Nolan, M., Featherston, J., & Nolan, J. (2003). Palliative care: Palliative care philosophy in care homes: Lessons from New Zealand. British Journal of Nursing, 12(16), 974–979.
Abstract: Drawing on data from a large convenience sample of caregivers in New Zealand, this article argues for a reappraisal of the way in which care homes view death and dying and advocates the more widespread adoption of a palliative care philosophy. Increasing numbers of people are dying in care homes yet little is known about the nature and quality of their deaths. The limited research available suggests that there is a need to promote a philosophy of palliative care that is not confined to the terminal phase of life. However, adopting such an approach appears to be inhibited by a lack of understanding, education and training, as well as continuing reluctance to discuss issues of death and dying in an open and honest way.
|
Bishop, D., & Ford-Bruins, I. (2003). Nurses' perceptions of mental health assessment in an acute inpatient setting in New Zealand: A qualitative study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 12(3), 203–212.
Abstract: This qualitative study explores the perceptions of mental health nurses regarding assessment in an acute adult inpatient setting in Central Auckland. Fourteen mental health nurses took part in semi-structured interviews answering five open-ended questions. The analysis of data involved a general inductive approach, with key themes drawn out and grouped into four categories (roles, attitudes, skills and knowledge) in order to explore the meaning of information gathered. The outcome of the study acknowledged the importance of contextual factors such as the physical environment and bureaucratic systems, as well as values and beliefs present within the unit. The participants expressed concern that their input to assessment processes was limited, despite belief that 24-hour care and the nature of mental health nursing generally suggested that a crucial role should exist for nurses. In order for nurses to be established as central in the assessment process on the unit the study concludes that a nursing theoretical framework appropriate for this acute inpatient setting needs to be developed.
|
Carter, H., McKinlay, E. M., Scott, I., Wise, D., & MacLeod, R. (2002). Impact of a hospital palliative care service: Perspective of the hospital staff. JBI Reports, 18(3), 160–167.
Abstract: The first New Zealand hospital palliative care support service was established in 1985. Different service models have now been adopted by various major hospitals. In 1998, a palliative care service, funded by Mary Potter Hospice, was piloted at Wellington Public Hospital. Twelve months post-implementation, the hospital staff's views of the service were evaluated. It was found that referrals to palliative care from hospital specialities outside the Cancer Centre increased. While most doctors, nurses and social workers strongly agreed or agreed that the service positively influenced patients' care and effectively addressed their symptom management needs, spiritual needs were less often met. Over 90 percent of each discipline strongly agreed or agreed that the service had assisted them in caring for patients, but, only about a half agreed that useful discharge planning advice and staff support was provided. Significant differences in responses were found between different disciplines and specialities. One fifth of the staff identified palliative care education needs. Recommendations are made concerning the development of a future hospital palliative care service.
|
Bickley, J. (2002). A study of medical, nursing, and institutional not-for-resuscitation (NFR) discourses. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This study investigates the way that medical, nursing and institutional discourses construct knowledge in the specific context of Not-for-resuscitation (NFR)in a New Zealand general hospital where NFR guidelines are available in the wards and from the regional ethics committee. The thesis argues that there are ranges of techniques that staff use to construct NFR knowledge, enacted through various forms of speech and silence, which result in orderly and disorderly experiences for patients nearing death. The study was conducted through a critical analysis of the talk of health professionals and the Chairperson of the Regional Ethics Committee.
|
O'Sullivan, C. (2002). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Attitudes and knowledge of medical and nursing staff. Ph.D. thesis, , .
|
Rydon, S. E. (2001). Attitudes, skills and knowledge of mental health nurses: The perception of users of mental health services. Ph.D. thesis, , .
|
Carryer, J. B. (2001). Embodied largeness: A significant women's health issue. Nursing Inquiry, 8(2), 90–97.
Abstract: This paper describes a three-year long research project in which nine large-bodied women have engaged in a prolonged dialogue with the researcher about the experience of being 'obese'. The study involved an extensive review of the multidisciplinary literature that informs our understandings of body size. The literature review was shared with participants in order to support their critical understanding of their experience. The experience of participants raised questions as to how nursing could best provide health-care for large women. An examination of a wide range of literature pertinent to the area of study reveals widespread acceptance of the notion that to be thin is to be healthy and virtuous, and to be fat is to be unhealthy and morally deficient. According to the literature review, nurses have perpetuated an unhelpful and reductionist approach to their care of large women, in direct contradiction to nursing's supposed allegiance to a holistic approach to health-care. This paper suggests strategies for an improved response to women who are concerned about their large body size.
|
Barton, J. (2001). Pain knowledge and attitudes of nurses and midwives in a New Zealand context. Ph.D. thesis, , .
|
Herbert, B. (2001). How often do health professionals wash their hands? Vision: A Journal of Nursing, 7(13), 29–32.
Abstract: This literature review presents evidence on health professionals' practice in hand washing. The research was primarily quantitative and consistently showed that health professionals did not have a lack of knowledge, but that hand washing was not always done. More qualitative research is required to investigate reasons for this and possible interventions.
|