Therapeutic communication within the nurse-patient relationship: A concept analysis.

AIMS: To explore the concept of therapeutic communication within the nurse-patient relationship, using concept analysis. BACKGROUND: Therapeutic communication is a term that is often used in the nursing and related sciences literature, and yet it is still an ambiguous concept. Concept clarification is required to support other healthcare professionals' understanding and to guide theory development and practice. DESIGN: A concept analysis methodology was used, as proposed by Walker and Avant. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search was performed using the Cochrane database, Science Direct, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE and PsycARTICLES with studies published within the last 20 years. REVIEW METHODS: The framework by Walker and Avant was adopted. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and uses of the concept were identified. RESULTS: The attributes were information exchange, mutual respect, engagement and managing health issues of concern to the patient. The antecedents were those related to the nurse and those related to the patient. The consequences included patient satisfaction, quicker recovery time, high-quality health care outcomes and positive nurse-patient relationship outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A theoretical definition of the concept was developed. The attributes, antecedents and consequences identified in this paper can be used in nursing education, research and managerial and organizational planning.

Research ethics application: a guide for the novice researcher.

The aim of this paper is to assist the novice researcher in the research ethics application process. The novice researcher in this context refers to any researcher negotiating a research ethics application for the first time. This may be a student or a more experienced registered nurse engaged in research activity. The paper applies ethical principles to the varied elements of a research ethics application form to explain the theoretical basis of the application criteria. The impetus for this paper arose following an internal audit of the decisions made by the research ethics committee of the nursing department at the Institute of Technology in Tralee, Ireland. The audit revealed the common reasons why full approval was not granted following initial review. This information prompted the development of a paper which would assist novice researchers in avoiding common errors and omissions in the research ethics application process. Despite the specific requirements of individual research ethics committees in different jurisdictions, the fundamental elements of research ethics approval remain unchanged. While the paper has local origins, its relevance holds a wider appeal. The paper takes a structured approach using the three ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, as outlined by the Belmont Report (1979) to provide a framework for discussion. Despite the advent of other frequently used frameworks for research ethics, the principles of the Belmont report remain constant as guidance for good practice in the research ethics context.

Caregiver burden: A concept analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Caregiver burden is used frequently within the nursing literature. It has not yet been clearly defined as there are different opinions regarding this concept. The purpose of this paper is to provide clarity surrounding the concept caregiver burden. METHODS: An electronic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Health Source Nursing/Academic Edition and Academic Search Complete (ASC) of EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Google Scholar were searched with a limit of 10 years and published in the English or Chinese language. The paper adopted the framework by Walker and Avant. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and uses of the concept were identified. RESULTS: At total of 33 articles were included. The three attributes of caregiver burden were identified as self-perception, multifaceted strain, and over time. The antecedents included insufficient financial resources, multiple responsibility conflict, lack of social activities. The consequences of caregiver burden resulted in negative change which included decreased care provision, decrease in quality of life, physical and psychological health deterioration. CONCLUSION: A definition of caregiver burden was developed. Tools to measure caregiver burden were identified. The findings from this analysis can be used in nursing practice, nursing education, research and administration.

Evaluating a preceptorship programme in South West Ireland: perceptions of preceptors and undergraduate students.

AIM: The study sought to evaluate stakeholder perspective of preceptor preparation and attributes. BACKGROUND: In Ireland, undergraduate students are supported by a named preceptor on clinical placement. A preceptor is a registered nurse who has completed a teaching, assessment and preceptorship programme. Preceptor preparation is costly in terms of facilitation and staff release/replacement. To date, in Ireland, research has not explored the effectiveness of preceptor preparation. METHOD: An utilization-focussed approach was adopted incorporating a two-phase research process; Phase 1 being exploratory while Phase 2 aimed to validate inductions derived from the previous stage. Results The programme is effective in meeting its learning outcomes. The findings are categorized into four theme areas: the importance of preceptor characteristics, the demonstration of these characteristics, knowledge demonstrated by the preceptors and the skills demonstrated by the preceptor. CONCLUSION(S): Preceptors, to be effective within the preceptor/student relationship, need to integrate both their professional and personal attributes to effectively socialize students to the profession of nursing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The preceptor role is invaluable within nurse education. This study supports the release of registered nurses to attend preceptor preparation programmes. It highlights the importance of nursing management in preceptor selection, release, support and monitoring in order to create an effective clinical learning environment.