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• This study aimed to investigate the information provided to patients undergoing gastroscopy procedures in Northern Ireland. • Questionnaires were developed by the authors and were completed by 402 patients (RR = 43.8%) and 62 nurses (RR = 75.6%). • Patients received most of the procedural information from nurses, and they recognized the importance of providing sensory information. Patients were generally satisfied with the information provided. • There is clear evidence of fragmented care, and major changes are required to ensure that patients receive holistic information that includes procedural and sensory aspects. • Nurses and doctors must realize that their role in information giving is to ensure that comprehensive information is provided by the appropriate professional at the appropriate time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Written information sent to patients prior to diagnostic gastroscopy is an important part of the process of informing and preparing them for the procedure. Yet there is ample evidence in the literature that information leaflets do not measure up to the required standard. In this study, information leaflets from a random sample of seven hospitals in Northern Ireland that carried out gastroscopy as a day procedure were evaluated using a checklist of items recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) for inclusion in leaflets for patients undergoing diagnostic gastroscopy. The results showed that the number of written materials sent to patients prior to the procedure varied between units. There were inconsistencies in the information given by the same unit, and overall, there was a lack of vital information in most of the leaflets. Some of the information was confusing and ambiguous. The potential risk of the procedure was explained in only one of the leaflets. Patients’ right to choose to have a mild sedative was not made clear in most of the leaflets. More should be done to address these gaps and inconsistencies in the written information provided to patients prior to gastroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adrenaline rush: nursing students’ experiences with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Aim. The aim of this project was to explore nursing students’ experiences whilst on placement with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Background. The literature suggests that experiential learning can enhance understanding, knowledge and skills and has the potential for reducing the theory–practice gap. Design. A qualitative approach was utilized, employing diaries and focus group interviews to gather data. One hundred and fifty-four nursing students submitted diaries, producing a response rate of 69%, while 190 students partook in interviews (86%). Findings. Content analysis indicated that the students gained a new appreciation of the concept of holistic care, and that increased interprofessional understanding provides the foundation for improved quality of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer of information between nurses from emergency departments (EDs) and critical care units is essential to achieve a continuity of effective, individualized and safe patient care. There has been much written in the nursing literature pertaining to the function and process of patient handover in general nursing practice; however, no studies were found pertaining to this handover process between nurses in the ED environment and those in the critical care environment. The aim was to explore the process of patient handover between ED and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses when transferring a patient from ED to the ICU. This study used a multi-method design that combined documentation review, semistructured individual interviews and focus group interviews. A multi-method approach combining individual interviews, focus group interviews and documentation review was used in this study. The respondents were selected from the ED and ICU of two acute hospitals within Northern Ireland. A total of 12 respondents were selected for individual interviews, three nurses from ED and ICU, respectively, from each acute hospital. Two focus groups interviews were carried out, each consisting of four ED and four ICU nurses, respectively. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed that there was no structured and consistent approach to how handovers actually occurred. Nurses from both ED and ICU lacked clarity as to when the actual handover process began. Nurses from both settings recognized the importance of the information given and received during handover and deemed it to have an important role in influencing quality and continuity of care. Nurses from both departments would benefit from a structured framework or aide memoir to guide the handover process. Collaborative work between the nursing teams in both departments would further enhance understanding of each others' roles and expectations.

Aim: To investigate the lived experience of violence of nurses in one A&E department., Rationale: Following an extensive literature review, it was elicited that there was very little evidence of the psychological impact of violence in A&E., Background/introduction: Violence in the health service has increased over the last decade associated with a corresponding increase in the published literature on this topic. While violence in A&E departments would appear common, little evidence exists on the psychosocial impact of these incidents on A&E nurses., Research Methods: A qualitative domain using a phenomenological philosophy was utilised. Sampling was of a volunteer nature and data were collected using interview. Nurses were sampled from one major acute hospital in Northern Ireland., Results: Participants expressed feelings of frustration, anger, and fear. Support from colleagues was greatly valued and lack of feedback from management was cited as being common., Discussion: Frustration and anger were synthesised into the "why me" principle with nurses not knowing why they were the focus for attack. Violent incidents were associated with a sense of isolation but colleague support developed a sense of belonging., Conclusions: Whilst a useful insight was provided, more research is essential into this emotive topic.