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Background: Antibiotics savelives and have been effectively and reliably used for decades to treat infections and improve health outcomes. This trust in antibiotics has contributed to over prescribing and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Significant amounts of antibiotics are still widely prescribed and taken, especially in young children. However, there is a paucity of existing literature relating to how mothers, who are the main carers of young children, may be influenced by their trust in antibiotics. Aims: To explore what factors influence mothers' decisions to seek antibiotics for their young children. Design: Qualitative case study using postcode boundaries. Methods: Thematic analysis of qualitative data from mothers of children under 5, recruited via community playgroups within the case. Data were collected between October 2018 and May 2019, from six focus groups (n = 19) and one‐to‐one interviews (n = 14). Thematic analysis of the data consisted of six phases: data familiarization; generating initial codes; searching for themes; reviewing themes; defining and naming themes; and producing the report. Results: Mothers were influenced by their belief and trust in antibiotics. Antibiotics were identified as symbolic of recovery, healing and of providing protection and safety. Conclusion: By understanding the symbolic power of antibiotics on maternal decision making, all antibiotic prescribers may be able to offer and provide reassuring alternative and acceptable treatment options to mothers, rather than using antibiotics. Impact This paper introduces the concept of antibiotics as powerful symbols which influence antibiotic seeking behaviour. This in turn may result in inappropriate use of antibiotics which contributes to the risk of antimicrobial resistance developing. Although the majority of antibiotics are still prescribed by doctors, the number of nurse prescribers has been increasing. Therefore, an increased awareness of antibiotic symbolism, in all prescribing clinicians, is important to enable future local and national strategies to be developed, to support maternal decision making and reduce antibiotic seeking behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject?: Nursing observations at night are conducted on psychiatric wards to ensure the safety and well‐being of patients as well as to reduce the risk of suicide or severe harm.To our knowledge, no studies have examined the lived experience of the psychiatric ward environment and of nursing observations at night. What does the paper add to existing knowledge?: The main complaint from patients was the constant interruption of their sleep, as most of the patients in this study were observed 2–4 times an hour. Their sleep was interrupted by (a) the light from torches shone into their faces by staff checking on their safety, (b) the noises produced by the opening and closing of bedroom/ward doors, and/or (c) staff talking to each other during the observation. Patients also reported that they found having somebody enter the room in the middle of the night intimidating and unsettling. What are the implications for practice?: Poor sleep has been associated with an increase in suicide risk and mental health problems.Identifying practices that promote sleep hygiene is vital.The study could be used to develop a Quality Improvement Project to improve patients' sleep and perhaps reduce duration of stay. Introduction: A fundamental component of nursing care is observations at night to ensure the well‐being of patients. However, there is no literature on the lived experience by inpatients of such observations or of the general environment of a psychiatric ward at night. Aim/Question: This study aims (a) to understand the lived experience of being an inpatient on a psychiatric ward at night with a focus on intermittent observations and (b) contribute to developing a tool to monitor the psychiatric ward environment for use in quality improvement projects. Method: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with twelve inpatients from five psychiatric wards who had experienced intermittent observations at night. These interviews were subsequently transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Results: Environmental disturbances including light and noise, invasion of privacy and safety considerations on the ward all contributed to sleep disturbance. The unintended consequences of disturbances caused by intermittent night observations, and by staff in general and other patients formed the core of the inpatients' experience. We developed a clinical tool that could be used to identify the factors that are relevant on an individual ward. Discussion: Participants interviewed unanimously agreed that poor sleep quality had a significant negative impact on their psychological and social well‐being. These were discussed in relation to the environment and the experience of observations at night. Implications for nursing practice: Deprivation of inpatients' sleep is currently under‐reported, and the usefulness of intermittent observations at night in psychiatric wards is questioned. Much could be done to adjust the environment at night to support quality sleep and improve psychiatric symptoms. This paper aims to highlight the lived experience of patients to help bring improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject?: There are insufficient nurses to meet current demand for mental health care. This is an international concern. Within England, the impact of staff shortages on the quality of patient care in forensic high secure settings has been highlighted by the national regulatory body for hospitals.Forensic hospital nursing is a distinct specialism within mental health. Forensic nurses must negotiate the therapeutic, ethical and practical challenges of caring for high‐risk patients in a locked environment. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: There has been no previous study to ask frontline high secure forensic nurses, union representatives, senior nurses and workforce leads about what factors may be affecting recruitment and retention in their setting.As well as the specialized and challenging nature of the work, participants identified that workforce sustainability was affected by unequal working terms and conditions, the hospital locations and wider national factors, such as changes to how nurse training was funded.They also identified that some strategies that were employed to address workforce shortages, such as day‐to‐day movement of staff within the hospital and incentive packages for new recruits could be demotivating for established staff. What are the implications for practice?: Forensic high secure nursing workforce strategies should include training, development and career pathways that are specific to the specialism and extend beyond preceptorship for newly qualified staff.There should be clear and equitable employment terms and conditions with remuneration packages that are consistent within and between organizations.Hospital managers should address the effect that movement of staff between wards may have on nurses' morale, therapeutic relationships and safety culture. Introduction: There has been no previous study of stakeholders' views on recruitment and retention concerns in high secure forensic settings. Aim: To identify factors affecting recruitment and retention in high secure hospitals, from the perspectives of stakeholders with experience in forensic mental health nursing. Method: Framework analysis of data from fifteen interviews and three focus groups with frontline nurses, nurse leaders, recruitment leads and union representatives from three high secure hospitals in England. Results: Six themes emerged from the data: (a) the unique nature of high secure nursing; (b) the impact of short staffing; (c) wider factors affecting the high secure nursing workforce; (d) the location; (e) staff being on different terms and conditions of work; (f) recruitment strategies. Discussion: Multiple factors are likely to simultaneously affect high secure hospital recruitment and retention. Findings on the unique nature of high secure work reflect previous qualitative research. The themes of location, working terms and condition and recruitment strategies have not been previously identified in forensic nursing research. Implications for practice: Employers should ensure that employment terms and conditions are equitable and consistent. Furthermore, hospital managers should address the effect that movement of staff between wards may have on morale and therapeutic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary This paper reports the thoughts and feelings experienced by registered mental health nurses caring for distressed and/or disturbed service users in acute inpatient psychiatric settings in England., The prevailing thoughts of nurses were of cognitive dissonance and the conflict between benevolence and malevolence if coercive measures were seen as negative rather than positive; prevailing feelings experienced by nurses were fear, anxiety and vulnerability., To enhance care quality, nurses expressed the need for better communication with service users, and preventing the use of coercive measures and promotion of alternative methods of care and management. The nurses considered that debriefing dialogues following untoward incidents, practice development initiatives, education and training together with clinical supervision could be the way forward., The paper builds on the existing literature in offering clear explanations of nurses' thoughts and feelings when caring for distressed and/or disturbed service users in an English acute, inpatient psychiatric setting. Despite the small sample size and the limitations that it generates, the study findings will be of interest to the wider mental health nursing community. The findings will link to other national and international studies and therefore be valuable for future research studies of this kind. Collectively, they are building up a general picture of the distress, cognitive and emotional dissonance experienced by mental health nurses when using coercive interventions. The findings will help to develop mental health nurse education and enhance practice., Abstract High levels of distress and disturbance among service users experiencing acute mental illness is a major problem for mental health nurses ( MHNs). The thoughts and feelings experienced by these nurses when caring for service users are of paramount importance as they influence clinical practice and caregiving. Similarly to research by other countries, this paper reports national, qualitative data regarding the thoughts and feelings of English MHNs who care for these service users within acute inpatient psychiatric settings. Data were collected from focus groups in which MHNs working in acute inpatient settings in England participated and analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings highlighted three broad themes: (1) emotional and cognitive dissonance; (2) therapeutic engagement; and (3) organizational management and support. The prevailing thoughts of nurses were of cognitive dissonance and the conflict between benevolence and malevolence if coercive measures were seen as negative rather than positive; the prevailing feelings experienced by nurses were fear, anxiety and vulnerability. Nurses would like better communication with service users, prevention of coercive measures and the use of alternative methods of care and/or management to ensure enhanced care. Participants considered practice development initiatives, education, training, staff and managerial support including debriefing and clinical supervision as the way forward. Despite the small sample size and its limitations, these national data add to the existing literature, and the study findings link to those of other studies both nationally and internationally. Collectively, these studies are building up a general picture of the distress, cognitive and emotional dissonance experienced by MHNs when using coercive interventions. The findings will help to develop MHN education and enhance practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to report the findings of a qualitative case study that investigated abused women's experiences of an identification and referral intervention and to discuss the implications for nurses, specifically those working in primary and community care. Background Domestic violence and abuse is a significant public health issue globally but it is a hidden problem that is under-reported. In the UK, Identification and Referral to Improve Safety is a primary care-based intervention that has been found to increase referral rates of abused women to support and safety services. This paper reports on the findings of an evaluation study of two sites in England. Design Qualitative study with a case study design. Methods In line with case study design, the entire evaluation study employed multiple data collection methods. We report on the qualitative interviews with women referred through the programme. The aim was to elicit their experiences of the three aspects of the intervention: identification; referral; safety. Data collection took place March 2016. Findings Ten women took part. Eight had exited the abusive relationship but two remained with the partner who had perpetrated the abuse. Women were overwhelmingly positive about the programme and irrespective of whether they had remained or exited the relationship all reported perceptions of increased safety and improved health. Conclusion Nurses have an important role to play in identifying domestic violence and abuse and in referral and safety planning. As part of a portfolio of domestic violence and abuse interventions, those that empower women to take control of their safety (such as Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) are important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Recently, concerns have been raised about how well United Kingdom National Health Service nurses care for their patients and their level of compassion., Motivational interviewing ( MI) is an established approach to helping people make positive behaviour changes, through directive, person-centred counselling within a collaborative relationship between clinician and recipient., Based on evidence that MI may influence nursing practice positively, an investigation into the feasibility of training nurses on mental health inpatient rehabilitation wards ('rehabilitation') in MI to improve patient experience was reported., What this paper adds to existing knowledge? This pilot study demonstrates that training rehabilitation nurses in MI is feasible and provides preliminary evidence suggesting that a larger study to examine efficacy is warranted, including a calculation of sample size required to draw robust statistical conclusions., Nurses evaluated the training as highly relevant to their work., Patients responded well to interviews and focus groups with support from experts-by-experience; they were generally fairly satisfied with the rehabilitation ward and slight improvements in their experience were found following MI training for nurses but not at 6-month follow-up., What are the implications for practice? Rehabilitation nurses may face conflicting demands between ensuring patients with severe difficulties meet their basic needs and working with them to develop greater independence., Qualitative findings question whether nurse-patient interactions are fully valued as nursing interventions in inpatient rehabilitation., Learning MI might be a useful way of helping nurses think in detail about their interactions with patients and how to improve communications with their patients., The principles of MI should be incorporated into pre-registration training., Abstract Introduction There is limited research addressing the experiences of patients in inpatient rehabilitation (rehabilitation), who often spend long periods in hospital, and the nursing approaches utilized. Aim Based on evidence that motivational interviewing ( MI) may improve nursing practice, this was a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of training rehabilitation nurses in MI and measuring patient experience. Method Nurses underwent training and supervision focusing on MI spirit. Quantitative and qualitative measures were taken pretraining, 2 months post-training and 8 months post-training. Expert-by-experience research assistants facilitated patients' participation in the study. Results This study showed that training rehabilitation nurses in MI was feasible and relevant to their work. Patients participated in interviews and focus groups with support and potential improvements that require further empirical investigation in patient experience were found following the MI training. Discussion This pilot study establishes the feasibility of a larger study addressing efficacy. Tentative qualitative findings question whether interactions between nurses and patients are valued in rehabilitation and support MI as a promising skill set for rehabilitation nurses. Implications for practice Bringing MI into inpatient rehabilitation provoked reflection on nursing practice. Dilemmas for nurses about balancing safety with promoting autonomy and communicating constructively with patients emerged as important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

cook c. (2012) Email interviewing: generating data with a vulnerable population. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(6), 1330-1339. Abstract Aims. This paper describes online recruitment and the email interviewing data collection method with women diagnosed with a viral sexually transmitted infection. The paper highlights the advantages of the method to researchers and participants when conducting research where face-to-face participation may difficult. Background. Online recruitment and in-depth email interviewing have been used by only a small number of nurses internationally. The method enables inclusion of people who might otherwise be excluded from research, for reasons such as geographical distance, incompatible time frames, clinicians''gate-keeping' and participants' desire for anonymity for physical or emotional reasons. Methods. In-depth email interviews were conducted with 26 women in New Zealand, United States of America, Canada and England who had a diagnosis of either human papilloma virus or genital herpes simplex virus. Data were collected during 2007-2008 and analysed using a poststructuralist, feminist thematic analysis. Results. Participant retention was high. Women emphasized satisfaction with the process. Asynchronous interviews allowed for additional reflexivity in the researcher's responses and rich data generation. Conclusion. This method has the potential to enable nurses to include vulnerable and relatively inaccessible participants in 'sensitive' research. In-depth email interviews may generate rich data through a process participants deem to be of personal value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. To determine the feasibility and acceptability of using trained volunteers as mealtime assistants for older hospital inpatients. Background. Poor nutrition among hospitalised older patients is common in many countries and associated with poor outcomes. Competing time pressures on nursing staff may make it difficult to prioritise mealtime assistance especially on wards where many patients need help. Design. Mixed methods evaluation of the introduction of trained volunteer mealtime assistants on an acute female medicine for older people ward in a teaching hospital in England. Methods. A training programme was developed for volunteers who assisted female inpatients aged 70 years and over on weekday lunchtimes. The feasibility of using volunteers was determined by the proportion recruited, trained, and their activity and retention over one year. The acceptability of the training and of the volunteers' role was obtained through interviews and focus groups with 12 volunteers, nine patients and 17 nursing staff. Results. Fifty-nine potential volunteers were identified: 38 attended a training session, of whom 29 delivered mealtime assistance, including feeding, to 3911 (76%) ward patients during the year (mean duration of assistance 5-5 months). The volunteers were positive about the practical aspects of training and ongoing support provided. They were highly valued by patients and ward staff and have continued to volunteer. Conclusions. Volunteers can be recruited and trained to help acutely unwell older female inpatients at mealtimes, including feeding. This assistance is sustainable and is valued. Relevance to clinical practice. This paper describes a successful method for recruitment, training and retention of volunteer mealtime assistants. It includes a profile of those volunteers who provided the most assistance, details of the training programme and role of the volunteers and could be replicated by nursing staff in other healthcare units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a funded project that explored the perceptions and experiences of mentors regarding student nurse support in practice. The study employed a mixed-method approach, using questionnaires and focus groups with mentors from one acute Trust and one community Trust. The findings highlighted the multifaceted nature of student learning in practice, with mentors reporting that clinical skills, adjustment to the placement and integrating into the team were the aspects students needed most support with. Mentors were aware of their roles and responsibilities in supporting students and recognized the importance of their own personal attributes. The participants reported a number of challenges, particularly time, competing demands and paperwork, and suggested that a team approach and support groups could help to overcome these. The support for students provided by peers and health-care assistants was recognized, as was the need to ensure that students are prepared to take responsibility for their learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper is a report of a qualitative study conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial comparing a lay-facilitated angina management programme with usual care. Its aim was to explore participants' beliefs, experiences, and attitudes to the care they had received during the trial, particularly those who had received the angina management intervention. Background Angina affects over 50 million people worldwide. Over half of these people have symptoms that restrict their daily life and would benefit from knowing how to manage their condition. Design A nested qualitative study within a randomized controlled trial of lay-facilitated angina management. Method We conducted four participant focus groups during 2008; three were with people randomized to the intervention and one with those randomized to control. We recruited a total of 14 participants to the focus groups, 10 intervention, and 4 control. Findings Although recruitment to the focus groups was relatively low by comparison to conventional standards, each generated lively discussions and a rich data set. Data analysis demonstrated both similarities and differences between control and intervention groups. Similarities included low levels of prior knowledge about angina, whereas differences included a perception among intervention participants that lifestyle changes were more easily facilitated with the help and support of a lay-worker. Conclusion Lay facilitation with the Angina Plan is perceived by the participants to be beneficial in supporting self-management. However, clinical expertise is still required to meet the more complex information and care needs of people with stable angina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gibson j. & watkins c. (2011) People's experiences of the impact of transient ischaemic attack and its consequences: qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(6), 1707-1715. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study of how people's experiences of transient ischaemic attack affect their perception of their health and their uptake of health maintenance measures. Background. Transient ischaemic attack is a well-recognized warning sign of subsequent stroke, but early diagnosis and management of risk factors can substantially reduce this risk. Even though the physical effects of a transient ischaemic attack are transient, it is known to negatively affect quality of life. However, no qualitative studies have explored the impact of transient ischaemic attack on people's everyday lives. Methods. Sixteen participants were recruited from a vascular surgery clinic in a district general hospital in North West England. All had a recent transient ischaemic attack. A qualitative grounded theory study using detailed interviews ( n = 21) was conducted. Findings. Participants experienced conflict between acknowledgement of the transient ischaemic attack as a significant illness episode with implications for their long-term health, and denial of its seriousness. Although they often ignored the initial signs, participants also experienced fear due to increased awareness of their risk of stroke. Often, they believed that they were having a permanent stroke. Many participants were prompted to seek medical advice by a family member or acquaintance. Having a transient ischaemic attack negatively changed their perception of their health and their quality of life, but some also viewed it as a positive event that had warned of their stroke risk and enabled them to take up health maintenance measures. Conclusions. Having a transient ischaemic attack permanently changes people's quality of life and their perception of their health, despite the transience of the symptoms. The ability of people to make positive health changes after a transient ischaemic attack to some extent ameliorates the negative effects of being aware of their heightened stroke risk. Their appreciation of their quality of life may also be enhanced. The transience of the symptoms and lack of knowledge of transient ischaemic attacks lead to delays in seeking medical advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary The Chief Nursing Officer's Review of mental health nursing was published in 2006. This paper reports an evaluation of the implementation of the Review in mental health trusts., There was widespread acceptance of the Review, but actions to implement the Review varied., The lack of an evidence-based implementation plan and a lack of strategic nursing leadership in many mental health trusts hampered the implementation., The Review recommendations may become widespread by a systematic policy implementation plan from the centre, supported by local leadership in practice., Abstract This study is an evaluation of the implementation of the Chief Nursing Officer for England's Review of mental health nursing in mental health trusts (MHTs). The authors employed instrumental case studies in six MHTs. The results showed evidence of acceptance of the Review and some evidence of subsequent actions to implement the Review recommendations, but these were not widespread. A lack of an evidence-based implementation plan hampered the implementation as did an apparent lack of strategic nursing leadership in many MHTs. In conclusion, the vision for mental health nursing reported in the Chief Nursing Officer Review prompted various changes, directly and indirectly, among mental health nurses and the development of areas of good practice in education, practice and leadership. The positive changes evident in some areas may become widespread by a systematic policy implementation plan from the centre, supported by local leadership in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

kennedy f., harcourt d. & rumsey n. (2011) The shifting nature of women's experiences and perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 856-867. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a descriptive qualitative study of the evolution of women's perceptions and experiences of ductal carcinoma in situ from the period near to diagnosis to 1 year later. Background. Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive breast condition where cancer cells are detected but confined to the ducts of the breast. With treatment, the condition has a positive prognosis but ironically patients undergo treatment similar to that for invasive breast cancer. There is a lack of longitudinal qualitative research studying women's experiences of ductal carcinoma in situ, especially among newly diagnosed patients, and how experiences change over time. Methods. Forty-five women took part in an initial interview following a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ and 27 took part in a follow-up interview 9-13 months later. Data were collected between January 2007 and October 2008. Transcripts were analysed using a hybrid approach to thematic analysis. Findings. Women's early perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ merged and sometimes conflicted with their lay beliefs of breast cancer. Perceptions and experiences of the condition shifted over time. These overriding aspects were evident in four themes identified across the interviews: (i) perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ vs. breast cancer, (ii) from paradox to acceptance, (iii) personal impact, and (iv) support and interactions with others. Conclusion. This study represents one of the few longitudinal qualitative studies with newly diagnosed patients, capturing women's initial and shifting experiences and perceptions of the condition. The issues identified need to be recognized in clinical practice and supported appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

banner d., miers m., clarke b. & albarran j. (2011) Women's experiences of undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 919-930. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study of women's experiences of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Background. Worldwide, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It has traditionally been viewed as primarily affecting men. However, a growing body of literature exploring gender differences in this area is challenging accepted beliefs, particularly in relation to outcomes. Despite this, awareness of how women interpret and respond to the experiences of cardiac surgery remains limited. Methods. At regional cardiothoracic centres in England and Wales, during 2003 to 2006, data were collected from 30 women preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively using semi-structured interviews. A constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted and data were analysed using extensive coding and constant comparison techniques. Results. A substantive theory of the public-private dialogue of normality emerged demonstrating that participants faced lifestyle disruptions as they attempted to privately normalize and integrates limitations, while minimizing a public display of illness. During the preoperative period, participants experienced difficulties recognizing and acting on symptoms and endured physical and emotional distress while waiting for surgery. Following surgery, women experienced functional limitations which forced them to relinquish normal activities and roles. As recovery progressed, women came to accept their changed health status and renegotiated state of normality. Conclusion. The findings increase understanding about the adjustments which women undergoing cardiac surgery make as part of living with a long-term condition and support the need to develop innovative gender-sensitive health education and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study identifying and describing the essences of patients' experience during the period leading up to the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Background. Patient and doctor delays occur during diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and families can affect patients' help-seeking behaviours. Current guidelines state the need for immediate referral of patients with suspected non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms. Methods. A phenomenological approach was used. A purposive sample of 31 patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was recruited through a hospital and a support group in the United Kingdom. In-depth interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and then analysed using Colaizzi's method. Data collection took place over an 18-month period during 2003-2005 and data analysis was completed in 2006. Findings. The overriding theme was: Creating a pathway towards hearing the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The three themes were as follows: Perceiving individual health and onward movement; Penetrating communication processes and investigations; Advancing towards focusing on the non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma can have a diverse symptom presentation over long periods of time. Their help-seeking behaviours are an interplay of essences, including symptom type, attributions and emotional responses. Patients need tailored information to deal with the uncertainty of their situation at key points during their prediagnosis journey. Conclusion. Nurses should help patients identify and acquire the appropriate information at key points during the diagnosis period as this is a period of great uncertainty. Further research should be conducted into the quality of prediagnosis consultations and the extent to which patients think that their agendums have been met at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]