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Giles, A. L. (1997). This voice is forever: one woman's experience following total laryngectomy (Vol. 14). Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This phenomenological research project focused on one womans experience following total removal of her larynx and aimed to faithfully capture the essential structure of the phenomenon of voice as it emerged for her. For women in particular gaining a new artifical voice following surgery that is considerably lower sounding, plus the large visible opening in the lower neck is psychologically challenging and can be socially isolating. Most literature relating to laryngectomy and rehabilitation comprises quantitative research with limited attention to womens issues. This could be attributed to the small number of women undergoing this surgery. A review of nursing literature revealed minimal research, with none referring specifically to women. Nor were any studies using entirely qualitative methods identified.This research project used a phenomenological approach informed by the work of Michael Crotty, described as within the parameters of mainstream phenomenology. Based on a traditional common core foundation which is critical, holistic and individualistic, mainstream phenomenology requires achieving co-researchership between researcher and participant while exploring phenomena as objects of authentic human experience.The study began with discussing Crottys stepwise method emphasising the activity of bracketing. The co-researcher was then left to ponder or meditate on her experience following bracketing all her prior understandings and ideas, as if this was the first time she had encountered the phenomenon. Three conversations followed which allowed exploration of the co-researchers written statements. The seven interwoven dimensions that emerged represented the essential structure, meaning and essence of 'what voice is for this woman following total laryngectomy
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Pearson, J. R. (1995). Computer usage and the development of computer learning amongst first year student nurses enrolled in a nursing degree programme. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This report addresses the issue of computer literacy and its position in current nursing practice and nursing education.Two groups of nursing students in a three year Polytechnic provided programme were surveyed by questionnaire to gain information about their current computer usage. The first questionnaire was given to first year students at the end of the 1994 academic year. A basic self-paced word processing package was developed from the information. Following the teaching of the package to 1995 year students a questionnaire was given to this second group to gain information about the teaching programme and their intended computer use.A greater number of younger students were computer literate on course entry compared with mature students and personal computers were accessible to about 40% of students. Following completion of the computer package computers were being used by 8154 of the group for course work. Compared to approximately 44% of the previous (1994) group. It was concluded that the self paced package was a successful method of teaching basic computer literacy for the majority of students. However computer usage within the educational institution was affected by access to computers and the availability of computers and support personnel at times suitable for the student group. The findings had implications for the future planning of teaching progrrammes, computer access, and staffing for the Polytechnic, and recommendations addressed these issues
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Gardner, A., Hase, S., Gardner, G., Dunn, S., & Carryer, J. B. (2008). From competence to capability: A study of nurse practitioners in clinical practice. Author copy available 12 months after publication from QUT ePrints, 17(2), 250–258.
Abstract: This research aimed to understand the level and scope of practice of the nurse practitioner in Australia and New Zealand further using a capability framework. The original study, from which the present paper was developed, sought to identify competency standards for the extended role of the nurse practitioner in Australia and New Zealand. In doing so the researchers became aware that while competencies described many of the characteristics of the nurse practitioner they did not manage to tell the whole story. In a search of the literature, the concept of capability appeared to provide a potentially useful construct to describe the attributes of the nurse practitioner that went beyond competence. A secondary analysis of data obtained from the interviews with 15 nurse practitioners working in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken. The analysis showed that capability and its dimensions is a useful model for describing the advanced level attributes of nurse practitioners. Thus, nurse practitioners described elements of their practice that involved: using their competences in novel and complex situations as well as the familiar; being creative and innovative; knowing how to learn; having a high level of self-efficacy; and working well in teams. This study suggests dimensions of capability need to be considered in the education and evaluation of nurse practitioners.
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Pearson, J. R., Joyce, M., Khull, J., MacDonald, S., Norrish, S., Southwick, M., et al. (1993). Beginning the journey to self reflective practice. A study of teaching and learning in the first year of the Diploma in Nursing programme at Whitireia Community Polytechnic. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This research project was undertaken with the aim of making teaching and learning processes in the first year of the programme explicit to ensure successful strategies could be replicated and limitations addressed. Action research methodology was utilized to explore which tutors and students the philosophy of teaching, the student/tutor relationship, preferred learning styles and teaching methods, and influences on student learning. Findings elucidated that the philosophy and teaching methods used in the programme were congruent with the goals of the Polytechnic,, the curriculum aims, and current nursing ideologies. Students preferred small group, interactive teaching, did not always rate their ability accurately, and tended to downgrade their ability and did progressively less preparatory work for classes as the year progressed. Factors that impacted on the learning of this mainly mature group were external to the programme and included paid employment, family responsibilities, unexpected life events, lack of time and/or space to study, and financial problems. The research was used to determine the structure of the first year of the 1994 Bachelor of Nursing programme which articulated more clearly the process and pathway for students to become self directed learners. The research process was challenging and provided many useful insights for tutors and students
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Takarangi, J. (1984). Historical review of written descriptions of community based nursing in New Zealand 1910 – 1980. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: Using the content analysis method all items published in the New Zealand nursing journal over 12 months every 10 years 1910 – 1980 were analysed. The focus was nursing in the community and data was gathered on categories of nurses mentioned, the contexts, categories of clients plus 68 nursing activity sub-categories. The data in analysed and discussed to show demands and patterns over time
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Watson, P. B. (1997). Evaluation of a self management plan for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Vol. 10). Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: We hypothesized that the use of an Action Plan might assist self management for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).A pilot process and randomized, controlled study were undertaken to evaluate an action plan that provided advice on management of usual care and exacerbations, together with a booklet on self management. Fifty six subjects with COPD recruited through general practitioners (GPs) completed the six month study, 27 in the control group and 29 in the intervention group. The control group received usual care from their GP and the intervention group received a booklet and Action Plan from their practice nurse plus a supply of prednisone and antibiotic from their GP.The two groups were demographically similar with a mean age of 68 yrs. The resources were well received by GPs, practice nurses and the intervention group subjects. After six months there were no differences in quality of life scores or pulmonary function. There were significant changes in self management behaviour in the intervention group compared to controls. In response to seterioting symptoms, 34 versus7% (p= 0.014) initiated prednisone treatment and 44 versus 7 % (p=0.002 initiated antibiotics.Subjects in the intervention group readily adopted self management skills but did not shpw any difference in quality of life or lung function parameters. A larger prospective controlled clinical trial of this approach is warranted
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