The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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Comparative Study
Learning needs of persons with epilepsy: a comparison of perceptions of persons with epilepsy, nurses and physicians.
The purpose of this study was to describe and compare patients', nurses' and physicians' perceptions of learning needs of persons with epilepsy. The study is based on adult learning theory which states that learning needs dictate receptivity to information and knowledge of learning needs can help structure teaching sessions. Study participants were recruited from patients attending epilepsy clinics, neuroscience nurses employed at study hospitals or working with neurologists or neurosurgeons and neurologists or neurosurgeons practicing in the state. ⋯ Data analysis revealed that patients, nurses and physicians similarly ranked major areas of learning needs. However, differences in the ranking of individual learning needs were noted between patients and health care providers. An understanding of the differences and similarities among the groups provides useful information for educational programs for epilepsy patients.
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The development of microcatheters and newer embolytic agents has made it possible to treat persons with arteriovenous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas and aneurysms. Until recently, endovascular embolization was usually performed to devascularize tumors prior to surgical removal. The growing number of neurovascular conditions that can be treated by endovascular embolization has led to the need for neuroscience nurses to be knowledgeable about indications, materials, methods, risks, patient preparation and nursing implications in the care, education and discharge planning for the embolization patient.