Journal of nursing management
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This paper outlines how a specific action research approach can be used to secure practice development in services which have found sustained change difficult. For the purpose of this paper discussion focuses upon using professionalizing action research (a form of action research) to secure transformation in acute inpatient mental health services. This speciality has experienced long-term difficultly in meaningful practice change. Not limited to this context parallels can be made with other health and social care services requiring significant modernization. ⋯ Reviewing the literature and theoretical application indicates the value of professionalizing action research as a process for modernization. The strength of the approach lies in the opportunity for team learning and change which is grounded in the context of services and pursued through collaboration.
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The present study addresses the importance of the manager's role in the development and maintenance of organizational culture. It describes the types of cultures that exist and manager characteristics that are essential to facilitating a healthy workplace. ⋯ Managers are always under the magnifying glass, with each action carefully scrutinized by subordinates. They must exercise caution when making decisions, ensuring that fairness and equitability exists among staff, and that ethical standards are upheld on a continual basis. The four cultural components, viewed as managerial traits of trust and trustworthiness, empowerment, consistency and mentorship coexist at all times regardless of the type of culture. Managers must put support systems and other mechanisms into place that allow employees the opportunity to empower themselves and to flourish, thus increasing their own effectiveness as well as that of the organization.
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The Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index pain scale has not been used with cognitively impaired elders to measure their knee or hip pain. This study therefore examined the usefulness of the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index pain scale for measuring pain in this population. ⋯ The study confirmed that the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index pain scale is as valid and reliable as the Verbal Descriptor Scale and Present Pain Intensity for elders with moderate and mild cognitive impairment. When used by staff, the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index pain scale provides a better pain assessment for cognitively impaired elders than the Verbal Descriptor Scale or Present Pain Intensity.
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To examine the effectiveness of reflexology foot massage in hospitalized cancer patients undergoing second or third chemotherapy cycles. ⋯ Reflexology foot massage can be considered a support treatment used in combination with traditional medical treatments and executed by an expert, qualified person to help cancer patients receiving chemotherapy feel better and also cope better with their disease.
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Health care employees are more likely than other workers to be victims of violence or aggression. Results from one Australian study suggest that 30% of respondents experienced aggression on a daily or near daily basis. In an Irish context, a total of 22% of all reported injuries in the health and social sector related to injuries inflicted by another person. ⋯ Additionally, they encountered violence or aggression that is vicariously experienced more than forms that were overtly directed towards staff. It is a matter of concern that less than one-third of staff in this study reported that they had training in the management of aggression and violence. The implications will be discussed in relation to both policy and practice.