Minchin, I. (2004). Advanced nursing in the operating theatre: The New Zealand perspective. Dissector, 32(2), 30–35.
Abstract: This article presents a literature review of current research on perioperative nursing. Research studies are summarised. Overall findings include that there is a lack of exposure to perioperative nursing in undergraduate level, that expert nurses in the operating theatre make a positive economic and social contribution to patient outcomes, and there are barriers to registered nurses expanding their role in operating theatres.
|
Fail, A. (1999). Ageing in the 21st century. Vision: A Journal of Nursing, 5(9), 24–31.
Abstract: The author looks at demographic and statistical information to extrapolate on trends that will affect the aged through into to the next century. She reviews policy approaches to the issues of a growing aged population combined with social and economic changes that could make this group vulnerable. Effective planning for the provision of quality care is placed in the context of social changes, advances in gerontology, and social theories of ageing.
|
Kyle, W. (2001). The influence of technology in nursing practice with elder care facilities. Vision: A Journal of Nursing, 7(12), 20–23.
Abstract: This article firstly describes the application of technological care practices in elder care, and then looks at the attitudes of the elderly and their families towards this care. The value of the equipment in terms of quality of care is considered, and a discussion of the continuing education needs of nurses is presented. The ethical questions around the use of technology are examined, along with possible strategies to deal with such issues.
|
Clark, P. N. (2006). The potential for nurse-led clinics on oncology at Southland District Health Board. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The author points to a “waiting list crisis” occurring in ambulatory oncology services at Southland District Health Board (SDHB), and notes that the literature suggests this is occurring both nationally and globally. This is due to factors such as an increase in the number of people aged 65 years and over, many of whom will develop cancer. Furthermore new drug therapies and indications for treatment have led to increased numbers of patients referred for oncological assessment in the out-patient clinics. The author notes that, at SDHB, this delay for patients to be seen at a first specialist assessment appointment is causing concern for patients, managers and the medical and nursing staff involved. This dissertation analyses relevant literature in order to explore the nature and outcomes of nurse-led clinics. A range of studies indicate that effective care can be provided by nurses working in a variety of nurse-led clinics settings. These studies reveal ways in which a nurse-led clinic might be established and delivered in oncology services and, the author suggests, this will go some way to provide a solution for SDHB. These clinics would assess and monitor the follow-up of selected patients with stable disease and established care plans such as patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for bowel and breast cancer. This would allow medical oncologists to see more new patients at first assessment and the follow-up of complex cases, and could go some way in relieving the current waiting lists. The educational preparation and competency of nurses leading such a clinic are considered.
|
Hale, R. (2008). Older patient perceptions of transitional care. In Jean Ross (Ed.), Rural nursing: Aspects of practice (pp. 147-152). [Dunedin]: Rural Health Opportunities.
Abstract: The author describes transitional care as undertaken within the Waikato District Health Board health care environment. Transitional care supports people moving between acute health care (inpatient) and primary health care (home). It is a rehabilitative model based in smaller, predominantly rural communities to enable the older person to actively work towards recovery of functional ability within their own environment. Research indicates this rehabilitation model is applicable to the rural situation and satisfaction levels of the patients and caregivers tends to be positive.
|
Brown, J. A. (2004). “Let my spirit always sing”: A descriptive study of how four elderly rest home residents view spirituality and spiritual care at the end of life. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This descriptive, qualitative study, believed to be the first of its kind conducted in a New Zealand setting, focuses on spirituality issues of a spiritually vulnerable group of people, older people in residential care. Four rest home residents were recruited, to talk about their spirituality, spiritual needs and how their spirits were nurtured, the role of care staff in providing spiritual care, and their satisfaction with the spiritual care they were being offered. They were also asked to predict their spiritual needs as they were dying, their wishes for spiritual care in the perideath period, whether they had communicated these wishes to anyone, their views on advance planning to ensure these wishes would be met, and their comfort with the research process. The research data was collected from semi-structured, audiotaped interviews that were later transcribed. The spirituality of all participants had a strongly Christian focus that was revealed in the ten themes to emerge from a modified application of Colaizzi's analysis technique. The first themes to emerge were God as the focus of spirituality, God in control, the importance of relationship, and the purpose in life: serving God. Changes in spirituality with age, spirituality and residential care, and spiritual care: whose responsibility? were also identified as themes, as were end of life spirituality, planning for spiritual care, and the participants' satisfaction with the research process. All were able to articulate their spirituality, were generally satisfied with the spiritual care they were receiving, and had views on the spiritual care they wished to receive in the perideath period. Moreover, the participants trusted their families and the care staff to ensure that these wishes would be honoured. Recommendations are made for improving the spiritual dimension of care, and for further research.
|
|
Mossop, M. D. (2000). Older patients' perspectives of being cared for by first year nursing students. Ph.D. thesis, , .
|
|
Wilson, C. (1998). Reflections on care: Older people speak about experiences of nursing care in acute medical and surgical wards. Ph.D. thesis, , .
|
Neville, S. J., & Alpass, F. (1999). Factors influencing health and well-being in the older adult. Nursing Praxis in New Zealand, 14(3), 36–45.
Abstract: This article offers a literature review of selected factors influencing the health and well-being of older people, with a particular emphasis on the older male. Implications for nursing practice in New Zealand are discussed.
|
Neville, S. J., & Alpass, F. (2006). Older men and worries: The impact on well-being. Available online from Eastern Institute of Technology, 14(1), 4–7.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between worries and psychological well-being, and self-rated health in older men. A cross-sectional survey method was used to investigate the research aim. A group of men aged 65 years and over (n = 217), who lived in a small New Zealand city, participated in this study. Results from this research revealed that worries about physical abilities and health were significantly related to a decrease in psychological well-being and self-rated health. Gerontological nurses are challenged to be cognisant of older men's concerns about their health and physical ability.
|
Foster, S. (2001). The relationship of physical activity to health in elder adulthood. Vision: A Journal of Nursing, 7(12), 24–27.
Abstract: This article discusses the importance of physical activity in the health of older people, in the context of holistic perspectives of elder adulthood and theories of ageing and recent research. The wide ranging role of the gerontologic nurse specialist is explored.
|
Lowe, P. (2007). A descriptive research study on factors that impact upon the quality of life of elderly women with comorbid chronic illnesses: Three women's perspectives. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The aim of this research study is to explore factors that older women living with comorbid chronic illnesses identify as key to maintaining or improving their quality of life. This study uses a qualitative approach, with a descriptive methodology. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with three women over the age of 80 who had been diagnosed with more than one chronic illness. These interviews were audiotaped, and the data analysed using thematic analysis. What emerged from this analysis of older women was the need for them to create meaning in their life, which is further explicated through three main themes: (1) coping with changing health, (2) the impact of family, and (3) attitude. Attitude to life and having a positive outlook were all factors these participants expressed as being essential to maintaining their quality of life. The quality of life of these participants is enhanced by the ability of these women to create meaning in their life. They do this by integrating their wealth of past experience into their present, reflecting back on their lives, but still gaining enjoyment from the here and now.
|
King, A., & Parsons, M. (2005). An evaluation of two respite models for older people and their informal caregivers. Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts., 118(1214).
Abstract: The researchers evaluate two case-management models of respite relief care at Waitemata District Health Board. The evaluation consisted of semi-structured interviews and postal surveys for clients utilising respite care and staff members involved in both the North/West and Rodney models of respite care in Auckland. Across the two regions, a total of 2 older people and their informal caregivers, 2 respite coordinators, and the Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) Manager were interviewed. In addition, postal surveys were received from 21 older people, 36 informal caregivers, 11 NASC workers, and 3 allied health professionals. Findings revealed there was generally high satisfaction with both the respite models. Caregivers believed the respite service did give them a break, although it was insufficient. Caregivers reported concerns regarding how respite facilities could improve and the older person's deterioration post respite. Staff identified improvements for each of the models.
|
|
Gilmour, J. A. (2001). On the margins: Nurses and the intermittent care of people with dementia: A discourse analysis. Ph.D. thesis, , .
|
Ward, V. C. (2013). Preoperative fluid management of the older adult patient with hip fracture. Master's thesis, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, NZ.
Abstract: Explores the relationships between pre-operative fluid management (PFM) and post-operative outcomes. Undertakes an observational study of 100 consecutive older adult patients admitted to a tertiary NZ hospital with traumatic hip fracture between March and Sept 2012. Gathers data regarding cohort demographics and in-hospital events, including surgical details, alongside PFM and post-operative outcomes. Itemises characteristics of the patients, predominantly female with a mean age of 85.2 years. Finds no statistically significant relationship between pre-operative fluid management and post-operative outcomes.
|
