Experiences of viewing self in the mirror for men and women with dementia as perceived by their caregivers: A phenomenological study.

AIM: To explore and discuss the perceptions and experiences of caregivers who rendered care to persons with dementia who viewed themselves in the mirror. BACKGROUND: Considerations must be given to caring for those with dementia due to the steady rise of adults 65 and older living with dementia. A literature review revealed limited experiential knowledge concerning aspects of mirror-viewing for persons with dementia. METHODS: This phenomenological hermeneutic study was analyzed using Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. Eighteen participants who cared for individuals with dementia in the home, and long-term care facilities took part in the study. A semi-structured interview guide with open- ended questions facilitated an open dialogue about their experiences while caring for persons with dementia when they view themselves in the mirror. Two questions guiding the study were: 1) What are caregivers' perceptions of what they see and believe when they observe dementia patients whom they care view themselves in a mirror? 2) How do the caregivers' perceptions of that experience change over time as the dementia worsens? RESULTS: The structural analysis uncovered a considerable difference between the numbers of mirrors available in the homes as compared to the long-term care facilities. Two phenomenological findings were uncovered: 1) decision to look in the mirror and 2) viewing self in the mirror. Six subsequent subthemes; mirror as a tool, wanting to look presentable, self- recognition, self-confirmation seeing another and the latent stage were revealed. CONCLUSION: A mirror assessment is needed for individuals who have dementia.

Fostering completion of the doctor of philosophy degree through scholarly collegial support.

The doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in nursing science prepares nurses to be scientists through a rigorous program of scholarship and research. Nurses who complete this degree are recognized globally as researchers who are expected to pursue a career of intellectual inquiry. Today, the internationally small cohort of PhD-prepared nurses contributes empirically to the generation and development of nursing science. There is currently a shortage of doctorally prepared nurses to meet the increased demands for researchers and educators in schools of nursing and experts in patient care. The Institute of Medicine has recommended doubling the number of doctorally prepared nurses by 2020 and has emphasized that nurses achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved educational system that promotes seamless academic progression. However, in the United States, the overall PhD completion rate is only 57%. This article reports on the process undertaken by a collegial support group of students in a PhD in nursing science program who encouraged each other's progress through the dissertation process within a calendar year.

An Education Intervention to Increase Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Confidence and Acceptability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of an intervention to improve human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination confidence, attitudes, and beliefs among non-Hispanic Black mothers. SAMPLE & SETTING: Participants were 63 non-Hispanic Black mothers of children aged 9-17 years who resided in the United States and whose children had not received HPV vaccination. Interventions and data collection were conducted via a videoconferencing platform. METHODS & VARIABLES: A randomized controlled trial was performed using two groups. The experimental group received two HPV vaccination education sessions and the control group received two healthy nutrition education sessions. Data were collected after the last intervention and four weeks later. Variables included HPV vaccination confidence, attitudes, and beliefs. RESULTS: The experimental group reported more positive attitudes and beliefs about HPV vaccination (p = 0.002) and greater vaccination confidence than the control group (p = 0.049). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses can improve HPV vaccination confidence, attitudes, and beliefs among non-Hispanic Black mothers through HPV vaccination education.

Chemomobilization: Overview of an Educational Quality Improvement Project for Recipients of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: In preparation for an autologous stem cell transplantation, patients undergo chemomobilization; however, a dearth of standardized, evidence-based patient education on chemomobilization exists in the literature and in practice.
. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this quality improvement educational initiative is to identify an evidence-based approach to appraise the educational needs of patients and their caregivers and to enhance chemomobilization education.ʉ۩. METHODS: A review of the literature related to chemomobilization was conducted, as well as an informal survey of educational practices at five National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers. A 14-item survey was administered to 50 patients who underwent chemomobilization to assess their educational needs, experiences, and preferences.ʉ۩. FINDINGS: Patients prefer written information to review. Receiving verbal education from reliable healthcare providers in a structured format may enhance effective comprehension and retention. Patients identified timing, process, side effects, and expectations about chemomobilization as the most important topics to include in education.