Abstract: A study to examine the effects of pre- information ( what a Nurse learns about a patient before they meet) on clinical inference and Nursing actions, in a simulated Nurse- Patient situation. It was hypothesised that the nature of the pre-information will influence the way the patient is perceived and the resulting Nursing actions. The research was conducted in an obstetrical setting. There were 55 subjects within three groups. Two groups comprised student midwives and the third group was of second year comprehensive Nursing students near completion of clinical experience in maternal and child health nursing. A 5 minute videotape sequence of a role played post natal patient was made for use in the research. All subjects were given the same initial pre-information, viewed the videotape and gave written description of what they saw on the videotape and their response ( as the Nurse in the situation). This data provided a base line for each subject. Subject were then given additional pre-information concerning the patient's physical condition, her baby's condition or formed part of the control group ( receiving no additional information) The procedure was repeated. These responses were then compared with the base line for each subject. Responses were coded by means of content analysis. Group data was analysed using multivariate one way analysis of variance graphical display. The results indicated support of the hypothesis that the nature of the pre-information does influence the way in which a Nurse perceives a patient and resulting Nursing actions. Implications of these findings for Nurses are discussed

Abstract: The concepts of self care of health (the goal of self care) are explored in relation to the self care nursing model. It is a basic premise of this model that the client be involved to the fullest possible extent in regarding or developing self care skills. It is proposed that individuals differ in respect to their readiness of such involvement and effort in their own health work and, hence, inability to benefit from the application of the self care nursing model. The study aimed at developing a means of identifying and predicting these differences. It was hypothesised that the individuals perceptions and beliefs about heath, his attribution about the location of blame for illness and the extent to which he perceives himself as having control over the contingencies of his behaviour, would all systematically influence his readiness to engage in self care. A health questionnaire designed to obtain data on individual health related beliefs and practices was constructed. This was mailed to a random sample of non-academic staff from one of the universities. A combination of univariate and multivariate analyses of the 86 completed questionnaires showed four major variables to be significantly interrelated. The pattern of relationships which emerge between responses to other items in the questionnaire cast further light on the complex determinants of health behaviour. Of particular interest is the suggestion that the way health is defined is a crucial factor. Use of the principal axes method of factor allowed a shortened version of the original questionnaire to be produced. The profile yielded by scores on this instrument, not only describes the client in terms of four major health related variables, but can also be used to predict readiness to benefit from a self care nursing approach

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine aspects of the behaviour of Nurses towards persons with alcohol related problems. Similarities and differences in helpful and unhelpful behaviour as perceived by providers and users of care are identified using the behaviour to alcoholism management ( B.R.A.M.) scale. The research covers two phases. In phase One 27 Registered Nurses and 12 members of Alcoholics Anonymous completed critical incident questionnaires which furnished a list of helpful behaviours and a list of unhelpful behaviours. These have been analysed and a set of descriptive statements prepared which constitutes the B.R. A.M. scale. In Phase Two this has been administered to 67 Registered Nurses and 46 members of Alcoholics Anonymous and the results assessed. The findings show that Nurses and Problem Drinkers view the same behaviour as helpful. There is however a significant difference between the two groups on the types of behaviour they consider to be unhelpful. This finding has consequences for those who provide care for problem Drinkers and for Teachers and students in education programs for Nurses