Journal of advanced nursing
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In young, non-toilet-trained children, the collection of a urine sample for microbiology can be challenging, with the application of a urine bag being the main method of collection. However, recent research has shown that absorbent pads can be used yielding similar results to bag specimens. However, weaknesses in study design erode confidence in research findings. Therefore, improvements in research design are required to fully evaluate the reliability of pad collection. ⋯ The pilot study demonstrates that concurrent urine samples can be obtained without difficulty. Despite poor to moderate agreement on outcome measures the level of agreement is greater than reported in those other studies, that use non-current methods of urine collection, suggesting an advantage of the concurrent technique. It is recommended that larger scale studies be undertaken using the concurrent collection technique to assess reliability of these findings.
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Whilst we live in multicultural societies most health researchers tend to take the cultural perspective of the majority ethnic group at the expense of the perspective of minority ethnic groups. ⋯ Current health policy in many developed countries focuses on inequalities of health and managing diversity, including ethnicity. Thus the authors conclude that the development of culturally competent researchers will lead to both valid research and culturally competent practice by health care professionals.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The impact of foot massage and guided relaxation following cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
Because of the widely presumed association between heart disease and psychological wellbeing, the use of so-called 'complementary' therapies as adjuncts to conventional treatment modalities have been the subject of considerable debate. The present study arose from an attempt to identify a safe and effective therapeutic intervention to promote wellbe ing, which could be practicably delivered by nurses to patients in the postoperative recovery period following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Aim. To investigate the impact of foot massage and guided relaxation on the wellbeing of patients who had undergone CABG surgery. ⋯ These interventions appear to be effective, noninvasive techniques for promoting psychological wellbeing in this patient group. Further investigation is indicated.
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The study identifies third-year nurses' expectations of the graduate nurse role and ascertains how prepared they feel to fulfil this role. ⋯ When asked about their initial expectations of the workplace, third year student nurses expressed little apprehension and reported high levels on scales of organizational commitment and professionalism. The research literature suggests that divisions exist between students' expectations of the graduate year and the actual work experience. The expectations of the graduate year described in this study offer a student-centred perspective that contributes to future planning and policy directions of undergraduate curricula, graduate year programmes and nurse retention.
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AIMS OF PROJECT: To evaluate a workshop to prepare health professionals for breaking bad news in the paediatric setting. ⋯ The educational approach reported is considered by participants to be beneficial in preparing health professionals for breaking bad news in a collaborative way.