Produção científica dos cuidados de enfermagem ao paciente com traumatismo da medula espinhal: uma análise bibliométrica / Scientific production of patient nursing care spinal cord injury: a bibliometric analysis / Producción científica del cuidado de enfermería del paciente lesión de la médula espinal: un análisis bibliométrico

Objetivo: Descrever a distribuição da produção científica dos cuidados de enfermagem ao paciente com traumatismo da medula espinhal e verificar quais as temáticas mais abordadas. Método: Análise bibliométrica através da Lei de Bradford, Lei de Zipf e estatística textual realizada com publicações em português, inglês e espanhol, no período de 1978 a 2018. Resultados: Amostra composta por 33 artigos distribuídos em 13 periódicos, sendo a maioria originais e de abordagem quantitativa. O Brasil publicou o maior número de artigos, apresentando a terceira colocação dos periódicos no núcleo de Bradford. Foi identificado um valor médio do multiplicador de Bradford (XmB) = 2,1. Os termos com maior semântica foram: lesão medular, paciente, enfermagem, enfermeiro e cuidado. Conclusão: Os indicadores bibliométricos demonstraram uma produção científica com pouca produtividade, porém com tendência a crescimento nas últimas décadas. Novos estudos acerca da temática são necessários para aprimorar o cuidado ofertado ao paciente com lesão medular

Objective: To describe the distribution of scientific production of nursing care to patients with spinal cord trauma and to verify which themes are most addressed. Method: Bibliometric analysis through the Bradford Law, Zipf Law and textual statistics made with publications in Portuguese, English and Spanish, from 1978 to 2018. Results: Sample composed of 33 articles distributed in 13 journals, most of them original and of quantitative approach. Brazil has published the largest number of articles, presenting the third position of the journals in the Bradford nucleus. An average Bradford multiplier value (XmB) = 2.1 was identified. The terms with the highest semantics were: spinal cord injury, patient, nursing, nurse and care. Conclusion: The bibliometric indicators showed a scientific production with low productivity, but with a tendency to growth in the last decades. Further studies on the subject are needed to improve the care offered to patients with spinal cord injury

Objetivo: Describir la distribución de la producción científica de cuidados de enfermería a pacientes con trauma de la médula espinal y verificar qué temas se abordan más. Método: Análisis bibliométrico a través de la Ley Bradford, la Ley Zipf y estadísticas textuales realizadas con publicaciones en portugués, inglés y español, de 1978 a 2018. Resultados: Muestra compuesta por 33 artículos distribuidos en 13 revistas, la mayoría originales y de enfoque cuantitativo. Brasil ha publicado la mayor cantidad de artículos, presentando la tercera posición de las revistas en el núcleo de Bradford. Se identificó un valor multiplicador promedio de Bradford (XmB) = 2.1. Los términos con la semántica más alta fueron: lesión de la médula espinal, paciente, enfermería, enfermera y atención. Conclusión: Los indicadores bibliométricos mostraron una producción científica con baja productividad, pero con tendencia al crecimiento en las últimas décadas. Se necesitan más estudios sobre el tema para mejorar la atención ofrecida a los pacientes con lesión de la médula espinal

The meaning of hope for individuals with spinal cord injury in Brazil.

AIM: To understand the meaning of hope among individuals with spinal cord injury. DESIGN: A qualitative study employing the ethnographic method was used, with 18 individuals. METHOD: Participant observation was chosen to understand individuals with spinal cord injury and interviews were used to elicit information about the hope experience. The data were analysed using Ernst Bloch's theory of hope. FINDINGS: Participants constructed their own personality and sense of self, including their hopes for their future, based on their life before their injury. Life after experiencing spinal cord injury highlighted the limitations and potentialities of their hopes. Using a sense of hope to establish goals for the future helped participants overcome obstacles. CONCLUSION: Hope in people with spinal cord injury helped them cope with the fundamental changes to their daily lives. Hope played an important role in articulating coping strategies and setting and achieving goals. These findings may help nurses understand the limits and potentialities of hope as an instigator of goals in the daily life of individuals with spinal cord injury.

El proceso de duelo en un paciente con lesión medular / The grieving process in a patient with spinal injury

Para la mayoría de las lesiones medulares no hay ningún tratamiento curativo, y dado el gran impacto que ocasiona en la calidad de vida de estas personas, las intervenciones van orientadas, entre otras, a la adaptación del nuevo estado de salud y a la obtención de la mayor independencia y autonomía posible en las necesidades del individuo. Además, después de la lesión se experimenta ansiedad y preocupación extrema que impide el manejo adecuado de las emociones, por lo que será necesario un seguimiento adecuado del proceso de duelo para la pronta recuperación psicológica. Dada la relevancia del abordaje adecuado en el proceso de duelo en el paciente lesionado medular se propone la exposición de un caso clínico de un paciente joven con dicha situación y experiencia, que pueda ayudar a otros profesionales. Para ello se elabora un plan de atención enfermero siguiendo el modelo teórico de Virginia Henderson y la taxonomía NANDA, NOC y NIC

There is no curative treatment for the majority of spinal cord injuries, and given their major impact on the quality of life of these patients, interventions are targeted, among other things, to adaptation to their new health status and achieving the highest independency and autonomy possible for their individual needs. Besides, patients will experience anxiety and extreme concern after the injury, which prevents an adequate management of emotions; therefore, an adequate follow-up will be required for the grieving process, in order to achieve an early psychological recovery. Given the relevance of an adequate approach for the grieving process in a patient with spinal injury, we hereby present the case record of a young patient with said situation and experience, which can be helpful for other professionals. To this aim, a nursing care plan was prepared, following the theoretical model by Virginia Henderson, and the NANDA, NOC and NIC taxonomy

Family-centered empowerment process in individuals with spinal cord injury living in Iran: a grounded theory study.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a qualitative study using grounded theory method. OBJECTIVES: To explain the process of family-centered empowerment in a population of individuals with SCI living in Iran. SETTING: Brain and SCI Research Center, Social Welfare Center, and SCI Association of Tehran; Iran. METHODS: Participants were 19 persons with traumatic SCI, 13 family member caregivers, and 11 health care providers selected through purposeful sampling. Data were collected using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, which were continued until data saturation. The interview data were methodically collected and analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's (1998) recommended method for grounded theory. Constant comparative analysis was simultaneously conducted through reviews of the interview statements, observations of behavior, interviewer field notes, and interviewer memos. The analysis was managed in MAXQDA software version 10. RESULTS: The process of family-centered empowerment following SCI included five categories: (1) disruption in the existential integrity of the individual; (2) constructive life recovery; (3) inhibitors of family-centered empowerment; (4) facilitators of family-centered empowerment, and (5) back on track. Constructive life recovery was selected as the core variable using the grounded theory method. This core variable identified the strategies most frequently used by the participants to cope with the challenges of SCI-related impairment, disability, and overall life management. CONCLUSIONS: Family-centered empowerment process in individuals with SCI living in Iran emerged from the data. The model includes early disruptions in the bio-psycho-social and vocational lives of individuals with SCI and their families, strategies for recovery post injury, inhibitors and facilitators of family-centered empowerment, the gradual return to work and daily activities, and the expected social roles for individuals with SCI.

Impact of simulation-based learning on family caregivers during the rehabilitation period of individuals with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Mixed-methods study. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the knowledge that family caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injuries acquired through the use of a high-fidelity simulation-based learning (SBL) program. SETTING: The study was comprised of three phases: a previous qualitative research study detecting training needs, one in which clinical simulation scenarios were designed, and a final quasi-experimental phase in which ten caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injuries were trained in their care using simulations at the Toledo National Hospital for Paraplegics (Spain). METHODS: The competences acquired by the family were evaluated before and after the simulation training. A researcher-validated tool for each scenario was utilized for this evaluation. RESULTS: Four learning scenarios were designed based on the needs identified through the caregiver interviews. Following the training of the caregivers with SBL, an increase in their knowledge and skills was identified. For all the scenarios, the caregivers obtained a higher average score on the post test than on the pre test, and these differences were significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Simulation training is a useful and efficient learning tool for caregivers of individuals with a spinal cord injury.

Nurses' Perspectives of Person-Centered Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation in a Digital Hospital.

PURPOSE: Nurses' perspectives on electronic medical record (eMR) use and compatibility with person-centered care (PCC) in rehabilitation were explored. DESIGN: This cross-sectional, qualitative study involved nurses practicing in a spinal cord injury service within the first Australian tertiary hospital to implement a large-scale eMR system. METHODS: Ten focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. FINDINGS: The three themes were (1) discovering how eMR fits in a specialty setting, (2) making eMR work through adaptability, and (3) realizing the impact of eMR inclusion in the nurse-patient relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The eMR introduction triggered compensatory practices to manage the complexities and shortcomings of electronic documentation. Nurses adapted routines and reoriented workflows to preserve PCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While absorbing eMR-driven changes in documentation, rehabilitation nurses must in parallel manage evolving nursing practice norms in the digital environment in order to sustain PCC. This requires strategic foresight and commitment.

Caring for patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT: The physical, emotional, and financial impact of a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) can be devastating. This article discusses the pathophysiology of TSCI, medical and surgical management during the acute and subacute phases of injury, and nursing care for patients with TSCI.

The Relationship Between Psychological and Physical Secondary Conditions and Family Caregiver Burden in Spinal Cord Injury: A Correlational Study.

Background: Caregiver burden (CB) is a consequence of providing care to people with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there is a lack of clarity about the influence of secondary conditions of care recipients on family caregivers. Secondary conditions refer to the physical and psychological complications that can occur after SCI and lead to increased hospitalization and reduced functionality, quality of life, and social participation. Objective: To assess the impact of physical and psychological secondary conditions of people with SCI on the perceived burden of family caregivers. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study of 56 dyads of family caregivers and individuals with SCI in two urban spinal units in Italy and Ireland. Care recipients completed a toolset consisting of demographic information and assessments of functional, physical, and psychological health. Caregivers completed a multidimensional measure of CB. Bivariate data analysis was used. Results: No significant differences between centers were identified. CB was found to be related to physical secondary conditions and functional independence but not to mental health of care recipients. Bladder dysfunction and urinary tract infections influenced all dimensions of CB, whereas pressure injuries influenced only the time-dependent dimension. Level and completeness of injury and duration of caregiving increased CB. Conclusion: Findings indicate the value of a reduction in secondary conditions not just for individuals with SCI but also for their family caregivers. To reduce the individual and family burden of secondary conditions, a two-pronged, multidimensional approach, focusing on self-management for care recipients and psychoeducational support for caregivers, is required.

A Qualitative Study of Caregiving for Adolescents and Young Adults With Spinal Cord Injuries: Lessons From Lived Experiences.

Objective: To examine characteristics of caregiving from the perspectives of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and their informal caregivers to address outstanding gaps in knowledge relating to definitions of caregiving and its associated practices for this population. Methods: A multiphase qualitative design was applied, using phenomenological and narrative methods to capture data in participants' homes and communities. Participants were recruited from rehabilitation hospitals and community organizations throughout Los Angeles County, California. Inclusion criteria for AYAs included being 15-22 years old, having acquired an SCI within the previous 5 years, and using a wheelchair for mobility. The AYAs nominated persons they identified as primary caregivers to also participate. Data were collected through individual and group interviews as well as activity observations. Results: Data from the 17 participants (9 AYAs and 8 informal, primary caregivers) revealed ways in which the meaning of caregiving varied among dyads. Caregiving practices extended beyond physical assistance to include support for a range of day-to-day activities spanning from practical needs to facilitating developmental trajectories. Although AYAs expressed ideas about preferred caregiver characteristics, care partnerships appeared to be guided more by availability than preference. Conclusion: Phenomenological analysis revealed that the meaning of "caregiving" and its associated practices are highly individualized for AYAs with SCIs. Caregiving is rooted in personal needs related to effects of SCI and developmental goals. Everyday practices are shaped by individual relationships and the beliefs of AYAs and their caregivers. Addressing influences of caregiving on long-term health and function may require attention to developmental processes, caregiver "fit," and ways care is, or can be, distributed throughout broader networks according to personal needs and preferences.

Identifying Required Skills to Enhance Family Caregiver Competency in Caring for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Living in the Community.

Background: Due to the earlier discharge of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), family caregivers are often left with limited time for learning caregiving skills, and they usually feel unprepared to undertake the caregiver role. Objective: Considering the key role of family caregivers in maintaining the overall health and well-being of the individual with SCI, the objective of this study was to determine the breadth of skills needed by family caregivers to enhance their competency in caring for individuals with SCI living in the community. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used with semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to determine key themes arising from the experiences of individuals with SCI (n= 19) and their family members (n = 15). Results: Twenty-nine SCI family caregiving skills were identified and grouped into six caregiving processes signifying the multiple dimensions of the SCI caregiving role. These include monitoring and managing physical health and secondary health conditions, providing for psychosocial needs, decision making, time management, being flexible, and navigating the health and social services system. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that development of multiple caregiving skills is crucial to enhance family members' competency in caregiving. These findings should further alert health care professionals that assessment of caregiving skills at regular intervals is necessary to help caregivers achieve mastery in situations where they are facing caregiving difficulties. Future programs need to be designed to include the skills that family caregivers need and use in real-life caregiving situations.

Re-building relationships after a spinal cord injury: experiences of family caregivers and care recipients.

BACKGROUND: Following spinal cord injury (SCI), family members are often called upon to undertake the caregiving role. This change in the nature of the relationship between the individuals with SCI and their families can lead to emotional, psychological, and relationship challenges. There is limited research on how individuals with SCI and their family caregivers adapt to their new lives post-injury, or on which dyadic coping strategies are used to maintain relationships. Thus, the objectives of this study were to obtain an in-depth understanding of 1) the experiences and challenges within a caregiving relationship post-SCI among spouses, as well as parents and adult children; and 2) the coping strategies used by caregivers and care recipients to maintain/rebuild their relationships. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach with an exploratory design was used. Semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes arising from individuals with SCI's (n = 19) and their family caregivers' (n = 15) experiences. RESULTS: Individuals with SCI and family caregivers spoke in-depth and openly about their experiences and challenges post-injury, with two emerging themes (including subsequent sub-themes). The first theme of deterioration of relationship, which reflects the challenges experienced/factors that contributed to disintegration in a relationship post-injury, included: protective behaviours, asymmetrical dependency, loss of sex and intimacy, and difficulty adapting. The second theme of re-building/maintaining the relationship, which reflects the strategies used by dyads to adjust to the changes within the relationship brought upon by the injury, included: interdependence, shifting commonalities, adding creativity into routine, and creating a new normal. CONCLUSIONS: These findings should alert healthcare professionals and peer support groups as to the need for possible education and training (e.g., coping strategies, communication skills training) as well as counseling prior to discharge to assist individuals with SCI and family caregivers with adaptation to a new life post-injury.

Specialized nursing terminology for the care of people with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a bank of terms of specialized nursing language based on the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) for the care of the person with spinal cord injury. METHOD: Descriptive, quantitative study guided by the guidelines of terminological studies. Terms were extracted from an official document of the Ministry of Health through use of a computer tool, and were standardized and mapped with the ICNP® Version 2015. RESULTS: We identified 446 relevant terms, of which 265 were equal, 68 were similar, 23 were more comprehensive, 66 were more restricted, and 24 were not in concordance with terms of the ICNP®. Terms classified as equal and similar were considered as constant. Thus, the bank of terms consisted of 333 constant terms and 113 not contained in the classification. Terms included in the Focus, Action, Means and Location axes predominated. CONCLUSION: The bank of terms will contribute to the construction of the ICNP® terminology subset for the care of people with spinal cord injury.

Patterns of coping among caregivers of children with spinal cord injury: Associations with parent and child well-being.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have investigated how caregivers manage stressors associated with their child's spinal cord injury (SCI) and how these patterns relate to their child's coping and adjustment. The current study explored empirically derived coping profiles among caregivers of youth with SCI and the relation of these patterns to parent and youth psychosocial outcomes. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional survey of 318 children (ages 1 to 18) and a primary caregiver. Participants completed measures assessing demographics, coping, quality of life (QOL), anxiety, and depression. We utilized hierarchical and nonhierarchical cluster analyses to identify unique coping patterns and one-way analysis of variance with control variables to assess relations between parental coping and psychosocial well-being. RESULTS: The analyses produced 3 parent coping clusters, which included avoidant (n = 47), constructive (n = 119), and adjusted/low (n = 152). ANCOVAs revealed that parents in the avoidant cluster, who utilized disengagement and blaming strategies, had significantly worse mental health symptoms compared to the constructive and adjusted low coping clusters. Specifically, avoidant coping was significantly related to increased symptoms of caregiver depression (p < .001) and anxiety (p < .001) as well as children's self-report of anxiety (p = .002), depression (p < .005) and emotional QOL (p < .001). DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the importance of fostering constructive and positive coping for both the children who face chronic illness and their caregivers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Education provision for patients following a spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND:: approximately 40 000 people in the UK live with spinal cord injury. AIM:: to explore the views of patients and healthcare staff relating to the specialist education and information provided following a spinal cord injury. METHODS:: a service evaluation consisting of questionnaire surveys distributed to patients and staff at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre. RESULTS:: of the healthcare staff who responded, 98% found giving education an enjoyable part of their role with most agreeing (45/48) that it is the responsibility of all healthcare staff. The formal education programme was valued by patients. Sessions were graded to inform the development of future programmes. Face to face was the preferred delivery method for 80% of inpatients and 40% of outpatients, with the second most preferred method being an app/e-learning for both patient groups. CONCLUSION:: findings support the continued need for both formal and informal sessions, provided by all members of the healthcare team, with particular emphasis on issues such as bladder and bowel management and sexual function following discharge.

"Theory Does Not Get You From Bed to Wheelchair": A Qualitative Study on Patients' Views of an Education Program in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new nurse-guided patient education program in spinal cord injury rehabilitation with particular focus on the patients' perspectives and experiences. DESIGN: Longitudinal qualitative study. METHODS: We conducted face-to-face interviews with 10 rehabilitation patients and used the content analysis method to analyze the data. FINDINGS: Patients emphasized the importance of the practical training of the education program. This impacted their well-being as well as their autonomy. They rated discussions with primary nurses and peers about physical or psychological concerns. However, after discharge, the learning process was ongoing, and patients experienced the transition to living at home as a major challenge. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This research provides valuable information from the patients' perspective for enhancing spinal cord injury patient education. Situational learning, based on the practical parts of patient education and working with peers, is highlighted.

Specialized nursing terminology for the care of people with spinal cord injury / Terminología especializada de enfermería para el cuidado a la persona con lesión medular / Terminologia especializada de enfermagem para o cuidado à pessoa com lesão medular

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop a bank of terms of specialized nursing language based on the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) for the care of the person with spinal cord injury. Method: Descriptive, quantitative study guided by the guidelines of terminological studies. Terms were extracted from an official document of the Ministry of Health through use of a computer tool, and were standardized and mapped with the ICNP® Version 2015. Results: We identified 446 relevant terms, of which 265 were equal, 68 were similar, 23 were more comprehensive, 66 were more restricted, and 24 were not in concordance with terms of the ICNP®. Terms classified as equal and similar were considered as constant. Thus, the bank of terms consisted of 333 constant terms and 113 not contained in the classification. Terms included in the Focus, Action, Means and Location axes predominated. Conclusion: The bank of terms will contribute to the construction of the ICNP® terminology subset for the care of people with spinal cord injury.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Elaborar un banco de datos de términos del lenguaje, con base en la Clasificación Internacional para la Práctica de Enfermería (CIPE®), para el cuidado a la persona con lesión medular. Método: Investigación descriptiva, de abordaje cuantitativo, orientada por las directrices de estudios terminológicos. Los términos fueron extraídos de documento oficial del Ministerio de la Salud, mediante uso de herramienta computacional, normalizados y mapeados con la CIPE® Versión 2015. Resultados: Se identificaron 446 términos relevantes, siendo 265 iguales, 68 similares, 23 más amplios, 66 más restrictos y 24 sin concordancia con los términos de aquella clasificación. Los términos clasificados como iguales y similares se consideraron constantes. De ese modo, el banco de términos estuvo constituido de 333 términos constantes y 113 no constantes en la clasificación. Predominaron términos clasificados en los ejes Foco, Acción, Medios y Ubicación. Conclusión: El banco de términos contribuirá a la construcción de un subconjunto terminológico CIPE® para el cuidado a personas con lesión medular.

RESUMO Objetivo: Elaborar um banco de termos da linguagem especializada de enfermagem, com base na Classificação Internacional para a Prática de Enfermagem (CIPE®), para o cuidado à pessoa com lesão medular. Método: Pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem quantitativa, orientada pelas diretrizes de estudos terminológicos. Os termos foram extraídos de documento oficial do Ministério da Saúde, mediante uso de ferramenta computacional, normalizados e mapeados com a CIPE® Versão 2015. Resultados: Identificaram-se 446 termos relevantes, sendo 265 iguais, 68 similares, 23 mais abrangentes, 66 mais restritos e 24 sem concordância com os termos daquela classificação. Os termos classificados como iguais e similares foram considerados constantes. Assim, o banco de termos foi constituído por 333 termos constantes e 113 não constantes na classificação. Predominaram termos classificados nos eixos Foco, Ação, Meios e Localização. Conclusão: O banco de termos contribuirá para a construção de um subconjunto terminológico CIPE® para o cuidado de pessoas com lesão medular.

The Integrative Therapy Nurse: A Valuable Player in Symptom Management.

With the support of colleagues and hospital management, the author, an RN with board certification in therapeutic massage and bodywork, developed and implemented the role of the integrative therapy nurse on the spinal cord injury and disorders unit at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The goal of this initiative was to provide patients with additional nonpharmacologic options for addressing their symptoms through the creation of an integrative therapy nurse role within the existing interdisciplinary team of physicians, NPs, psychologists, registered dieticians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and staff nurses. This article outlines the process of creating this role, discusses implications for practice, and reports the outcomes of three years of its implementation. The outcomes of decreased pain and increased relaxation among the veterans who participated in this initiative warrant its further expansion to additional clinical settings.

The lived experience: Nurses' experience of caring for patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are involved in delivering care for patients following acute traumatic spinal cord injury throughout the entire care journey. An injury of this type is significant for the individual and their family and can be challenging for nurses delivering care for patients with life changing injuries, especially for nurses new to this setting. There is a lack of research that examines the experience of nurses caring for these patients in the acute setting. METHOD: A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to understand the experience of nurses caring for patients in the acute setting who had sustained a traumatic spinal injury with associated neurological deficit. Using the phenomenological approach guided by the insight of Gadamer and Max Van Manen, participants with a broad range of experience were recruited and interviewed. The responses were transcribed into a text and subjected to hermeneutic analysis. Burnard's (1991) 14-step process and the hermeneutic approach were used to interpret and understand the phenomenon of interest. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the experience and challenges of providing care to these individuals. Although patients had significant physical disabilities and were often dependent physically, the nurses' concerns were directed more towards fulfilling their psychological needs. Nurses identified grieving patients and felt their role was to provide realistic hope to motivate them. They felt an internal tension regarding desensitisation towards their patients, but this was often an internal protective mechanism to deal with the significance of the events surrounding these patients. Nurses new to this setting took time to learn the routines and manage the unique challenges effectively. Caring for these patients gave the nurses the opportunity to understand their patients and their families, and appreciate that both groups will fluctuate in their behavior throughout the acute process, as they adjust to grief and loss.

Experience of Nurses Caring for Patients With Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience and perceptions of nurses providing bowel care to patients after spinal cord injury. DESIGN: Qualitative study using thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Eleven RNs who provided bowel care to patients following spinal cord injury and were deemed competent to do so by their employer were invited to participate. The study setting was a large, London NHS Trust providing acute hospital care to a population of around 1 million people. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis of data was undertaken using Braun and Clark's 6 stages of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged: (1) unpleasantness of task; (2) perceived patient experience; (3) motivation and avoidance; and (4) barriers to care. There was stoic acceptance of the unpleasant nature of bowel care for the nurse, but unpleasantness for patients was not as readily acknowledged. Perceived patient experience ranged from descriptions of positive aspects of comfort and continence to negative aspects of embarrassment and discomfort. Nurses were motivated by the medical need for bowel care but often saw it as low priority due to the unpleasant nature and displayed avoidance tactics. The barriers concerned inadequate training, the taboo nature of bowel care, and potential sexual interpretations of care. CONCLUSION: Nurses described bowel care as unpleasant but accepted its physiologic need and importance. The standardization of bowel care training and increasing the numbers of nurses trained in bowel care may decrease stigma surrounding provision of care. Study findings suggest that male nurses' experience may differ from female nurses' experience, but this result requires further investigation.