Scandinavian journal of caring sciences
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This article reports on a study into nurses' perceptions of how the integrity of older patients is maintained in long-term care institutions in Finland. ⋯ Nurses take the view that patient integrity is maintained reasonably well in long-term institutions. There are, however, some problematic areas that require special attention, particularly in the maintenance of psychological integrity. Future research needs to look at how patients and their relatives view the situation and to explore different training delivery options that can help raise the ethical quality of nursing care.
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Present-day society has produced changes in family living patterns and conditions and this has resulted in new stressors and health problems. Most children and adolescents with chronic diseases and disabilities, who were previously cared for at hospitals and institutions for long periods, are now integrated in society and they are expected to live a normal life in the conditions that currently prevail. The number of young people with long-term illnesses/disability has increased worldwide during the last decades. ⋯ The results revealed that the adolescents with long-term illness generally experienced well-being like everybody else. Three themes were found to be important in order to feel good: 'a feeling of acceptance of illness/disability as a natural part of life', 'a feeling of support' and 'a feeling of personal growth'. This study concludes that adolescents with long-term illness or disabilities experience well-being when they are allowed to prepare for living a normal life integrated in society.