Abstract: This qualitative study investigated surgical nurses' perceptions of patient-controlled analgesia as a strategy for managing acute pain in a tertiary care hospital. Patient-controlled analgesia is commonly used and nurses play an essential role in caring for patients prescribed it. The study was divided into two parts. First, audiotaped semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 nurses. The interviews were followed by a postal questionnaire to 336 nurses with 171 returned. Thematic analysis was the chosen methodology. The audiotaped transcripts and questionnaires surfaced five themes, with the dominant one being `I think PCA is great, but . . .'. The paper outlines and explores these themes and addresses the implications arising from the research for both clinical practice and education.

Abstract: Investigates the logistics and acceptability of an electronic medication dispenser (EMD) within a home-based medication management service as a substitute for face-to-face home visiting, as a means of reminding elderly clients to take their medication on time. Uses a qualitative usability study methodology to conduct the study, centred on a small group of clients receiving the service from a small group of clients receiving the service from a community nursing organisation in Christchurch. Involves patients, pharmacists, nurses and managers of the community nursing service. Identifies critical processes and protocols required to safely support a wider roll-out of the product within the service.

Abstract: Investigates the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse-infant relationship, with a focus on vocal soothing. Undertakes two observational studies to record the use of voice by NICU nurses during painful and non-painful procedures. Develops a model of vocal soothing and tests it for its ability to provide comfort to pre-term infants undergoing painful procedures. Measures pain using the Premature Infant Pain Profile Revised.

Abstract: Advocates for the inclusion of Maori participants in research on long-term conditions (LTC). Presents research with 16 participants, including 6 Maori, into how they managed their conditions, and describes the role of consultation with Maori experts to support the cultural responsiveness of such research.

Abstract: The aims of the study were to provide a deconstructive analysis of the concepts of risk and risk management, and to explore the historical context of mental disorder and the concept of risk, the clinical context of risk assessment and management, the cultural, political and economic context of risk, and the impact on mental health nursing and consumers of mental health services. This is undertaken by providing a critical review of the history of mental illness and its relationship to risk, examination of government policy on clinical risk management, analysis of a risk assessment model and a discussion of the political and economic factors that have influenced the use of risk assessment and management in clinical practice. The concept of risk and its assessment and management have been employed in the delivery of mental health services as a form of contemporary governance. One consequence of this has been the positioning of social concerns over clinical judgement. The process employed to assess and manage risk could be regarded as a process of codification, commodification and aggregation. In the mental health care setting this can mean attempting to control the actions and behaviours of consumers and clinicians to best meet the fiscal needs of the organisation. The authors conclude that the mental health nursing profession needs to examine carefully its socially mandated role as guardians of those who pose a risk to others to ensure that its practice represents its espoused therapeutic responsibilities.

Abstract: This study drew upon the theoretical insights of Michel Foucault to provide a discursive analysis of the term euthanasia, and the issues surrounding the “right-to-die”. It involved an analysis of primary texts from; nursing, general, and legal literature as well as the media between the years 2002-2004. Drawing upon data researched, the study analyses the main discourses regarding the practice of euthanasia for terminally ill individuals. The two competing discourses that emerged were what the author termed the sanctity-of life-discourse and the right-to-die discourse. The aim of the study was to uncover the discourses understanding of “truth” regarding the right-to-die. The analysis revealed that a small percentage of cancer sufferers (5%) die with their pain insufficiently treated and the right-to-die discourse claims that no individual should have to suffer needlessly, asserting the individuals right to autonomy. Directly opposing this is the sanctity-of life-discourse which states all life is sacred and nothing can justify euthanasia as an acceptable practice in society. These findings indicate the need for effective palliative care and pain management when caring for the terminally ill individual. The legal, ethical and moral implications of euthanasia are many and this study discusses the effects these may have on health professionals involved with the care of terminally ill patients. The study revealed an increasing deployment of the right-to-die discourse in the media and revealed concerns regarding the nursing profession's lack of preparation to deal with euthanasia if it becomes a legal option in end of life care.

Abstract: This article examines historical events within one hospital and compares them with contemporary risk management practices. The examples involve a nurse sustaining injury in the course of her work, a fire in the hospital and two instances of patient complaints – one concerning nursing care and the other relating to a time lag between admission to hospital and receiving medical attention. Analysis of the processes followed in investigating these occurrences reveals that these historic investigations were small in scale and less bureaucratic than contemporary practice, and were based on a culture of blame. This is contrasted with modern risk management practices which are more focused on understanding what can be learned from the incident with respect to preventing recurrence.

Abstract: Alleviating patient suffering, providing comfort and pain relief are all central to the philosophical caring position nurses have always espoused. Despite this, patients continue to suffer pain although we have the means to provide pain relief. The author notes that research has identified that nurses have a knowledge deficit regarding pain and its management, as well an erroneous attitudes, which combined are blamed for an inability to make significant progress in this area. This study was undertaken to uncover the contextual aspects of working within a New Zealand health care institution that affect nurses' ability to manage their patient' pain effectively. It highlights the difficulties and the complicated nature of working within an institution in the 1990's health care environment, where accountability for pain is absent and where pain is often under-assessed and under-treated. By using focus group of nurses, the author notes she was able to uncover constructions on nursing practice, which, she suggests, have been missing from the literature, but prevent nurses from implementing their knowledge. Using a constructivist research, she used nurse's stories and current literature to argue one way forward in, what she terms, the pain management debacle. This study revealed a diverse range of contextual factors that prevent nurses from using their knowledge. Many of the constraints on nursing practice are the results of complex organisational structures within health reform, which have significantly affected the nurse's ability to provide quality-nursing care. One of the most important factors limiting the management of the patient' pain is the inability of the nurse to autonomously initiate analgesia. While nurses are largely responsible for the assessment of pain, they are usually powerless to access necessary analgesia, without a medical prescription. The author argues that once an initial medical diagnosis has been made, nurses are usually left responsible for patient comfort and the management of pain. To do so effectively, nurses need to able to prescribe both pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures for the patient. Presently nurses are prescribing using a variety of illegitimate mechanisms, needing the endorsement of a doctor. To fulfil this role, nurses must be adequately prepared educationally and given the authority to either prescribe autonomously, of provided with extensive “standing orders”. While legislative changes in New Zealand in 1999 extended prescribing right to a few nurses within certain areas of care, the ward nurse is unlikely to gain prescribing rights in the near future. The author concludes that a way forward may be to encourage and further develop the use of protocols for managing pain via standing orders. Standing orders are common place within nursing practice today, have the support of the Nursing Council of New Zealand and are currently under-going legislative review. An institutional commitment to developing pain protocols for nurses would recognise the nurses active role and expertise in the management of pain and facilitate expedient relief for the patient.