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Hammond, S. (2001). Parallel journeys: Perceptions of palliative care. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The delivery of palliative care within contemporary New Zealand society is discussed, in the light of the recent publication of The New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy (2001). The viewpoint taken is largely descriptive rather than prescriptive, being based on a literature survey of international research and academic theory, which is also informed by the author's professionally gained knowledge. Four different perspectives, comprising a mix of providers and recipients of care are investigated: those of central government planning; specialist palliative care units; aged-care complexes; and patients, family and whanau. As an area of healthcare which current demographic projections indicate will become increasingly significant, the provision of palliative care to residents of and patients within aged-care complexes receives special attention. A metaphor of “parallel travellers” on “parallel journeys” is used to provide a thematic basis to the paper. The lived experiences and perceptions of each group of “parallel travellers” are explored. Difficulties in defining and evaluating palliative care, the implications of main-streaming, the scope of palliative care provision, the educative role of specialist palliative care providers and the current focus on mechanistic outcome measures are discussed. It is contended that the values and goals, both explicit and implicit, of the four specified groups may not at present be sufficiently congruent to optimise the effective provision of palliative care from the point of view of all concerned. While adequate resourcing and a genuinely collaborative approach among healthcare providers are both acknowledged to be critical, the potential for palliative care nurse practitioners to be appointed to the role of “care co-ordinator” alluded to within The New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy (2001), is also seen as pivotal. Insights from a postmodern perspective are offered as one possible way of achieving greater congruence.
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Adams-Smith, P. H. (2002). An exploration of issues of primary health services for Taranaki Te Atiawa children based on the expectations and perceptions of their female caregivers. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The intention of this research is, through collaborative discussion and selective conversations, to explore female caregivers' expectations and perceptions of primary health services for some Te Atiawa Maori children. The research process was developed in a partnership between the Maori women participants and the researcher. In addition, two local kuia actively participated in and supported the process. Emancipatory critical social theory underpinned and informed the project. Power relationships between the researcher and the participants can be overtly explored within this theoretical framework. In terms of this particular exploratory study, participatory research appeared to be applicable. The participants are female caregivers of Te Atiawa children. Data collection was done using group interactions and semi-structured interviews in the winter of the year 2000. A thematic analysis of the data was used, in which common themes were identified, compared and discussed. From the analysis of the data of the participants' conversations, key ideas were identified. The major findings have been identified within two main themes. These are: a concept of health is not the same for Pakeha as for Maori, and access issues are still problematic for the participants in this study. Many quotes from the interview participants are included in order to keep the focus of the project on the voices of the women interviewed. In terms of the significant contribution of this research, this study aims to allow voices of female caregivers of Te Atiawa Maori children to be heard. Individual and collaborative interactions offer insights into what is important to them in terms of Maori child health. Clearly, the primary health initiatives promoted by the New Zealand government are not reaching at least some of the people for whom they are intended. The research participants offered their ideas as to how these deficits could be remedied in their community.
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Börner, H. E. (2008). Evaluating safe patient handling systems: Is there a better way? Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This observational study analyses the responses of 38 nurses from two similar units that use different patient handling systems to test the reliability and validity of the Safe Patient Handling Survey (TM) SPH Survey(TM), a perception survey and improvement tool for employees and employers. Currently there is a lack of tools for evaluating patient handling systems. The survey contains 55 questions divided into 6 clusters, staff and patient injury and violence questions, and picture questions depicting unsafe techniques. The data were analysed to see how the SPH Survey(TM) scores correlate with incidents, and its ability to detect differences between the two units. The results of the Pearson and Cronbach(TM) alpha tests show strong reliability, validity and consistency of the SPH Survey(TM). ANOVA comparison of means and Spearman(TM) rho tests shows that higher (better) scores on the SPH Survey(TM) clusters correlate with lower numbers of patient injuries, lower reports of verbal and physical violence episodes, and lower staff injuries. Differences were detected between the units with Unit 2 scoring higher than Unit 1 in all SPH Survey(TM) clusters and scoring lower in staff and patient injuries and violence incidents. Although the analysis was limited by the small sample size, the study has created a sound basis for further investigation. The SPH Survey(TM) is shown to be an easy way to reliably evaluate patient handling systems and workplace culture, target improvement initiatives, and continually monitor the level of patient handling risk in the workplace. Low-risk patient handling gives health care providers the means to focus on delivering high quality patient care, without endangering their own health and well-being.
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Mockford, A. (2008). An exploratory descriptive study of the needs of parents after their young child is discharged from hospital following an admission with an acute illness. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This study investigated issues surrounding the high numbers of preventable admissions of young children with acute illnesses, particularly amongst Maori and Pacific children. It focuses on what happens once these children are discharged. Its aims were to find out what the expressed needs of parents were, as they cared for their child, once home. Whilst there has been a small amount of international research undertaken in this area, there is little known about expressed parent need in the New Zealand context. This exploratory descriptive study involved parents of under five year old children, who had been admitted to a hospital, with one of five acute illnesses. Eighteen parents were surveyed over the telephone. This study found the parents expressed a need for reassurance and advice once home, and that they worried about their child getting sick again. It highlighted gaps in discharge planning and support. None of the parents had received a written discharge plan for their child. Only five parents had received either a contact number for advice or a referral back to their primary care provider. This study found that whilst some parents considered their discharge needs had been met, others considered that they had not. Four local discharge practice opportunities to support these families were recommended, these included, providing parents and caregivers with an individualised written discharge plan, giving a contact number for advice after discharge, offering a follow-up phone call in the first 48 hours, and ensuring that all children have a referral back to their primary health care provider. Areas for further research were highlighted, including the need for a larger study to explore and compare the needs of rural and urban parents, and Maori and Pacific parents.
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Gage, J., Everrett, K. D., & Bullock, L. (2007). A review of research literature addressing male partners and smoking during pregnancy. CPIT Repository, 36(6), 574–580.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to gain a more complete understanding of cigarette smoking and cessation during pregnancy by examining the men's role in supporting smoking cessation of their pregnant partners. A search of online databases was made for studies published in the last 10 years, in English, that included three phenomena; pregnancy, male partners, and cigarette smoking. Data were identified and organised according to theoretical, descriptive, and intervention methods of research. A growing body of literature indicates an interaction between pregnancy, male partners, and smoking behaviors. Explicating relationships between these phenomena is necessary for understanding and encouraging behaviours that promote maternal, child, and family health. The researchers conclude that current research highlights a need to further investigate the potential relationships, interactions, and health consequences of smoking behaviours of men and women during pregnancy.
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Kidd, J. D. (2002). What's going on? Mental health nursing in New Zealand. Ph.D. thesis, , .
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Hinder, G. (2000). Challenging the boundaries: An initiative to extend public health nursing practice. Ph.D. thesis, , .
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Delugar, A. (1999). An historical inquiry to identify the contribution Beatrice Salmon's writings made to nursing education in New Zealand, 1969-1972.
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Crawford, R. (2001). Nutrition: Is there a need for nurses working with children and families to offer nutrition advice? Vision: A Journal of Nursing, 7(13), 10–15.
Abstract: Using nursing and associated literature, the relevance of nutrition in the care of children and families is highlighted in this article. The role of a nurse in providing nutrition advice and interventions is examined, in the context of social and economic pressures on the provision of a healthy diet. Relevant examples of the provision of such advice is provided, along with competencies required to achieve this in practice.
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Haywood, B. (2003). Pre-employment health screening: Is it useful? Available online from the Eastern Institute of Technology, 11(17), 10–14.
Abstract: The author, an occupational health nurse, examines rationale for and effectiveness of the pre-employment assessment, which has become an accepted practice. Reasons for doing assessments include the reduction of risk to the employer from lower accident rates and absenteeism, compliance with legislative requirements and the provision of baseline health measures for general health surveillance. The costs of the screening process, along with the benefits are weighed up, in conjunction with international research in the area. The author found little research on the process in New Zealand. The opportunity for primary health care and health promotion practice as an aspect of this screening is highlighted as an important, though underestimated, benefit. Regular auditing is recommended to ensure that the outcomes of the process meet the criteria required.
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MacDonald, R. (2005). Mammography screening for breast cancer: Does it reduce the mortality rate? Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, , 8–12.
Abstract: This paper critically examines the literature on mammography as a breast cancer screening modality. It looks at what the New Zealand consumer is being told about the scientific uncertainties about the effectiveness of mammography and the substantial risks involved with it. This literature review raises concerns about the lack of information available for healthy women to make a fully informed decision about mammography screening.
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Richardson, M., Vernon, R. A., & Jacobs, S. (2005). Implementing health assessment into the undergraduate nursing curriculum. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 13(1), 18–21.
Abstract: This article explores historical, philosophical and theoretical perspectives of health assessment, and discusses one institution's experiences developing and implementing undergraduate health assessment courses.
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Kennedy, W. (2007). Professional supervision to enhance nursing practice. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 14(2), 3–6.
Abstract: This article examines the concept of clinical supervision as “professional supervision”. Professional supervision contains many elements, is structured and not without effort. Fundamentally it is about being safe and professional. 'Reflective learning' and 'Live/tutorial' models are reviewed in different contexts for assisting nurses work through everyday issues, conflicts and problems of their role. The author concludes that regardless of which model is used there are benefits for safety and professionalism.
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