International journal of nursing studies
-
Sleep is essential for well-being and recovery from illness. The critically ill are in significant need of sleep but at increased risk of sleep loss and disruption. ⋯ There is evidence that intensive care patients' sleep is significantly disrupted. Alternative methods of quantifying sleep for intensive care patients may be required. Few large observational or interventional studies have used polysomnography and simultaneous recordings of intrinsic and extrinsic disruptive factors. These studies are required in order to improve sleep for intensive care patients.
-
Hospice care supports patients and their families physically and emotionally through the dying phase. In many countries a substantial portion of specialised end-of-life care is provided through hospices. Such care has developed outside of general healthcare and is commonly provided in a patient's home or in dedicated facilities. Hospice provision may need to increase in the future due to an ageing population with a greater need for access to end-of-life care. ⋯ Although studies had methodological limitations, in this review we found much evidence to support the benefits of hospice care. There were limited evaluations found on the impact of hospice care on psychological well-being, such as symptoms of depression, and on inpatient hospice care and non-hospital related costs.
-
As part of a study that explored how midwives incorporate cultural sensitivity, into their practice, the literature was reviewed to ascertain how the concept of culture has been, defined and what recommendations have been made as to how to provide culturally appropriate care, to individuals from Indigenous and/or ethnic minority backgrounds. ⋯ Most of the literature focuses on the cognitive aspects of culture and recommends learning about the culture of specific groups which is presumed to apply to everyone. This generic approach can, lead to stereotyping and a failure to identify the needs of the individual receiving care. The concept of, cultural safety derived from the second approach to culture and practice has potential but evidence to show how it is being incorporated into practice is lacking and health professionals appear to be unclear about its meaning.
-
To explore older people's and their relatives' views on and experiences of acute health care. ⋯ These findings highlight the perspectives of older people and their relatives on the delivery of personalized and dignified care in acute settings. They lend support to previous calls for relationship-centred approaches to care and provide a useful experience-based framework for practice for those involved in care for older people.