A survey of self-medication practices and perceived effectiveness of glucosamine products among older adults.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the decision-making and self-treatment practices of older users of glucosamine products, namely (1) how do older adults decide to use glucosamine products? (2) what influences their choice? (3) how do they manage their glucosamine treatment? and (4) what is their perception of the effectiveness, side effects, and costs of glucosamine products? DESIGN: A descriptive, exploratory study using a questionnaire survey. SETTING: Province-wide. Invitations to participate were extended to all people living in a Canadian province who used/had used glucosamine products. RESULTS: Advice from friends was a major factor in the decision to take glucosamine. Cost was a major factor influencing the type and brand name of the product used. Ninety-two percent managed their own treatment. The majority (88%) used glucosamine regularly; only one-third took the recommended daily dose. Sixty-seven percent perceived the product to be helpful in relieving symptoms. CONCLUSION: Public education and further research is needed regarding the use of glucosamine products.

Evaluation of an osteoporosis workshop for women.

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem that has reached epidemic proportions among Canadian women. This disease, and its concomitant fractures, places a heavy burden on society in terms of human suffering, loss of productivity, death, and health care costs. In keeping with these concerns, a Canadian community health agency has developed a series of workshops that are designed, in part, to educate women about this disease and to encourage them to take appropriate steps to prevent it or to make informed decisions about its treatment. The present study was designed to evaluate the outcome of one of these workshops. A semi-experimental design was used to measure any changes in the participants' knowledge about osteoporosis and their prevention and treatment practices regarding this disease. The results were compared to those of a control group that consisted of members of various branches of the Women's Institute who volunteered to participate in the study. The findings indicate that the workshop was effective in increasing the participants' level of knowledge on osteoporosis, an increase that was still evident 6 months following the session. The effect of the workshop on the actual preventive and treatment practices of women who attended, however, was limited to a slight increase in the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and calcium intake.

Parent satisfaction with education, support, and decision-making regarding their children's central venous access devices.

This descriptive, exploratory study assessed parents' satisfaction with the education and support they received before and after their children had central venous access devices (CVADs) inserted for cancer treatment. Decisions regarding the type of CVAD and parent satisfaction with that choice were also evaluated. Parents of children who experienced a CVAD during the six-year period 1992-1997 participated. Data were collected through telephone interviews using a questionnaire specifically designed for the purposes of the study. Results suggest that parents were satisfied with the teaching and support received both prior to and following CVAD insertion. Other findings reveal that not all parents take part in decisions about the type of device used, and that if given a choice, based on their experience, they would likely choose implanted ports over Hickman catheters.

Teaching community health nursing by distance methods: development, process, and evaluation.

In 1995, 23 post-RN (RN-to-BSN) students successfully completed the first clinical nursing course offered by distance methods at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Distance delivery improved access to the course for RNs dealing with conflicting work and family demands. Students rated the course favorably overall and found they had learned and applied new knowledge and skills. Community health nurses, who acted as field guides, and their supervisors were satisfied with their roles and responsibilities. However, one need identified was for detailed information about the course, and another was for more frequent communication with the course instructors during the term. Evaluation found students were able to meet their course objectives and perform as well as students who had completed a similar on-campus course.

Managing rumor and gossip in operating room settings.

The unique features of the operating room (OR) make it an ideal setting for the proliferation of gossip and rumor. Although not always negative, these "grapevine" communications can reduce productivity and work satisfaction. Hence, OR managers need to understand these forms of communication and prevent or control their negative consequences. The authors offer suggestions for undertaking this challenge.

The proactive management of rumor and gossip.

Gossip and rumor are common forms of communication in the workplace. Consequently, nursing administrators are challenged to find ways to manage these grapevine activities. The authors present an analysis of gossip and rumor and discuss strategies for their prevention and control.