Journal of advanced nursing
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Data from a 1989 survey using the condom attitude and belief instrument with 310 clients from two sexually transmitted disease clinics identified significant social referents who influence condom-use intentions. They are sexual partner, father and friends. The present study found that communication with these referents had a positive net effect on beliefs about and intentions to use condoms. Implications applicable for intervention programmes to increase condom use are to promote talking about condoms between the sexual partners and important social referents and to develop such communication skills.
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There are many dimensions to outcome measurement for patient care and this study focuses on one aspect of outcome, namely that which is most concerned with the immediate effects of nursing care. Traditionally, outcome studies have been almost exclusively concerned with measuring the clinical outcomes of care with very little attempt being made to assess the effect of the nurses' contributions to that care. One of this study's purposes has been to redress this imbalance. ⋯ These were tested, in a case study situation, on 15 wards at seven acute hospitals. Initial testing indicates that these outcome measures show promise as a valid and reliable evaluation instrument with the utility for easy application in the clinical setting. They are being presented as a possible way forward to assessing the outcomes of nursing care.
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A self-administered questionnaire was developed to ascertain the criteria that student nurses used to assess children in pain. The sample consisted of 17 second-year registered general nurse students who had just completed their paediatric secondment. The questionnaire required the students to provide their own definition of pain, to rate the pain of four hypothetical children, giving reasons for their ratings and provide data about their assessment of a child they had cared for. ⋯ There was limited reference to either personal episodes of pain or previous nursing experience. In their own assessment of children in pain the students appeared to use all the acknowledged criteria. The use of physiological signs was in some circumstances possibly inappropriate.
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Communication between hospital staff and in-patients, especially regarding the provision of information, has been found to be inadequate although improving information-giving has been demonstrated to have a number of beneficial effects. While the ward round might be a particularly valuable setting for communication, few studies have explored the multidisciplinary nature of rounds. This study obtained the views of 33 consultants, 14 nurses and eight patients and observed three ward rounds in order to determine the nature of present round functioning, and the nurse's role in such a round. ⋯ It is recommended that patients are more involved in rounds and are given more explanations and encouraged to ask questions. Nurses should be educated to assert themselves in ward rounds in order to fulfil roles they prescribe for themselves, and all professionals should aim towards more democratic, equal discussion. There is a need for further research to determine the effectiveness of nurse intervention on patient involvement and satisfaction with the round.
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This paper constitutes a discussion of a case of sexual abuse of children by a nurse brought before the UKCC Professional Conduct Committee. Judgement was first deferred, and later the nurse was allowed to remain on the register and to practise as a nurse. The case is considered with reference to guidance from the UKCC in various documents. ⋯ With a View to Removal From the Register...'?, and found to be more than adequate. The case for leniency is then considered with further reference to UKCC policy, but is rejected. It is concluded that, on this occasion, the Professional Conduct Committee's findings were erroneous and indefensible.