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Fitzgerald, S., Tripp, H., & Halksworth-Smith, G. (2017). Assessment and management of acute pain in older people: barriers and facilitators to nursing practice. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 35(1). Retrieved May 7, 2024, from https://www.ajan.com.au/
Abstract: Examines the pain management practices of nurses, and identifies barriers and facilitators to the assessment and management of pain for older people, within the acute hospital setting.
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Therkleson, T. (2010). Ginger compress therapy for adults with osteoarthritis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(10), 2225?2233.
Abstract: Abstract
Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explicate the phenomenon of ginger
compresses for people with osteoarthritis.
Background. Osteoarthritis is claimed to be the leading cause of musculoskeletal
pain and disability in Western society. Management ideally combines non-pharmacological
strategies, including complementary therapies and pain-relieving
medication. Ginger has been applied externally for over a thousand years in China
to manage arthritis symptoms.
Method. Husserlian phenomenological methodology was used and the data were
collected in 2007. Ten purposively selected adults who had suffered osteoarthritis
for at least a year kept daily diaries and made drawings, and follow-up interviews
and telephone conversations were conducted.
Findings. Seven themes were identified in the data: (1) Meditative-like stillness
and relaxation of thoughts; (2) Constant penetrating warmth throughout the
body; (3) Positive change in outlook; (4) Increased energy and interest in the
world; (5) Deeply relaxed state that progressed to a gradual shift in pain and
increased interest in others; (6) Increased suppleness within the body and (7)
More comfortable, flexible joint mobility. The essential experience of ginger
compresses exposed the unique qualities of heat, stimulation, anti-inflammation
and analgesia.
Conclusion. Nurses could consider this therapy as part of a holistic treatment for
people with osteoarthritis symptoms. Controlled research is needed with larger
numbers of older people to explore further the effects of the ginger compress
therapy.
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Major, G., & Holmes, J. (2008). How do nurses describe health care procedures? Analysing nurse-patient interaction in a hospital ward. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 25(4), 58–70.
Abstract: This study examines the communication strategies used by nurses on the ward in one aspect of the job, namely the ways that they describe health procedures to patients. The data used in this project was collected by nurses on a busy hospital ward as part of Victoria University's Language in the Workplace Project. Three nurses carried minidisc recorders as they went about their normal working day, recording their conversations with patients, visitors, and other staff. The data was collected in a women's hospital ward. All patients, nurses, cleaners and ward clerks were female; two doctors were female and two were male. Twenty three instances where nurses described procedures to patients were identified in the data set. The analysis identified several typical components; indicated there was no fixed order of components; and demonstrated that all except the core component of describing the procedure were optional rather than obligatory elements. The researchers note this is qualitative and exploratory research. The findings demonstrate the benefit of discourse analysis within a sociolinguistic framework for the analysis of nurse-patient interaction. The results indicate that health discourse is not one-sided, nor is it as straightforward as many nursing textbooks suggest.
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Harding, T. S. (2007). The construction of men who are nurses as gay. Coda: An institutional repository for the New Zealand ITP sector, 60(6), 636–644.
Abstract: This paper is a report of a study to determine the construction of male nurses as gay, and to describe how this discourse impacts on a group of New Zealand male nurses. This social constructionist study drew on data collected from existing texts on men, nursing and masculinity and interviews with 18 New Zealand men conducted in 2003-2004. Discourse analysis, informed by masculinity theory and queer theory, was used to analyse the data. Despite the participants' beliefs that the majority of male nurses are heterosexual, the stereotype persists. A paradox emerged between the 'homosexual' general nurse and the 'heterosexual' pyschiatric nurse. The stigma associated with homosexuality exposes male nurses to homophobia in the workplace. The heterosexual men employed strategies to avoid the presumption of homosexuality; these included: avoiding contact with gay colleagues and overt expression of their heterosexuality. These stigmatising discourses create a barrier to caring and, aligned with the presence of homophobia in the workplace, deter men's entry into the profession and may be important issues with respect to their retention.
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McBride-Henry, K., & Foureur, M. (2007). A secondary care nursing perspective on medication administration safety. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 60(1), 58–66.
Abstract: This paper reports on a study to explore how nurses in a secondary care environment understand medication administration safety and the factors that contribute to, or undermine, safe practice during this process. Data were collected in 2005 using three focus groups of nurses that formed part of a larger study examining organisational safety and medication administration from a nursing perspective. A narrative approach was employed to analyse the transcripts. Participants had good understandings of organisational culture in relation to medication safety and recognised the importance of effective multi-disciplinary teams in maintaining a safe environment for patients. Despite this, they acknowledged that not all systems work well, and offered a variety of ways to improve current medication practices. These findings highlight the meaningful contribution nurses can make to patient safety and emphasise the importance of including the nursing voice in any quality improvement initiatives.
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Giddings, D. L. S., Roy, D. E., & Predeger, E. (2007). Women's experience of ageing with a chronic condition. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 58(6), 557–565.
Abstract: This paper is a report of a study to explore the experiences of 'almost old' women as they grow older while living with a chronic condition. Little is known about the contextual effects of ageing and how it shapes and is shaped by a woman's chronic illness experience. Seven women aged between 50 and 58 years participated in this interpretive descriptive study that explored the issues of ageing with a chronic condition. Three focus groups were held between March 2003 and March 2004. Transcriptions were analysed after each focus group. Participants were given the opportunity to respond to the findings as the analysis progressed. The experience of living with a chronic illness foreshadowed what was to come with ageing and embodied the ageing process: it was just part of their lives. Alongside this, the women now felt less out of place. Their peers were catching up and beginning to experience aspects of participants' everyday reality. The women, however, experienced double jeopardy because ageing amplified the ongoing vulnerabilities of living with a chronic condition. The authors conclude that nurses who recognise the resourcefulness and expertise of women who live with a chronic condition can effectively be co-strategists in helping them to age well.
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Payne, D., & Goedeke, S. (2007). Holding together: Caring for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 60(6), 645–653.
Abstract: This paper reports a study to investigate the roles and experiences of nurses caring for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Nurses are in a potentially unique position in the assisted reproductive technology environment as they maintain a more constant contact with the client. A qualitative approach was taken and a convenience sample of 15 nurses from New Zealand was interviewed in 2005. Data were analysed using interpretive description. The overarching theme identified was that of the potential role of the nurse to 'hold together' multiple components of the assisted reproductive technology process: holding together clients' emotional and physical experiences of assisted reproductive technologies; holding together the roles of different specialist team members; and holding together personal own emotions. It encompasses practices such as information-giving, interpreting, supporting and advocating. The researchers note that recognition of and support for the complexity of the role of ART nurses may positively contribute to clients' experiences.
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Polaschek, L., & Polaschek, N. (2007). Solution-focused conversations: A new therapeutic strategy in Well Child health nursing telephone consultations. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 59(2), 111–119.
Abstract: This paper reports a study to explore Well Child nurses' perceptions of outcomes resulting from the use of solution-focused conversations in their telephone consultations with clients. The standard problem-solving approach used to address physical issues is less effective for various non-physical concerns, where different communication strategies may be helpful. In this qualitative, action-oriented study, a small group of Well Child telenurses in New Zealand was introduced to a specific communication strategy, called 'solution-focused conversations', during 2005. They applied this approach in their practice and then reflected together on their experiences in focus groups. The nurses considered that the solution-focused conversations enabled clients to: recognise the nature of the parenting issue of concern that had motivated their call; identify more effective parenting practices to address specific issues with their child; increase their confidence in their own parenting capabilities. This study suggested the value of learning a specific communication strategy for the practice of a group of Well Child telenurses.
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McBride-Henry, K., & Foureur, M. (2006). Medication administration errors: Understanding the issues. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 23(3), 33–41.
Abstract: This literature review focused on research that primarily addresses the issues related to medications that arise in tertiary care facilities. It finds that investigations into medication errors have primarily focused on the role of nurses, and tended to identify the nurse as deliverer of unsafe practice. Over the past few years a shift in how medication errors are understood has led to the identification of systems-related issues that contribute to medication errors. The author suggests that nurses should contribute to initiatives such as the 'Quality and Safe Use of Medicines' and develop nursing led research, to address some of the safety related issues with a view to enhancing patient safety.
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Crowe, M. (2006). Psychiatric diagnosis: Some implications for mental health nursing care. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 53(1), 125–131.
Abstract: This article explores some of the functions of psychiatric diagnosis and the implications this has for mental health nursing care. It critiques the psychiatric diagnosis as a categorisation process that maintains oppressive power relations within society, by establishing and enforcing normality through gender, culture and class biases. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used to illustrate some of the inherent biases in the diagnostic process. The author argues that mental health nursing practice needs to demonstrate an awareness of the power relations inherent in any diagnostic process and make attempts to redress these at both the individual and sociopolitical levels. To create a true patient-centred partnership in mental health nursing, the nursing focus should be on the patient's experience rather than the psychiatric diagnosis with which the experience is attributed. NB this is a reprint of article first published in Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2000 Mar; 31(3), 583-9.
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Gardner, G., Dunn, S., Carryer, J. B., & Gardner, A. (2006). Competency and capability: Imperative for nurse practitioner education. The author-version of article, available online from Queensland University of Technology ePrints arc, 24(1), 8–14.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to conduct research to inform the development of standards for nurse practitioner education in Australia and New Zealand and to contribute to the international debate on nurse practitioner practice. The research was conducted in all states of Australia where the nurse practitioner is authorised, and in New Zealand. The research was informed by multiple data sources including nurse practitioner programme curricula documents from relevant universities in Australia and New Zealand, interviews with academic convenors of these programmes and interviews with nurse practitioners. Findings include support for masters level of education as preparation for the nurse practitioner. These programs need to have a strong clinical learning component and in-depth education for the sciences of specialty practice. Additionally an important aspect of education for the nurse practitioner is the centrality of student directed and flexible learning models. This approach is well supported by the literature on capability.
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Neville, S. J., & Henderson, H. M. (2006). Perceptions of lesbian, gay and bisexual people of primary healthcare services. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 55(4), 407–415.
Abstract: This paper reports a study exploring people's perceptions of disclosure about lesbian, gay and bisexual identity to their primary healthcare providers. Disclosure of sexual identity to healthcare professionals is integral to attending to the health needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual populations, as non-disclosure has been shown to have a negative impact on the health of these people. From April to July 2004, a national survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons was carried out in New Zealand. Participants were recruited through mainstream and lesbian, gay and bisexual media and venues, and 2269 people completed the questionnaire, either electronically or via hard copy. The 133-item instrument included a range of closed-response questions in a variety of domains of interest. In this paper, we report results from the health and well-being domain. More women than men identified that the practitioner's attitude toward their non-heterosexual identity was important when choosing a primary healthcare provider. Statistically significantly more women than men reported that their healthcare provider usually or always presumed that they were heterosexual and in addition more women had disclosed their sexual identity to their healthcare provider. The authors advise that nurses reconsider their approach to all users of healthcare services by not assuming everyone is heterosexual, integrating questions about sexual identity into health interviews and ensuring that all other aspects of the assessment process are appropriate and safe for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
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Hardy, D. J., O'Brien, A. P., Gaskin, C. J., O'Brien, A. J., Morrison-Ngatai, E., Skews, G., et al. (2004). Practical application of the Delphi technique in a bicultural mental health nursing study in New Zealand. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 46(1), 95–109.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to detail the practical application of the Delphi technique as a culturally and clinically valid means of accessing expert opinion on the importance of clinical criteria. Reference is made to a bicultural New Zealand mental health nursing clinical indicator study that employed a three-round reactive Delphi survey. Equal proportions of Maori and non-Maori nurses (n = 20) and consumers (n = 10) rated the importance of 91 clinical indicator statements for the achievement of professional practice standards. Additional statements (n = 21) suggested by Delphi participants in round 1 were included in subsequent rounds. In round 2, participants explained the rating they applied to statements that had not reached consensus in round 1, and summarised responses were provided to participants in round 3. Consensus was considered to have been achieved if 85% of round 3 ratings lay within a 2-point bracket on the 5-point Likert-scale overall, or in one of the Maori nurse, non-Maori nurse, or consumer groups. A mean rating of 4.5 after round 3 was set as the importance threshold. Consensus occurred overall on 75 statements, and within groups on another 24. Most statements (n = 86) reached the importance benchmark. The authors conclude that when rigorous methods of participant selection, group composition, participant feedback, and determination of consensus and importance are employed, the Delphi technique is a reliable, cost-effective means of obtaining and prioritising experts' judgements.
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Carter, H., MacLeod, R., Brander, P., & McPherson, K. (2004). Living with a terminal illness: Patients' priorities. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 45(6), 611–620.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to report on an exploratory, qualitative study exploring what people living with terminal illness considered were the areas of priority in their lives. Ten people living with terminal cancer were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews incorporated principles of narrative analysis and grounded theory. Over 30 categories were identified and collated into five inter-related themes (personal/intrinsic factors, external/extrinsic factors, future issues, perceptions of normality and taking charge) encompassing the issues of importance to all participants. Each theme focused on 'life and living' in relation to life as it was or would be without illness. Practical issues of daily living and the opportunity to address philosophical issues around the meaning of life emerged as important areas. The central theme, 'taking charge', concerned with people's levels of life engagement, was integrally connected to all other themes. The findings suggest that the way in which health professionals manage patients' involvement in matters such as symptom relief can impact on existential areas of concern. The findings challenge some aspects of traditional 'expert-defined' outcome measures. As this was an exploratory study, further work is needed to test and develop the model presented.
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Kinealy, T., Arroll, B., Kenealy, H., Docherty, B., Scott, D., Scragg, R., et al. (2004). Diabetes care: Practice nurse roles, attitudes and concerns. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 48(11), 68–75.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to report a study to compare the diabetes-related work roles, training and attitudes of practice nurses in New Zealand surveyed in 1990 and 1999, to consider whether barriers to practice nurse diabetes care changed through that decade, and whether ongoing barriers will be addressed by current changes in primary care. Questionnaires were mailed to all 146 practice nurses in South Auckland in 1990 and to all 180 in 1999, asking about personal and practice descriptions, practice organisation, time spent with patients with diabetes, screening practices, components of care undertaken by practice nurses, difficulties and barriers to good practice, training in diabetes and need for further education. The 1999 questionnaire also asked about nurse prescribing and influence on patient quality of life. More nurses surveyed in 1999 had post-registration diabetes training than those in 1990, although most of those surveyed in both years wanted further training. In 1999, nurses looked after more patients with diabetes, without spending more time on diabetes care than nurses in 1990. Nevertheless, they reported increased involvement in the more complex areas of diabetes care. Respondents in 1999 were no more likely than those in 1990 to adjust treatment, and gave a full range of opinion for and against proposals to allow nurse prescribing. The relatively low response rate to the 1990 survey may lead to an underestimate of changes between 1990 and 1999. Developments in New Zealand primary care are likely to increase the role of primary health care nurses in diabetes. Research and evaluation is required to ascertain whether this increasing role translates into improved outcomes for patients.
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