Journal of clinical nursing
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The aim of this paper is to explain the history and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using McKinlay's theory of medical innovation. The paper will examine why a drug, HRT, was prescribed for mainly healthy women. It reflects on the controversies surrounding HRT and examines some of the possible reasons why, despite an almost complete lack of verifiable research, HRT became one of the most widely prescribed drugs of our time. ⋯ This paper underlines the importance of critically assessing the research-based evidence for altering practice and introducing new treatments. It suggests that Nurse Prescribers and other clinicians question the assumed scientific basis of new innovations in clinical practice.
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This paper reviews study findings of preferred music on agitated behaviours for older people with dementia and provides implications for future research and practice. ⋯ Findings from the review highlight the beneficial outcomes of preferred music in reducing agitated behaviours for older people with dementia. The incorporation of preferred music has the potential to provide a therapeutic approach to the care of older people with dementia.
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This literature review aims to structure the available information on the psychological reactions of family members confronted with traumatic brain injury. The stress-coping theory and the systems theory provide the theoretical framework for this review. ⋯ Support from professionals reduces the stress being experienced and encourages people to cope effectively. Conflicts with professional carers should be avoided. Every attempt should be made to develop models of long-term support and care that alleviate sources of burden on relatives. Further research is necessary to develop such models.
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This review aims to explore the research available relating to three commonly used pain rating scales, the Visual Analogue Scale, the Verbal Rating Scale and the Numerical Rating Scale. The review provides information needed to understand the main properties of the scales. ⋯ In order to use pain-rating scales well clinicians need to appreciate the potential for error within the tools, and the potential they have to provide the required information. Interpretation of the data from a pain-rating scale is not as straightforward as it might first appear.
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To explore the literature on breast self-examination and breast awareness. ⋯ The Royal College of Nursing of The United Kingdom is actively encouraging all nurses to promote breast awareness along with clear guidelines for doing so. The United Kingdom National Health Service Cancer Plan: a plan for investment, a plan for reform, encourages preventive care, information giving, good communication as well as evidence-based practice. In breast care this can reduce confusion for women and encourage empowerment in breast health promotion.