Digital Commons Network^™

Perceptions, Impact And Scope Of Medication Errors With Opioids In Australian Specialist Palliative Care Inpatient Services: A Mixed Methods Study (The Periscope Project), Nicole Heneka

Theses

Background: Opioids are a high-risk medicine, and one of the most frequently reported drug classes causing patient harm. In specialist palliative care inpatient services opioids are widely used to manage cancer pain and other symptoms. Palliative care inpatients are vulnerable to both exposure to, and harm from, opioid errors due to a combination of their: advanced age, comorbidities which affect drug metabolism, polypharmacy, and the seriousness of their illness. Despite this potential for harm, and the frequency of opioid administration in this specialist setting, little is known about opioid errors in palliative care. Better understanding the prevalence, patient impact and …

Optimising Refurbishment In Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities Using A Mixed Methods Approach, S Neylon

Theses

The growth in ageing populations in addition to an increase in rates of chronic diseases such as dementia, has led to projections that this upsurge will be matched by increased demand for residential aged care placements for the foreseeable future. Currently, significant proportions of aged care government funding both locally and internationally are directed towards the residential sector. Australia has recently released Aged Care Quality Standards whereby the outcomes to residents need to be verified specifically across a range of domains (including the living and built environment) in order to maintain this government funding. Building new facilities is not always …

Study Of The Health Needs Of Older Women Experiencing Homelessness In The Perth Metropolitan Area, Gloria Sutherland

Theses

Women aged over 50 years represent the most rapidly growing cohort of the Australian homeless population. Despite an increasing awareness of older Australian women being at risk of homelessness, little is known of how their health contributes to, and changes due to their homelessness. Drawing on the principles of the World Health Organisation’s social determinants of health, this study sought to investigate the personal life circumstances of older homeless women who live in the Perth metropolitan area, their healthcare needs and to identify any barriers to their accessing healthcare.

The study used a convergent mixed methods approach using quantitative and …

A Western Australian Story: A Mixed Method Study Exploring Nutrition Knowledge, Food Intake, Influences On Food Choice, Body Image And Eating Attitudes Of University Students, Michelle Lambert

Theses

Emerging adults are fast gaining recognition as an important target group for health promotion as previous research indicates very few are meeting dietary guidelines, often consuming foods that have increased saturated fats, sugar and sodium. These eating patterns place this group at higher risk of developing chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Understanding how and why these eating patterns develop is important to help establish healthy eating behaviours and greater compliance to Australian Dietary Guidelines – Recommended Daily Serves (ADG-RDS) for emerging adults. International research has focused on eating habits, weight gain patterns and possible influences …

Identifying And Implementing The Theology Of The Domestic Church, Mishel Stefanac

Theses

This project explores the development of the theology of the domestic church and how it can be implemented in Catholic families. It investigates the origin of the phrase domestic church, traces its development over centuries, and considers the implications this has on the Church and families. The overall objective of this project is to inquire into the significance of this term and identify the principles that ought to be incorporated in a practical resource for families.

The project begins with a comprehensive analysis of the origins of the term domestic church, and how it developed over time. It investigates why …

The Positive Effects Of Exercise On Active Transplant Recipients And Its Impact On Medication Adherence, Travane Morrison

Theses

Organ failure is a life-threatening condition (Daugirdas et al, 2014). Non-adherence to medication is one of the main causes of the failure of a transplanted organ (Oberlin et al, 2016). In an effort to combat non-adherence to medication, research had employed intervention studies to tackle the main cause of non-adherence (Chisholm-Burns, 2013). The aims of this project are three fold. Firstly it aims to find if complications associated with organ transplant affect the individual’s medication adherence. Secondly, it explores the connections between exercise and medication adherence. Thirdly the research explores if exercise assists with possible complications associated with an organ …

Help-Seeking Behaviour For Fatigue In Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Doireann Ní Dhálaigh

Theses

Background: Fatigue is a common and burdensome symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although many symptoms of IBD can be debilitating, fatigue is reported to be the most burdensome. It is experienced by up to 86% of people in active disease and 41-48% in remission and impacts greatly on all aspects of people’s lives. Fatigue is an invisible symptom and can often be overlooked by healthcare professionals. Since it is invisible, it can only be made known to healthcare professionals if patients seek help for it. This study aims to explore the determinants of help-seeking behaviour for fatigue in IBD …

Decoding Gender In The Selected Works Of Salman Rushdie, Zubaidah Binti Mohamed Shaburdin

Theses

This thesis examines how ideologies such as feminism and patriarchy operate within language by providing a detailed analysis of five of Salman Rushdie’s novels, Midnight’s Children, Shame, The Satanic Verses, The Ground Beneath Her Feet and The Enchantress of Florence. It is concerned with the changes in Rushdie’s use of language and the effect of this on the way gender is constructed in the selected texts. His novels offer a critique of contemporary Western culture’s understanding of gender, identity, politics, philosophy and religion. Although Rushdean scholarship is often concerned with identity politics, this thesis expands the discussion by critically engaging …

Veteran Paramedics’ Experience Of Managing Work-Related Trauma: A Qualitative Study, Ryan D. Jenkins

Theses

Paramedics throughout the world are trained to competently treat the physical injuries of patients requiring pre-hospital emergency medical care. The nature of this work exposes them to highly traumatic and often life threatening situations. As a result of working with this stress and trauma, they themselves can experience emotional, psychological, and physical trauma (Gayton & Lovell, 2012). Research suggests that they receive little education and training about how to effectively manage this trauma (Gayton & Lovelle, 2012) and that many paramedics experience symptoms of Burnout, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Depression (Beaton, 2006; Millar, 2004; Shakespeare-Finch, 2006). The impact of …

An Examination Of Pain Education Of Medical Students In Australia And New Zealand, Elspeth Shipton

Theses

Background: Unrelieved pain is a significant public health challenge in Australia and New Zealand. Medical practitioners play an essential role in the management of acute, cancer and chronic non-cancer pain.

Aim: This thesis aimed to examine the delivery of pain education at medical schools in Australia and New Zealand, and to determine how effectively it equips medical students with pain medicine competencies required for internship.

Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used. Quantitative studies focused on gathering information regarding the pain-related content of medical curricula of all medical schools; and on testing pain medicine competencies of final-year medical …

A Qualitative Descriptive Study About The Experiences And Views Of Undergraduate And Postgraduate Nursing Students: What Influenced Them To Choose The Mental Health Specialty, Kaile Moon

Theses

Nurses perform a vital role in the mental health (MH) speciality. The mental health nurse (MHN) role is complex with expectations to manage a safe milieu, practice person-centred care, crisis management, and therapeutic skills, teach coping skills, provide emotional support, and set professional boundaries. However, MHN recruitment and retention continues to be a global struggle. Nursing students typically have low interest in choosing the MH speciality. Strategies to reduce stigma and improve attitudes and beliefs about MH nursing and mental illness have been successful among nursing students, globally and in Australia. However, these successful strategies have not extended to an …

An Exploration Of The Motivations And Behaviours Of Generation Z Festival-Goers In Ireland., Sinéad O'Mahony

Theses

The current study explores the motivations and behaviours of Generation Z festival-goers in Ireland. The goal of this research is to identify the motivations and behaviours of Generation Z festival-goers in Ireland. Generation Z comprises those who were born between the years of 1995 and 2009 (e.g., Goh and Lee, 2018). This area is largely under-researched, especially in Ireland. This study investigated early Generation Z, those aged between 18 and 23 years old at the time of the present study. A mixed method approach was utilised in the current study. A sample of early Generation Z festival-goers (n=131) completed an …

A V-Linc Analysis Of Agrifood And Tourism Specialisations In West Cork: Analysis, Impressions And Policies For Future Growth, Brigid Mary Walsh

Theses

In recent years industry clusters have become recognised as a common feature of economies across the globe (Pouder and St. John, 1996; Porter, 1998a, 1998b; DTI, 2004; Sölvell, 2008; Ketels and Memedovic, 2008). Advantages associated with clusters include regional economic growth, new firm formation, employment growth, increased innovation and increased prosperity. The advantages associated with clusters are so great that cluster initiatives have become a widely accepted policy tool for regional economic development. As a small open economy, reliant on exports for economic growth, clusters appear to represent an opportunity for Irish industry to increase competitiveness. Theory argues that clusters …

Inquiry-Based Emergent Curriculum Using A Transdisciplinaryapproach To The Visual Arts In Early Childhood Education And Care:Implications For Policy, Education And Practice, Evelyn Mary Egan

Theses

This research aims to investigate current approaches used by practitioners in the design and delivery of visual arts curricula for children availing of the Irish Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme (DCYA, 2019). The study rationale is borne out of an interest in establishing what constitutes good practice in this domain. The focus of the study is to provide an extensive review of national and international literature debating approaches to visual arts curricula for young children and to establish how this translates into practice through a field study methodology within the Irish ECCE context. Underpinning the research is the …

Hybrid Frequency Modulated Silicon Photonic Crystal Laser, Andrei Bakoz

Theses

Silicon photonics takes advantage of the mature complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) infrastructure and processes, and is actively pursued for the implementation of complex optical components and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) at low cost and high volumes. Despite a constant refinement of silicon photonics technology to meet the evolving requirements for applications, the poor light emission ability of silicon remains a constraint. As a result, the most essential building block of an optical system, an efficient light emitter, remains absent in PICs based on silicon. This thesis is focused on study of the potential of an external cavity (EC) hybrid III-V …

Evaluating Information Flow In Medication Management Process In Australian Acute Care Facilities: A Multi-Professional Perspective, Seyi Lagoke

Theses

Over the years, various interventions have been introduced to improve the medication management process. While these interventions have addressed some aspects predisposing the process to inefficiencies, significant gaps are still prevalent across the process. Studies have suggested that the goal of optimal medication therapy is achievable when information flow integrates across the various medication management process phases, stakeholders and departments involved as the patient moves through the process. To provide a cross-sectional view of the process, this study utilised a systemic philosophy to evaluate the information flow integration across the process.

The research approach adopted for this study takes a …

Perspectives Of Year 12 Students From Five Catholic Secondary Schools In Western Australia Towards Teaching As A Career, Lucie M. Mccrory

Theses

The purpose of this research was to review the ways in which Year 12 Catholic school students perceive teaching as a career and to explore the people, contexts and factors that have influenced these perspectives. Schools are being increasingly challenged to revisit the role of the educator in today’s rapidly changing educational landscape. Best practice teaching and learning is at the forefront of this consideration. Attracting talented and committed students to the teaching profession is crucial if schools are going to play a part in adequately teaching and preparing future generations for society (Weldon, 2015). It follows therefore that both …

Impact Of Lifestyle Factors On Group B Streptococcus Colonization During Pregnancy, Myra Joy Quilatan

Theses

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in the genital tract of pregnant women is a known contributory factor for infection in the neonate, having an impact on morbidity and mortality especially if unrecognized and untreated prior to vaginal delivery. An understanding on how certain lifestyle factors contribute to the development of GBS colonization during pregnancy will assist in aiding a modification of behavior to promote prevention and improve general health.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various lifestyle factors in isolation or combination on GBS colonization during pregnancy.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey research design …

Is Liberal Democracy A Contradiction?: A Study Of Political Participation And Inequality In Australia During The 1960s And 1970s, Daniel A. Elias

Theses

The central concern of this thesis is the disconnect between the premise of democracy and economic realities. The first section of the thesis examines the essential components of a democratic political system by drawing upon political theorists of the past and present. From Aristotle to Robert Dahl the thesis gains an understanding of what democracy is, by identifying and isolating its essential mechanisms. The following section situates liberalism and its origins. Such a history is critical for within liberalism is the sum of many social norms, philosophies, laws, and culture in Australia. Combining political theory and the historical context of …

Using Digital Health Technology To Optimise Older People’S Pain Self-Management Capabilities: A Mixed Methods Study (The Digitech Pain Project), Priyanka Bhattarai

Theses

Background

Arthritic pain is a major cause of illness and disability among older people. As the use of smartphones and apps increases in the lives of older people, there is an opportunity to explore the role of these apps in helping older people better manage their arthritic pain.

Aim

To explore the feasibility and acceptability of older people using an arthritic pain selfmanagement app to improve their pain symptoms.

Methods

A parallel convergent, mixed methods design underpinned by Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model 2; comprising of the following five studies:

(i) Study 1a: an integrative review;

(ii) …

Causes Of Variable Jarrah (Eucalyptus Marginata) And Marri (Corymbia Calophylla) Seedling Density At Establishment Following Bauxite Mining In The Northern Jarrah Forest Of Western Australia, Tai White-Toney

Theses

Seedling densities at establishment of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata D. Don ex Sm.) and marri (Corymbia calophylla (Lindl). K. D. Hill & L. A. S. Johnson) following bauxite mining in the Northern Jarrah Forest of south-western Australia are variable and few factors explored during 40 years of field studies have explained this variability. This study explored establishment within the framework of limitation due to amount of seed supply and number of suitable microsites for establishment. First, relationships were identified between seedling establishment densities on 654 mine sites restored between 1998 and 2017 and restoration practices (seed and fertiliser application rates), climate …

Vitamin D Fortification Of Processed Meat To Reduce Self-Reported Deficiencies: Consumer Acceptance In The Irish Market, Emma Lynn Donaldson

Theses

It is believed that many areas of the world are experiencing a Vitamin D deficiency pandemic. With Ireland’s geographic location, genetic characteristics, and the reemergence of rickets in Ireland in the early noughties; Ireland is a part of the deficiency pandemic. Vitamin deficiencies have historically been handled effectively through food fortification schemes, however additional food products, like processed meats, need to be assessed for their ability to address the deficiency and consumer acceptance. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse the general consumer acceptance of future Vitamin D fortified, processed meats in the Irish market, in order to …

The Efficacy Of Lactic Acid And Steam Vacuum Applications In Reducing Microbial Load And Prolonging The Shelf Life Of Beer Carcases, Rachel Smith

Theses

Many foodborne outbreaks occur globally each year compromising consumer confidence and highlighting the need for continued improvements with regards to product safety. Therefore, intervention decontamination applications are currently gaining a lot of attention within the beef industry as an additional measure to improve the microbiological condition of finished products. Many studies have shown decontamination methods to be effective, however variations within the published literature makes scientific comparison difficult. This aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of a 2-3% lactic acid solution and steam vacuum technologies as intervention methods in reducing the microbial load and extending the shelf …

A Study Of Consumer Perception Of Antibiotic Resistance And Antibiotic Use In Ireland, Andrea Todea

Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of Irish consumers regarding antibiotic use in Ireland. Data was obtained on antibiotic use, frequency, associated source and general awareness regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. A cross-sectional survey was designed to analyse consumer’s perception and knowledge of antibiotic and antibiotic resistance. A total of 763 completed questionnaires were collected. The questionnaire was targeted for general public, based in Ireland. Fifty-seven percent of respondents are trying to completely avoid antibiotics, unless absolutely necessary. Half of respondents (50%) took antibiotics in the last 12 months. The majority of respondents obtained antibiotics through …

An Investigation Into The Prevalence Of Food Hypersensitivity Amongst Children In The Early Years Service In Ireland, Ruta Patel

Theses

In the early years services in Ireland, the study studied the prevalence of hypersensitivity to food and the associated food among children between the aging of 0 and 12. Participants were 980 EYS recorded with the State and Department of Education of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland during 2019. In the descriptive-analytical report, the management guideline for answering these questions by the EYS was circulated electronically via emails and included information regarding class, age, food hypersensitivity and food that induce hypersensitivity among children. Results on the prevalence of allergens to Food and Coeliac diseases and current policies to …

Reclaiming The R-Word : Romanization As A Framework For Culture Change In The Roman Provinces, Mary Lauryn Davis

Theses

The concept of Romanization, or Rome’s process of making its newly conquered provinces more like Rome, has fallen out of favor in recent decades and has been replaced by a succession of postcolonial frameworks that progressively decenter Rome from the transformation process. I argue, against this new orthodoxy, that Rome was actively responsible for imposing profound social changes on its provincial populations that resulted in a shift toward Roman culture in the interest of Roman imperialism. This affected every segment of every conquered population, though the details of individual experiences varied widely, as can be seen in analysis along geographical, …

Functional Analysis Of Cftr Promoter Dna Variants, Tiffany Michelle Ledbetter-Brumbeloe

Theses

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease that affects 1 in 3500 people in the United States. CF affects epithelial cells in areas such as the lungs, GI tract and reproductive system. The disease is caused by variants in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene which result in mutations in the CFTR protein. However, some CF patients who have the same genotype for the CFTR gene experience different severities of the disease. One explanation for this is that CFTR promoter SNPs influence gene expression which could lead to differing severities of CF. To test this hypothesis, luciferase …

Development Of A Pzt Fiber Sensor Rosette For Structural Health Monitoring Using Lamb Wave Responses, Bao Chi Ha

Theses

Because of their electro-mechanical coupling property, Lead-Zirconate-Titanate (PZT) materials have been widely used for ultrasonic wave sensing and actuation in structural health monitoring applications. In this thesis, a PZT rosette sensor concept is proposed to conduct Lamb wave based damage detection in panel-like structures by exploring its best directional sensing capability. First, a directivity study was conducted to investigate sensing of flexural Lamb wave propagation using the d33 effect in a PZT fiber. Then, commercial off-the-shelf PZT fibers were polarized in-house in order to construct the PZT rosette in a rectangular configuration, in which three PZT fibers were oriented at …

Narratives Of Creativity Among Social Care Educators In Irish Higher Education, Louisa Goss

Theses

Research on creativity in the delivery of social care highlights growing evidence of its importance for the wellbeing and quality of life of those in receipt of care, as well as benefits for the workforce. However, what is less well understood and overlooked in the literature is how creativity is conceptualised and operationalised in practice and education. This thesis attends to this gap in research from the perspective of social care educators. With the aim of deepening understanding of higher education teachers’ construction of creativity, the study explores small stories about creativity from six educators teaching into an undergraduate degree …

A Study Of Food Safety Training And Associated Barriers To Effective Training Outcomes, Diane Fox

Theses

The safety of food is fundamental to public health, businesses and wider society and effective food safety training is an essential element to ensure safe food reaches our consumers. This is true for all food business operators in all sectors of the food industry including food service, retail and manufacturing facilities. Not complying with food safety obligations can have a serious impact on human health and serious consequences for the food business operator. In 2015 the World Health Organisation reported that almost 1 in 10 people fall ill every year from eating contaminated food and 420,000 die as a result. …