Journal of clinical nursing
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Meta Analysis
Despair and hopelessness in the context of HIV--a meta-synthesis on qualitative research findings.
The aim of the study was to explore the concepts of despair and hopelessness in the context of human immunodeficiency virus based on previous studies. ⋯ The findings of this study offer clinical guidelines on a conceptual level about how to detect these phenomena in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus and their significant others. Furthermore, the findings offer a starting point for interventions used to alleviate despair and hopelessness. Suggestions for suitable interventions are offered. The results of this study underline the clinical relevance of these phenomena in adding new information to the previously documented consequences of despair and hopelessness.
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This review aims to explore the research available relating to three commonly used pain rating scales, the Visual Analogue Scale, the Verbal Rating Scale and the Numerical Rating Scale. The review provides information needed to understand the main properties of the scales. ⋯ In order to use pain-rating scales well clinicians need to appreciate the potential for error within the tools, and the potential they have to provide the required information. Interpretation of the data from a pain-rating scale is not as straightforward as it might first appear.
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The aim of this study was to explore the presence of lucidity in a woman with severe dementia during conversations and whether it occurred when conversational partners or the woman with severe dementia initiated the conversation topics about the present, past or future time and whether she was presented with support or demands during the conversation. ⋯ To share the same perception of reality, focusing on the topics initiated by the patient with severe dementia and a supporting attitude to what the patient tells, will hopefully give more episodes of lucidity in the patient. This approach in caring for patients with severe dementia might give more meaning and well-being to the conversational partners in daily care.
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The aim of the larger study was to ascertain the medication practices of registered and enrolled nurses in rural and remote areas of Queensland after the introduction of the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation. This paper reports on the findings of the role of registered nurses and their confidence in the ability to provide information on medications in a way that the client understands; the frequency of the provision of information to clients prior to discharge; and the frequency of Indigenous Health Workers or interpreters for people without English as a first language. ⋯ It is well recognized that the provision of medication education to clients has several benefits to both the client and the health care system. The lack of client medication education indicated in this study compromises patient's safety as well as their compliance with their medication regime.
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The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by investigating the subjective phenomenon as described by the patient. ⋯ Whilst there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and medical interventions have limited effect, health professionals can do much to improve patient's symptoms and experiences of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by listening to how their symptoms affect them and adapting coping strategies. It is hoped that the themes revealed in this study generate additional understanding and insight for future innovative practice.