Journal of advanced nursing
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This article is a report of a study exploring health-related quality of life in adults with congenital heart disease and the extent to which it is associated with patients' illness beliefs and emotional health. ⋯ We have reported that high levels of anxiety and depression in an older population of patients with congenital heart disease are associated with poorer quality of life. This highlights the need to routinely assess anxiety and depression in this patient group and to provide psychological support appropriately.
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The aim of this article was to assess the relationship between (1) in-hospital mortality and/or (2) unplanned readmission to intensive care units or operating theatre and nurse staffing variables. ⋯ Higher nurse staffing levels on postoperative general nursing cardiac surgery units protected patients from unplanned readmission to intensive care units or operating theatre and in-hospital mortality.
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This article is a report of an integrative review to identify key elements of the physical hospital environment for end of life care of older adults and their families as reported by patients, relatives, staff and policy makers. ⋯ Little evidence exists about physical hospital environments for end of life care of older adults and their families. More research is required in this field.
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To examine descriptors used by nurses in two Canadian intensive care units to document pain presence for critically ill patients unable to self-report. ⋯ Inconsistent or ambiguous documentation was problematic in this sample. This may reflect confounding behaviours and concomitant safety priorities. Developing a lexicon of pain assessment descriptors of critically ill patients unable to self-report for use in combination with valid and reliable measures may improve documentation facilitating appropriate analgesic management. Protocols or unit guidelines that prioritize a trial of analgesia before administration of sedatives may decrease decisional uncertainty when patients exhibit ambiguous behaviours such as agitation or restlessness.
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Comparative Study
A cross-cultural study of the concept of caring through behaviours: patients' and nurses' perspectives in six different EU countries.
This paper is a report of an international study of patients' and nurses' perceptions of nurse caring behaviours. ⋯ Important differences were observed between patient-nurse perceptions in the participating countries. The results form a foundation for future research into the development of a common international perspective about caring behaviours between patients and their nurses.