How blogs support the transfer of knowledge into practice in the field of dementia palliative care: a survey of facilitators and barriers.

BACKGROUND: Blogging can help to maximise the impact of one's work in academia and beyond by making research findings accessible for multiple knowledge users, such as healthcare professionals and the public, as well as other researchers. As part of the knowledge exchange and dissemination activities of the Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project, this study explored stakeholders' views of blogs as a means to translate research findings. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed, piloted, and revised. It was distributed electronically via key dementia and palliative care organisations websites, newsletters, social media platforms, and within the staff mailing lists of five Universities in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS: Complete responses were received from 128 participants. The majority of respondents were healthcare researchers (n = 53), followed by healthcare providers (n = 46). The preferred methods of reviewing research findings were scientific papers, websites and news articles. Respondents read healthcare blogs "sometimes" (39.1%), with < 19% reading them "often" or "very often". Receiving an email notification might increase the likelihood of reading a new blog post for 83% of respondents. Barriers to engaging with blogs included lack of time, preference for other media, lack of awareness regarding available blogs, and concerns about the credibility and source of information. An appropriate length and the author of the blog were key features that encouraged engagement with a blog. CONCLUSIONS: Despite respondents choosing a scientific paper as their preferred method to consume research findings, many indicated an openness to reading blogs on their area of interest. Creating concise, relevant, and credible blogs, and suitably promoting them, could increase the impact and reach of healthcare research, such as in the emerging field of dementia palliative care, and thus promote translation of research findings into practice.

A retrospective analysis of 34 potentially missed cases of female genital mutilation in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: To discover if healthcare professionals working within an ED are able to make a diagnosis of female genital mutilation (FGM) in those patients who have previously undergone the procedure and report it as per UK law. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of patients' notes who were assigned an FGM code during the period of May 2015 to August 2016. SETTING: Single-centre, large UK major trauma centre offering a tertiary FGM clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Any woman coded during the study period as having undergone FGM. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Number of FGM cases identified by the ED. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Mean age, presenting complaint, discharge diagnosis, genitourinary exam and defibulation status. RESULTS: 34 patients were identified as having undergone FGM, 19 had previously attended ED and none had their FGM identified during their ED attendance. The age range of those identified was 23 to 40 years. None had undergone defibulation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the identification of FGM victims by an ED is very poor, and more work needs to be done to increase awareness of the subject by front-line staff.

Providing Palliative Care in Rural Nepal: Perceptions of Mid-Level Health Workers.

INTRODUCTION: Nepal is beginning to develop palliative care services across the country. Most people live in rural areas, where the Mid-Level Health Workers (MHWs) are the major service providers. Their views on providing palliative care are most important in determining how the service is organized and developed. AIM: This study aims to ascertain the perceptions of MHWs about palliative care in their local community, to inform service development. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design, using focus group discussions, was used to collect data from a rural district of Makwanpur, 1 of the 75 districts of Nepal. Twenty-eight MHWs participated in four focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULT: Four themes emerged from the discussion: (i) suffering of patients and families inflicted by life-threatening illness, (ii) helplessness and frustration felt when caring for such patients, (iii) sociocultural issues at the end of life, and (iv) improving care for patients with palliative care needs. CONCLUSION: MHWs practicing in rural areas reported the suffering of patients inflicted with life-limiting illness and their family due to poverty, poor access, lack of resources, social discrimination, and lack of knowledge and skills of the health workers. While there are clear frustrations with the limited resources, there is a willingness to learn among the health workers and provide care in the community.

The unmet support needs of family members caring for a suicidal person.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of suicide is a key aim for health care authorities and society in general and family members have a principal role in caring for suicidal people. However, the support needs of these essential family carers are relatively unknown. AIM: To explore the support needs of family members of suicidal people. METHOD: Eighteen participants were interviewed using a short topic guide. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and confirmed by discussion. FINDINGS: Family members of suicidal people have unmet needs (this was the main theme). Four sub-themes emerged: having practical support, respite and advice; feeling acknowledged and included; having someone to turn-to; and consistency of support. CONCLUSIONS: Family members are perceived to have an important role in suicide prevention; however some carers experience a lack of support which impinges on their ability to undertake this role. Family members need be included in care and require support from healthcare staff.

Exploring public awareness and perceptions of palliative care: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that the public appear to be confused about the meaning of palliative care. Given the ageing population and associated increase in the number of patients requiring palliative care, it is vital to explore the public's understanding of this concept. Health-promoting palliative care seeks to translate hospice and palliative care ideals into broader public health practice. AIM: To explore public perceptions of palliative care and identify strategies to raise awareness. DESIGN: An exploratory qualitative approach. PARTICIPANTS: Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken (N = 50) with members of the public who volunteered to participate in the study. The interviews focused on knowledge and perceptions of palliative care, expectations of palliative care services and the identification of strategies to raise public awareness of palliative care. The interviews were audio recorded and content analysed. RESULTS: Most participants had a general knowledge of palliative care, largely influenced by their own personal experience. They identified that palliative care was about caring for people who were dying and maintaining comfort in the last days of life. Participant's expectations of services included the following: holistic support, symptom management, good communication and practical support to enable choice and carer support. Key aspects identified for promoting palliative care were the development of understanding and use of the term itself and targeted educational strategies. CONCLUSION: Experience of palliative care generates understanding in the general public who also have ideas for increasing knowledge and awareness. The findings can inform policymakers about strategies to raise public awareness of palliative care.

The burden of living with and caring for a suicidal family member.

BACKGROUND: The family has a primary role in caring for family members who are suicidal and in the prevention of future suicide. However, the impact that suicidal behaviour has on these family members is poorly understood. AIM: To explore the lived experiences of participants who cared for suicidal family members. METHODS: Eighteen participants were interviewed using a short topic guide. Responses were digitally recorded and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: One overarching theme: "Hard work for the whole family" and four sub-themes: (i) Family burden, (ii) competing pressures, (iii) secrecy and shame and (iv) helplessness and guilt. CONCLUSIONS: Caring for a suicidal family member may be euphemistically summarised as "hard work" that impacts heavily on the day-to-day tasks of other family members. Participants spent much time worrying and ruminating about the risk of suicide in their family member. Mental health care professionals ought to acknowledge and address the impact that suicidal behaviour has on family carers.

An ethnographic study evaluating emergency obstetric care education and training in a remote, fragile region of Southeast Asia: Study protocol.

AIM: To evaluate emergency obstetric care education and training within a medical assistant training program, being delivered in a remote, fragile region of Southeast Asia. This will aid in the identification of potential areas of enhancement to improve the management of obstetric emergencies. DESIGN: An ethnographic study, adopting a multi-methods approach. METHODS: Emergency obstetric care education and training will be assessed through documentary analysis and interviews (online or face-to-face) with educators and trainers (N ~ 6-7). Student experiences will be explored using in-person focus groups, facilitated by an external trainer involved in delivering the program (N ~ 10-12). A reflective field diary will provide insight into the lived experience of postgraduate students (N ~ 4-5). Data will be collected between May 2022 and May 2023. The full data set will be triangulated and analysed using the READ approach; (1) ready your materials, (2) extract data, (3) analyse data and (4) distil your findings. Institutional ethical approval was obtained from a university in October 2021, and inter-country regional access was gained following adherence to their local ethical requirements. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: The findings from this study may help to inform the future design of the medical assistant training program. It is anticipated that the knowledge gained from this study will enhance the education and training of mid-level health providers at local, national, and international levels. This work intends to contribute to addressing Sustainable Development Goal 3, Target 1 of reducing maternal mortality to 70:100,000 live births in low-income countries. REPORTING METHOD: This protocol adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No formal PPI has been undertaken; however, stakeholders involved in delivering the education and training have been consulted.

Palliative care in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative condition with no known cure. People with the condition can have complex palliative care needs similar to those of cancer patients. This article describes the four stages of Parkinson's disease, and illustrates how nurses can apply the principles of palliative care to support and care at each stage.

Experiences and needs of bereaved carers during palliative and end-of-life care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIM: This study explored the experiences of palliative care that bereaved carers had while providing care to a dying loved one with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with nine carers who had lost a loved one in the preceding 6 to 24 months. These interviews explored levels of satisfaction with disease management, symptom management, and end-of-life care. With permission, interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and subjected to content analysis. FINDINGS: Three themes emerged from the data: the impact of the caring experience, the lack of support services, and end-of-life and bereavement support. Carers experienced carer burden, lack of access to support services, a need for palliative care, and bereavement support. CONCLUSION: The findings provide a first insight into the experiences of carers of patients with advanced COPD. Bereaved carers of patients who had suffered advanced COPD reported that they had received inadequate support and had a range of unmet palliative care needs. Special attention should be paid to educating and supporting carers during their caring and bereavement periods to ensure that their quality of life is maintained or enhanced.

Active carers: living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

It has long been recognised that the majority of care provided in chronic illness comes not from health and social care professionals, but from family and friends. One such illness is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world.To explore the specific care needs of informal caregivers of patients with advanced COPD, interviews were conducted with seven active family caregivers. Interviews were taped, transcribed and content analysed to obtain the caregivers' needs. Results confirm that family caregivers provide direct care with little support and assistance. Participants reported restricted activities of daily living and some emotional distress. There were knowledge deficiencies among caregivers relating to the COPD illness trajectory and little awareness of the potential of palliative care. Family caregivers need social and professional support while caring for a patient at home. This would help to ensure that their physical and emotional health does not suffer. There is a need to devise interventions to ensure family caregivers are supported.

Factors affecting adherence to use of hip protectors amongst residents of nursing homes--a correlation study.

BACKGROUND: Hip protectors are protective pads designed to cover the greater trochanter and attenuate or disperse the force of a fall sufficiently to prevent a hip fracture. Promising results from randomised controlled trials in nursing homes have resulted in hip protectors being widely recommended in the health care literature and in national guidelines. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to identify characteristics of individual residents, and the organisational features of the homes in which they live, which may affect adherence to wearing hip protectors. DESIGN: An observational, correlation study designed to identify factors related to adherence. SETTING: Forty nursing and residential homes in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: 1346 residents of the homes who were not confined to bed and with no pressure sore on the hip. METHODS: The introduction of an evidence-based policy to offer Safehip hip protectors to residents free of charge and with support from a nurse facilitator. Adherence to wearing the hip protectors was observed over 72 weeks. RESULTS: Initial acceptance of the hip protectors was 37.2%. Continued adherence was 23.9% at 24 weeks; 23.2% at 48 weeks; and 19.9% at 72 weeks. Greater adherence was associated with the following individual resident characteristics: a greater degree of dependency (95% CI 1.39-3.78) and cognitive impairment (95% CI 1.01-2.98); being male rather than female (95% CI 1.06-2.48). Greater adherence was also associated with the following organisational characteristics of homes: fewer changes of senior manager during the study period (95% CI 1.01-8.51), and being resident in a home with a resident profile showing a greater proportion of residents with a higher degree of dependency (95% CI 1.04-1.27). There was wide a variation in the degree of success in implementation between homes (adherence of 0-100% at 24 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Those implementing a policy of introducing hip protectors into nursing and residential homes should consider targeting residents with cognitive impairment. Such residents are at greater risk of hip fracture and appear to be more likely to continue wearing hip protectors. Those charged with implementing changes in practice or policy should consider how the context for implementation can be optimised to increase the likelihood of success.

The effect of type of hip protector and resident characteristics on adherence to use of hip protectors in nursing and residential homes--an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the factors influencing the acceptability of hip protectors to residents of nursing and residential homes, especially the effect of hip protector type, and resident characteristics. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial with 12 weeks follow-up. Participants were randomised to receive either Safehip or HipSaver hip protectors. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: 109 residents aged 61 to 98 years from seven residential homes and two nursing homes in Northern Ireland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage day-time use of the hip protectors over 12 weeks and ongoing use at 12 weeks. RESULTS: 42% (119/285) of residents invited to enter the study agreed to take part, and 109 started to wear the hip protectors. 43.1% (47/109) were still using them at 12 weeks. Mean percentage day-time use for all residents during 12 weeks was 48.6%. There was no significant difference in percentage day-time use (p=0.40), or use at 12 weeks (p=0.56) between the residents wearing Safehip and HipSaver protectors. Greater percentage daytime use of hip protectors was associated with being resident in a home for the elderly mentally infirm (75.1%, p

Outcomes of advanced trauma life support training: questioning the role of observer.

Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in young adults in the United Kingdom. Many such deaths are preventable if patients are treated effectively. Delay in providing care by experienced, trained staff is seen as a major factor in unsatisfactory trauma management. In order to reduce the number of deaths, the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) system has been recommended for use in the management of patients with major injuries. However, there is little evidence to support the participation of nurses in the ATLS system. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ATLS training on the performance of nurses in Accident and Emergency, taking account of experience and intuition. Results suggest that the Trauma Nursing Core Course and the Advanced Trauma Nursing Course have a positive influence on nurses' performance. Experienced staff who had received full, participative ATLS training demonstrated an improved understanding of the trauma situation resulting in rapid and accurate decision-making. However, attending the ATLS course as an observer appears to have minimal effect on a nurse's performance and such non-participant training should no longer be considered as equivalent to participant training.

Self directed and lifelong learning.

Given the many changes that occur in medicine, health care and information technologies we need to prepare all our students to engage in self directed and life long learning. There is considerable opportunity for self-directed and lifelong learning in health informatics bringing together students in exciting global learning environments, where they have much greater freedom and flexibility in their studies and potentially a wider variety of resources available to them. Self-directed learning focuses on the process by which adults take control of their own learning, in particular how they set their own learning goals, locate appropriate resources, decide on which learning methods to use and evaluate their progress. Lifelong learning happens in a variety of formal and informal settings building on both intentional and incidental learning experiences. In a lifelong learning situation the tutor must relinquish the role of expert and assume the role of facilitator, guiding learners to uncover their own knowledge. Against a back drop of rapid advances in technology which can be used to both deliver course materials and provide enhanced learning opportunities, this chapter outlines the pedagogic principles and practices which underpin self-directed and lifelong learning.

Sensitivity of the breastfeeding motivational measurement scale: a known group analysis of first time mothers.

Breastfeeding has immense public health value for mothers, babies, and society. But there is an undesirably large gap between the number of new mothers who undertake and persist in breastfeeding compared to what would be a preferred level of accomplishment. This gap is a reflection of the many obstacles, both physical and psychological, that confront new mothers. Previous research has illuminated many of these concerns, but research on this problem is limited in part by the unavailability of a research instrument that can measure the key differences between first-time mothers and experienced mothers, with regard to the challenges they face when breastfeeding and the instructional advice they require. An instrument was designed to measure motivational complexity associated with sustained breast feeding behaviour; the Breastfeeding Motivational Measurement Scale. It contains 51 self-report items (7 point Likert scale) that cluster into four categories related to perceived value of breast-feeding, confidence to succeed, factors that influence success or failure, and strength of intentions, or goal. However, this scale has not been validated in terms of its sensitivity to profile the motivation of new mothers and experienced mothers. This issue was investigated by having 202 breastfeeding mothers (100 first time mothers) fill out the scale. The analysis reported in this paper is a three factor solution consisting of value, midwife support, and expectancies for success that explained the characteristics of first time mothers as a known group. These results support the validity of the BMM scale as a diagnostic tool for research on first time mothers who are learning to breastfeed. Further research studies are required to further test the validity of the scale in additional subgroups.

Sailing against the tide: Taiwanese women's journey from pregnancy loss to motherhood.

PURPOSE: To understand the experiences of Asian women in Taiwan who are adjusting to motherhood following previous pregnancy loss. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Phenomenology was used as the study design, and interviews were used to collect data in a medical center in Northern Taiwan with six women who had given birth to a healthy baby after previous pregnancy loss. Following ethical approval, interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to develop data themes. RESULTS: The nautical metaphor was chosen because of the fact that Taiwan is an island and surround by sea. The sea has deep cultural meaning of uncertainty in life for the Taiwanese people. A metaphor of "sailing against the tide" emerged from the data to depict three stages of the women's journey: remembering the previous journey of loss; the rising sun brings new life within; and changing tide brings new birth. The essence of their journey through the pregnancy and birth was a permutation of fear, uncertainty, and a deep desire for reassurance of fetal well-being. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study reinforces the difficulties that women have after a pregnancy loss, but examines it with a unique cultural focus. Nurses and midwives can use these findings to develop caring and understanding practices designed to help women in these circumstances. Pregnancy after a loss is never the same as a previous pregnancy, and is perceived as different from a pregnancy that other "normal" pregnant women have. Women need nurses and midwives who can provide comprehensive practical, physical, culturally specific, psychosocial, and spiritual support to help them successfully chart their journey out of profound loss.

Perception of imposed leg length inequality in normal subjects.

Lower limb length differences of up to 10mm exist in 60% - 95% of the population.There are usually no symptoms or functional effects. Following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), satisfactory clinical results can be spoiled by dissatisfaction due to a change in leg length. Although the change in leg length may be modest in comparison to the normal variation, the patient may perceive this as a leg length discrepancy. To study the average threshold for perception, artificial leg length discrepancies of 5 mm to 25 mm were created in 30 young healthy adults using calibrated wooden blocks. Responses were recorded and analysed using a chi-squared test for independence and an independent measures t-test. Awareness of leg length discrepancy was related to the magnitude of the discrepancy (X2 (15)= 156.6, p<0.05 on the right side, and X2 (15)= 178.725 p<0.05 on the left side). It was shown that no subject reported a 5mm increase in leg length to be uncomfortable while all subjects were aware of leg length discrepancies of 20 mm and 25 mm. When there was a discrepancy of 10 mm in either lower limb, 29 out of 30 subjects (96.7%) thought there was a difference in leg length. Consequently it is suggested that during total hip arthroplasty the surgeon should aim for a leg length discrepancy of less than 10 mm.

Dimensions of hospital nurses' quality of working life.

AIM: This paper is a report of a study describing the quality of working life of nurses in Taiwan. The purpose of the study was to gather data on which to base a questionnaire to be used in further research. BACKGROUND: Nurses often complain of overwork and underpay. Problems persist with nurses' job satisfaction, stress, organizational commitment and intent to leave. 'Quality of working life' is a system of analysing how people experience work: it relates to job satisfaction, intent to leave, turnover rate, personality and work stress. However, reliable information on hospital nurses' quality of working life is limited. METHOD: A descriptive study was carried out with a convenience sample. A total of 16 focus groups in one medical centre and five regional hospitals informed a quality of working life framework. Each group had three to five participants who were Registered Nurses in medical or surgical wards with at least 2 years' nursing experience, and who held a position below assistant nurse manager. The data were collected in 2000. FINDINGS: A total of 56 nurses' quality of working life categories were identified and fitted into six dimensions: socio-economic relevance, demography, organizational aspects, work aspects, human relation aspects and self-actualization. In this paper, we focus on issues emphasized by focus group participants. These were managing shift work within the demands of family life; accommodation; support resources; and nurses' clinical ladder system and salary system. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed with other groups of nurses in a wider variety of settings in order to examine strengths and weaknesses in the total healthcare work environment and to develop appropriate strategies for nurses' quality of working life.

Palliative care for patients with cancer: district nurses' experiences.

AIM: This paper reports a study exploring district nurses' experiences of providing palliative care for patients with cancer and their families. BACKGROUND: There is an increasing demand for palliative care in the community, as many patients wish to die at home. District nurses are central to providing palliative care in the community, but there is a dearth of literature on district nurses' experiences in palliative care. METHOD: A Husserlian phenomenological approach was adopted with a purposive sample of 25 female district nurses. Data were collected using unstructured, tape-recorded interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's seven stages of data analysis. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: the communication web; the family as an element of care; challenges for the district nurse in symptom management and the personal cost of caring. CONCLUSIONS: District nurses' experiences of providing palliative care to family units was challenging but rewarding. The emotive nature of the experience cannot be under-estimated, as many district nurses were touched by the varying situations. Whilst acknowledging the need to maintain an integrated approach to care, district nurses should be identified as the key workers in the complex situation of palliative care.