Journal of advanced nursing
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Multicenter Study
Improving the clinical usefulness of a behavioural pain scale for older people with dementia.
This paper is a description of the process of item reduction as part of the construction of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate to assess pain in Dutch older nursing home residents with dementia. ⋯ It is important to have a valid, reliable, brief and manageable pain scale available for the nursing home setting. Further research is needed to examine the adequacy and effectiveness of the scale in daily clinical practice.
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This paper is a report of a study to assess pressure ulcer prevalence in a group of long-term units and to describe the main factors associated both with risk for and presence of a pressure ulcer. ⋯ Further research is needed to validate our findings and further prospective research is needed to identify ways of preventing pressure ulcers. Our data on staffing suggest that organizational factors should be taken into account when exploring determinants of pressure ulcers.
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This paper is an evaluation of the use of case study methods, drawing on three research studies conducted by the authors in end-of-life care and bereavement. ⋯ Case study methods may be empowering for participants because they value their experiences and reveal how their work contributes to teamwork within organizations. They can therefore be both affirming and challenging, as they may expose both conflicts and tensions.
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This paper is a report of a study of the views of prisoners about health services provided in prisons. ⋯ Lack of autonomy is a major obstacle to ensuring that prisoners' health needs are fully met. Their views should be considered when planning, organizing and delivering prison health services. Further research is needed to examine how nurses can ensure a smooth journey through health care for prisoners.
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This paper is a report of a study to examine attitudes towards life-sustaining treatment in family caregivers of older Chinese people with dementia. ⋯ More dialogue and education are needed about end of life issues in the early phase of dementia. Nurses should be aware of the cultural implications of surrogate decision-making for Chinese family caregivers.