparing similarities and differences. The content of the RNs' nursing activities consisted of assessing health, giving treatments and conducting check-ups, handling pharmaceuticals and teaching. In the administration category, the content comprised planning and reporting, followed by documentation. The RNs' role in municipal health care is consultative, which reinforces their need for competence in advanced nursing, as well as in leadership and pedagogy. RNs mostly work without colleagues and they are respons...

Factors hampering the use of patient complaints to improve quality: An exploratory study

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to explore factors that might hamper the use of patient complaints to improve quality. A teaching hospital in Taiwan was purposefully chosen for a case study based on data triangulation. The study included in-depth interviews with hospital senior managers, senior social workers, government officials and non-government organizations staff; as well as analysis of documents. In the Case Hospital, the organizational responses to complaints appear to be influenced by the interaction between managerial factors, operational factors and technical factors. Externally, there were no national guidelines to regulate how the hospital handled complaints. This was bound to have a major influence on the response of the hospital to complaints. Internally, the hospital itself did not place g...

Jordanian mother's report of their childbirth experience: Findings from a questionnaire survey

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The main aim of this study is to document women's perceptions of the different aspects their childbirth experience including expectations, satisfaction and self-control. Other aspects of the labour process including length of labour, difficulty of labour, effectiveness of pain control, expectations of pain level, perception of level of involvement in decisions among other variables were also explored. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to achieve the aim of this study. A convenience sample of 177 Jordanian mothers was used. They were recruited from three primary health-care centres located in Irbid, north of Jordan. Findings of the study indicated that women had a more painful labour than they expected, they were scared of the experience of labour, they went through different pr...

Surveying health professionals' satisfaction with the Integrated Management of Adult and Adolescent Illness Chronic HIV Care training programme: The Papua New Guinea experience

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study reports findings from a survey of Papua New Guinean registered nurse who completed the Integrated Management of Adult and Adolescent Illness (IMAI) Chronic HIV Care training conducted between November 2005 and December 2006. The survey conducted is one component of a mixed method evaluation of the IMAI program in Papua New Guinea. Data from the questionnaires were entered into version 16 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program. The responses on the effect of the IMAI training program had on various aspects of how care is provided, learning needs and other program outcomes were analysed with a chi-square test being applied to detect any difference in the response given by the different demographic subgroups in terms of gender, age, care status, ...

Validity and reliability of the community-environmental index regarding daily living among the mental disorders in community: An assessment instrument based on community nursing activity

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we proposed the 33-item questionnaire composed of 33 factors. This was called as the Morita's community-environmental index (MCEI). It was suggested that the MCEI was useful to assess community-environmental conditions regarding daily living of the mental disorders in the community. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice)

Enhancing cultural competence: Trans-Atlantic experiences of European and Canadian nursing students

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This paper describes the enhancement of cultural competence through trans-Atlantic rural community experiences of European and Canadian nursing students using critical incident technique (CIT) as the students' reflective writing method. The data generated from 48 students' recordings about 134 critical incidents over a 2-year project were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Five main learning categories were identified as: cross-cultural ethical issues; cultural and social differences; health-care inequalities; population health concerns; and personal and professional awareness. Four emergent cultural perspectives for the health sector that became apparent from the reflections were: health promotion realm; sensitivity to social and cultural aspects of people's lives; channels between...

Magnet Recognition and Practice Development: Two journeys towards practice improvement in health care

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Health service providers continue to struggle with recruitment, retention, evidence-based practice and practice improvement in order to provide high-quality care for the communities they serve. In doing so, they are often required to implement strategies, which require considerable change at both organizational and ward/unit levels. The question remains, how do health service providers instigate processes that will result in positive and sustainable changes to practice and better outcomes for staff and patients? This paper outlines two increasingly used strategies for practice improvement (namely Magnet Recognition and Practice Development), their points of convergence and divergence and makes some broad recommendations for those seeking effective strategies for change that are cognizant o...

The social world of Australian practice nurses and the influence of medical dominance: An analysis of the literature

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In Australia, the number of practice nurses is growing at a rapid rate. On the nursing landscape, this group of nurses stand out because of their relationship with the Australian Government who both fund them, and concern themselves with their continuing professional development. This paper provides a construction of the social world of Australian practice nurses, identifying stakeholders in the business of practice nursing. Literature produced by the various social world segments is analysed for the influence of medical dominance on the role, image, power and politics of practice nurses. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice)

Analysing oral history: A new approach when linking method to methodology

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This paper discusses a pragmatic and innovative approach to the data analysis of oral testimonies when used within a methodological framework of Historiography. Oral testimony is increasingly perceived as an exciting research method within the nursing discipline. However, the availability of a clear method to guide the researcher in their analysis of oral testimonies as the primary data for a Historiography is limited. A practical approach to the interpretation of oral testimony is needed to ensure the continued and successful use of Historiography as a valued research methodology in nursing science. The primary discussion revolves around the explication of a four-stage method proposed as a pragmatic tool for the analysis of oral testimonies. Theoretical literature from the Historian, Paul...

The communication challenges faced in adopting a palliative care approach in advanced dementia

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This paper discusses one aspect from the findings of an Australian study aimed at understanding the needs of people with advanced dementia. Specifically, this paper focuses on the communication issues that might potentially inhibit the implementation of a palliative care approach for a person with advanced dementia in a residential aged care facility (RACF). Six focus groups consisting of 34 participants and 24 semistructured interviews were conducted. Participants were drawn from palliative care specialty staff, palliative care volunteers, designated aged or dementia specialist staff from an area health service, general practitioners, RACF staff and family carers. The findings show communication issues identified by the participants were a significant factor impacting on their capacity to...

Health-related quality of life among old residents of nursing homes in Norway

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, respondents generally reported highly limited physical functioning and slightly limited social functioning. To improve the situation of residents, more attention should be paid to the environment of nursing homes and residents' hobbies and special interests. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice)

Factors strengthening and weakening vaccination competence

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to describe factors strengthening and weakening vaccination competence. The data were collected by focus group and individual interviews with 40 participants, consisting of health-care professionals, students and clients, and were then analysed by content analysis. The results could be classified into four categories: vaccinator professional conduct, education, client conduct and the vaccination environment. Successful client encounters, comprehensive knowledge of vaccinating, adequate education, clients' positive attitude, suitable physical environment and centralization of vaccinations were considered strengthening factors, whereas their opposites weakened vaccination competence. The two most important factors were vaccinator professional conduct and educati...

Nurses' attitude towards 'difficult' and 'good' patients in eight public hospitals

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The paper is part of a large-scale study exploring violence in nursing conducted between 2005 and 2006. There were various objectives for each aspect of the study. Qualitative descriptive survey was selected. The population were all nurses licensed with the South African Nursing Council. Non-probability sampling technique was utilized to distribute confidential questionnaires to nurses employed in the eight public hospitals during 2006. Good patients were rewarded with tender loving care although difficult patients were ignored or needed interventions deliberately delayed. Because of the severe shortage of qualified staff, nurses had to rationale care in order to meet needs of all their patients. However, nurses found to violate health-care consumers were counselled, disciplined and/or dis...

Organizational factors influencing knowledge transfer into practice in Iranian nursing context: A grounded theory approach

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Divergence in Iranian nursing organization including academic and clinical settings adversely affects knowledge transfer. Centralized and medical focused nursing with a lack of effective representation at senior or national level was inferred as the main causal conditions. Using grounded theory methodology, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 17 participants to better understand their perceptions of the organizational factors influencing knowledge transfer. Organizational factors affecting knowledge transfer can be grouped into two main categories or themes: (i) the dimensions of incompetent organizational content (such as work culture); and (ii) incompetent organizational structure (such as the hierarchy of authority, the expertise and the standardization). The findings sho...

Nursing the dying: A descriptive survey of Australian undergraduate nursing curricula

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This paper reports on the results of a descriptive study that explored death and dying education in Australian undergraduate nursing curricula conducted as phase one of a two-phase, longitudinal mixed-method study. A descriptive study using survey method was selected. Thirty-nine Deans of Nursing (or their equivalent position title) were invited to participate. The study setting involved university schools of nursing (or equivalent title) in the six states and two territories of Australia. A mailed survey was self-administered by participants. Descriptive statistics were used to generate a description of the current curricula practices used by Australian undergraduate nursing programmes to provide death and dying education. A response rate of 76% (n = 26) was achieved. The results show dea...

Work empowerment in multidisciplinary teams during organizational change

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conducted as part of a project dealing with work empowerment in multidisciplinary teams in a Finnish hospital specializing in providing care and treatment for different rheumatic conditions, this study set out to explore the associations between organizational change factors and perceived work empowerment in a setting where patients with chronic diseases are being cared for by multiprofessional teams. All health-care professionals working at the hospital under investigation were invited to take part in the survey. Data were collected in 2005 with a structured questionnaire consisting of five parts: background variables, organizational change factors, aspects of work empowerment as well as factors promoting and impeding empowerment. Organizational change factors correlated with work empower...

Initial evaluation of a new safety needle system at a clinical setting in Taiwan

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Needle-protective devices have been investigated for decades for preventing health-care workers from infecting blood-borne pathogens. This initial evaluation of a new safety needle system in a disposable conventional syringe (new safety syringe) in a clinical setting was to see how nurses view its safety, usability and compatibility. A convenient sample of 205 nurses was involved and completed a user evaluation questionnaire. The results showed 163 nurses (88.1%) would use the safety syringes if the hospital provided safety syringes. Over 50% agreed that the new device was able to maintain the sterile principles and was easy to operate. Less than 25% disagreed that the new device 'does not spend more work time' and 'does not affect the standard procedure while changing needle'. Positive at...

Nurse-led telephone triage in an Australian rural mental health service

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This paper reports on changes in referral patterns of a rural mental health telephone triage service based in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. A retrospective audit of service data over the period 1999[ndash]2005 was undertaken as part of a quality improvement exercise. Data collected included service utilization statistics and critical reflection on the role of the mental health triage clinician within the service. There was an average of 2771 referrals each year and a trend for increased use by general practitioners and hospital emergency departments. Triage nurses reported concerns about: professional isolation, lack of formal education, difficulties in making decisions based on limited data as well as poor understanding of the role by users (patients and referrers). Further research is ...

Nursing prioritization of the patient need for care: A tacit knowledge embedded in the clinical decision-making literature

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Every day in clinical settings, nurses practise in complex and dynamic situations. Nurses work to achieve emergent order in these situations through nursing prioritization of the patient need for care. As direct research on nursing prioritization had not been reported, a study, using critical realism as method, was designed to discern the profession's embedded understanding from within the clinical decision-making literature. The research synthesizes a tacit knowledge on nursing prioritization of the patient need for care from key international literature (from 1966 to 2003). Nursing prioritization was discerned in both education and practice literatures; interrelationships between these and theoretical approaches were also identified. Nursing prioritization of the patient need for care wa...

Change in knowledge and self-efficacy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A six-month follow-up study

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to examine rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients' knowledge of the disease and its treatments and their self-efficacy changed in a 6-month period. The data were collected from 223 RA patients during August 2004[ndash]March 2005 using self-administered questionnaires. The main finding was that the patients' knowledge of exercise, joint protection and energy conservation increased and their self-efficacy strengthened over the 6-month period. However, the RA patients' general knowledge of the disease (e.g. of its aetiology) decreased significantly. Weak relationships exist between the patients' self-efficacy and their knowledge of exercise, joint protection and energy conservation. The patients who had follow-up visits during the 6-month period had slightly better k...

Registered nurse incentives to return to practice in the United States

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This US study uniquely listened to registered nurses with current licenses who do not work as nurses or are unemployed. An electronic survey was advertised in 13 Boards of Nursing newsletters. Investigated was why nurses left nursing, what would entice them to return to nursing, and what skill review is essential to competent and confident return to nursing practice. Herzberg's theory was used to study factors affecting registered nurses' decision to practise nursing. Data were analysed using SPSS and manifest content analysis. Nurses (n = 127) identified various work conditions as the primary reasons for leaving nursing. Work condition improvement, recognition of one's work, opportunities for professional growth and family needs consideration were identified as key enticing factors for re...

Facilitating collaborative development in practice

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report the findings of four parallel Nominal group Technique Interviews undertaken with groups of professional (nurses from practice and academia) and lay stakeholder representatives during a seminar event. The group work sought to explore the mechanisms, which could facilitate meaningful practice development partnerships between nurses, academic nurses and people. The most highly ranked suggestions included creating a culture where practice development is seen as everyone's business and establishing a unified collaborative infrastructure. A range of enabling and inhibiting conditions were explored and the complexity of achieving consensus decision-making processes that would allow realization of the policy rhetoric was exposed. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice)

Institutionalized children: The underprivileged

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The focus of this article is on negative effects of institutionalization in children, which is based on findings of a descriptive study conducted in India. The author reviews related literature in order to discuss the effect of institutionalization in children and the importance of addressing those children's unmet social and emotional needs. The discussion includes significant findings of the author's study. The author explores strategies for improving these children's outcomes, including placing the children in adoption or foster care so that they will have a family environment. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice)

Parents' perceptions and needs of children's hospital discharge information