Articles: patients.
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This paper is a report of a systematic review conducted to test the hypothesis that nurses and patients perceive the concept of caring in nursing differently. ⋯ There is considerable evidence of the assertion that there is no congruence of perceptions between patients and nurses as regards to which behaviours are considered caring and intended caring is not always perceived as such by the patient. Further research is needed, however, to generate more knowledge on the relationship between caring behaviours, patient outcomes and health or nursing costs.
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Review
[Patients'illness perceptions and adherence to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in asthma].
Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids as preventive treatment of asthma is an integral part of management but remains inadequate among adults. Studying the perceptions of illness and treatment beliefs is one way to understand the patient's adherence to medication. ⋯ Patients' perceptions of asthma and inhaled corticosteroids are predictors of adherence to treatment. The identification and discussion of these issues is an essential part of building a therapeutic relationship that facilitates adherence.
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There are many initiatives to reduce transfusion-related errors. However, one important intervention that remains largely unexplored is that of patient involvement. This article considers the patients' role in ensuring safe care along the transfusion trajectory. ⋯ One important intervention that could help to improve the quality and safety of the blood transfusion process is involvement of the patient themselves. This article considers the patients' role in ensuring safe care at different stages of the transfusion trajectory. The literature on patients' attitudes to, and involvement in, transfusion-related behaviors was systematically reviewed and opportunities for patient involvement were identified. The evidence suggests that although there is considerable potential for patients to be involved in different blood transfusion processes, it is very unclear at present how able and willing patients would be to take on an active role in this aspect of their health care management. Research in this area is paramount in helping to inform the design and implementation of interventions aimed at encouraging patient involvement in this very important but largely under-researched area.
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There has been much investigation into the causes and management of overcrowding, but little about how it affects care delivery. The author therefore undertook a systematic literature review of the subject. This revealed that diverse areas of care are affected by overcrowding, and confirmed its adverse effects on patient experience and care.