Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Needs Of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients In An In-Patient Hospice Unit, Marylynn C. Oldham

Theses : Honours

In Western Australia, in-patient hospice/palliative care units are caring for increasing numbers of terminally ill cancer patients. Hospice philosophy is based on the belief that the terminally ill patient in individual needs are of paramount importance. The needs of advanced cancer patients have been researched in the home, for patients continuing or having completed curative treatment, and for patients receiving palliative care. However, there is a lack of literature about the needs of terminally ill cancer patients in in-patient hospices. Using a descriptive approach, this study investigated the needs of six terminally ill cancer patients in a 26 bed in-patient …

Comparison Of Primiparous Women's Expected And Experienced Pain In Labour, Shelagh Lawrence

Theses : Honours

Pain is a subjective phenomenon and is, in varying degrees, an inherent part of the childbirth experience. However, most Western societies view suffering as unacceptable and as such, regard analgesia as a necessity. Many women do not anticipate the intensity of pain experienced in childbirth and are, therefore, not ready to manage this amount of pain when it occurs. This prospective study compared the expected and experienced labour pain of 99 primiparous women, aged 17-40 years. The relationship between expected and experienced pain and acceptance of pregnancy; identification with the motherhood role; relationship with mother; relationship with husband/partner; preparation for …

Evaluation Of The Provision For A University Health Service As Part Of The Quality Assurance Process, Rob Chandler, Barry Sheridan

Research outputs pre 2011

Universities within Australia are facing increasing demands to demonstrate quality in both product and process by ensuing that their aims are met efficiently and effectively. As part of the quality assurance process for Edith Cowan University, a multi-campus institution, an evaluation was undertaken to monitor the effectiveness of the University health service and its significance within the University community. Responses from both staff and students to a survey conducted during August 1993 on behalf of the Department of Medical and Health Services indicate a high level of support for this service. This Report provides an overview of the evaluation study …

Does An Individualized Back Education Programme Change Nurses' Knowledge And Practice About Back Injury Prevention, Diane K. Riley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Back injury has predominantly been a problem which has affected a large cross-section of nursing staff involved with direct patient care. While back injury prevention has been instituted in hospitals for sometime, the percentage of nurses with back injury remains high. Within a major teaching hospital, a ward in which nurses suffered a high rate of back injuries was identified. Through an action research approach the researcher (who worked in the same area as the participants) developed and implemented an individualized back injury prevention programme. The 4 criteria by which the study was measured included, a reduction of back injuries, …

Place-Identity And Homelessness : The Restorative Nature Of The Home, Marie Sadkowski

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This research aims to address deficiencies in the Place-Identity literature and establish whether the home is a central and mediating environment within this theory. An exploration of the association between homelessness and Place-Identity provides a vehicle for clarifying the psychological role of the home and in doing so an increased awareness of this social problem is promoted. Korpela's (1989) and Kaplan's (1983) theories on place, accentuating active self-regulatory mechanisms and restorative environments, act as a catalyst and provide a solid foundation for this current research. The extensive literature on the home highlights the different conceptions that abound and the lack …

Preoperative Predictors Of Postoperative Pain, Robyn A. Paterson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this study was to investigate five factors, which have been identified in the literature as having influence on the experience of postoperative pain. (1) Patient satisfaction with preoperative information, (2) Anticipated postoperative pain, (3) General self-efficacy, (4) Age, (5) Gender. These variables were examined to determine their relationship, if any with postoperative pain. Any relationship between these variables was also examined. Review of the literature revealed considerable research on pain, and that much of that research has been directed at the treatment of, rather than prediction of postoperative pain. Also, these studies have focused on patients who …

Art Therapy With Latency Period Boys Exhibiting Overt Anger And/Or Aggression, Sylvia Blades

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of using art as therapy, with latency period boys, to develop anger management skills. The respondents for this study were male children selected by an outpatient psychiatric clinic, using the criteria of age (latency period) and problem (anger/aggression). The six subjects assigned to the group agreed to attend a therapy session for one hour per week for six consecutive weeks. Sessions involved the use of art to therapeutically achieve the aims of anger management and ego strength, while incorporating projective drawing tests as part of the evaluative process. The Achenbach …

A Comparison Of Three Midwifery Interventions On The Continuity And Knowledge Of Breast Feeding, Athalie Johnston

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Although it is widely recognised that breast milk is biologically perfect to provide nutrition for the newborn infant many new mothers do not continue to breast feed throughout the postpartum period. A possible influencing factor is the decreased length of hospital stay, whereby new mothers are discharged home away from the supportive-educative role of the midwife before they are ready to learn the art of breast feeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of three midwifery interventions on the continuity and knowledge of first time breast feeding mothers at 6 weeks postpartum. A convenience sample of …

The Effect Of 'Environmental Manipulation' On Agitation And 24-Hour Sleep In Dementia Sufferers In An Institutional Setting, Ernest A. Matthews

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Living in an institutional setting places on residents certain constraints in relation to freedom of choice as to when, where, and how they conduct activities of daily living, such as, sleeping eating, attending to hygiene needs. Studies indicate this loss of control over the environment contributes to loss of self-esteem, leads to stress, and at times precipitates agitation among nursing home residents. Cognitive impairment may render dementia sufferers more vulnerable to loss of control over their control over their environment and result in agitation, which may in turn influence sleep. The study therefore, investigated if ‘environmental manipulation’ as in introducing …

An Evaluation Of A Workshop On Pain Assessment And Management For Nurses, Beverley Bradshaw

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this study was to assess nurses’ knowledge of pain assessment and management, examine what change occurred immediately following a pain assessment and management workshop and examine whether any changes were retained one month later. Chin and Benne’s theory of change provided the theoretical framework for this study. Their approach to planned change involves assessing the existing structure, formulating and implementing a plan to change that structure, then evaluating the change. The following hypothesis was formulated for investigation: That nurses’ knowledge of pain assessment and management would increase after a workshop on the subject and be retained over …

Remote Area Nursing In Western Australia: An Examination Of A Conceptual Model For Practice, Anne Magee

Theses : Honours

The intent of this research was to explore the phenomenon of remote area nursing in relation to a theoretical framework, the SUN Conceptual Model. A Theory-Research-Theory strategy was chosen in order to modify, refine or redevelop the model. Using a descriptive, interpretive design, a sample of eight Remote Area Nurses (RANs) in Western Australia were asked to describe their experiences of remote area nursing. The data were collected by telephone interview. Themes were extrapolated and categorised according to key concepts of the previously developed model. Common components of significant statements were identified in order to gain understanding of the meanings …

Comparison Of Pulmonary Artery Pressure Measurements In The Supine And Lateral Positions, Leanne Maree Aitken

Theses : Honours

Pulmonary artery pressure monitoring, with the patient in both the supine and lateral position, constitutes an essential element of assessment in the critically ill. Previous work offers conflicting results regarding the accuracy of pulmonary artery pressure measurements obtained with the patient in the lateral position. Additionally, recent studies question the most appropriate thoracic surface landmark for use as the zero point for pulmonary artery pressure monitoring. The purpose of this study was to identify a reliable surface landmark to be used as the zero point for pulmonary artery pressure monitoring, as well as to determine if use of that zero …

The Use Of Self Blood Glucose Monitoring And Its Relationship To Effective Management For People With Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Maureen Unsworth

Theses : Honours

It is believed that people who effectively self manage their own diabetes will achieve higher levels of health and well being (Pender, 1987). Although diabetes education has increased rapidly in the last 10 years, the emphasis has been placed on increasing people's knowledge of diabetes as a medical condition, which does not necessarily ensure effective self management of diabetes. Previous research suggests that self blood glucose monitoring (SBOM) is an effective tool for promoting the use of blood glucose levels as a basis for initiating behaviour changes related to eating, exercise and insulin dosage. Yet, while most people with diabetes …

Factors In The Non-Recognition Of Overseas Qualifications: The Case Of Medical Practitioners, Christine V. Farag

Theses : Honours

The overseas qualified doctor is a potential threat to the state-sanctioned control practising doctors have over medical knowledge in Australia. The nonrecognition of qualifications of many migrant and refugee doctors, in particular from non-English speaking background (NESB) countries, presses them into a subordinate relationship lo that of registered practitioners. The ownership of medical knowledge is limited lo state-recognised practitioners, thus allowing them to maintain significant economic and social advantage within the general community. The relationship between qualified practitioners and the state is indicative of a particular dynamic in which some individuals are able to exclude others by mechanisms of social …

The Measurement Of Knowledge, Attitudes And Knowledge-Seeking Behaviours Of Women In Relation To The Menopause And Health Related Issues, Amanda Devine

Theses : Honours

Research suggests that women are not well informed about the health related issues which are associated with the menopause. The purpose of this study was to determine women's: current knowledge of the menopause and of the disease osteoporosis; attitudes to estrogen replacement therapy (ERT); frequency of menopausal symptoms; knowledge-seeking behaviours In relation to the menopause; and, open-ended responses to menopausal issues. This study surveyed 70 women who responded to an advertisement in Community Newspapers. Data were collected using a "Knowledge and attitudes to the menopause and health related issues" (KAMHRI) questionnaire. The KAMHRI questionnaire was developed by the researcher and …

The Relationship Between Episiotomy And Perineal Lacerations And Perineal Pain Following Childbirth, Christine J. White

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

One of the major contributions that midwives can make to the comfort and well-being of child-bearing women is the skilful care of the perineum during delivery. This study investigated the short and long-term effects of perineal trauma in order to provide a basis for decision-making in the midwives' perineal management at delivery and client self-care. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between the extent of perineal trauma and the intensity and duration of perineal pain during the first three months following a vaginal birth; and compared discomfort among mothers whose perineal trauma was the result of an episiotomy, perineal, vaginal …

Parents' Understanding Of Discharge Advice, Susan Howard

Theses : Honours

Although it is often assumed that a person will have increased knowledge after being given new information, it is important to determine how much information the person can recall and comprehend. The study sample was drawn from a paediatric hospital in Australia. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate parents' understanding of discharge advice. The study is significant both to nursing practice and to hospital credibility. Medical records (1979-85) at the study hospital showed that approximately 100 children per year returned to hospital with secondary haemorrhage after discharge, post tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. It is reasonable to assume that at least …

Prophylatic Cord Care: Is It Necessary?, Karen Coyle

Theses : Honours

Since the evolution of 'open' cord care in 1974, the umbilical cord of the newborn has been treated prophylactically with many different forms of antibacterial solutions. Recent studies have demonstrated that cord separation is facilitated by bacteria and many of the current treatments, such as the use of alcohol, actually delay separation. The purpose of this study was to compare cleaning the cord with alcohol to dry cord care, a method of cord care which is now being considered as an acceptable alternative to prophylactic umbilical cord treatment. A convenience sample of 205 babies was taken from a small private …

The Effectiveness Of Salt Baths In Post Partum Perineal Healing, Patricia Dey

Theses : Honours

Midwives have advocated the use of salt baths for the relief of perineal trauma in post partum women because they believe in their therapeutic powers in an extensive review of the literature no scientific evidence has been found to support this belief. The use of salt baths bas been discontinued in favour of showers and normal hygiene in many obstetric units. The purpose of this study is to discover whether the faith of the believers is misplaced or justified. It is designed to contribute to the body of knowledge of current nursing practice and provide a scientific base for change. …

Do Nurses Write Nursing Diagnoses Correctly?, Graeme Neil Boardley

Theses : Honours

In this study it was proposed to examine the effect of educational intervention on nurses' abilities to write nursing diagnostic statements. Studies have shown that the way nurses write nursing diagnoses is an area of weakness in the overall documentation process, and this was perceived by the researcher as being true also in Western Australia. One reason for this, identified in the literature, appears to be lack of education in writing nursing diagnoses. This study was conducted in a 190-bed public hospital using an experimental research design, using control and experimental groups to test the hypothesis that nurses' abilities to …

New Graduates' Self-Perceived Preparedness To Begin Practice As Registered Nurses, Vicci Lodge

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to investigate new nurse graduates' perceptions of their preparedness to begin practice as registered nurses. The investigation included determining whether their perceptions changed over time and in which areas they perceived they were best and least prepared. A longitudinal descriptive survey design was used for this study. Two self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from all the students (79) who graduated with the Diploma of Health Science from Edith Cowan University at the end of Semester 1 for 1991. Of these, 34 new nurse graduates completed and returned both questionnaires. Both quantitative and …

Nursing Health Assessment: A Meta-Analysis, J. E. Jarvis

Theses : Honours

Health assessment is the responsibility of all nurses (McCain, 1965), however, it is frequently discussed without reference to any global definition and studied under a variety of conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of clinical setting, year of assessment, nursing education and experience in nursing on the scope of nursing health assessment using meta-analysis techniques. Sixty five research journal articles were located of which 16 primary studies were selected and grouped for analysis. The result of this analysis indicates there is a significant difference in the scope of nursing health assessment in varied clinical settings …

Evaluation Of A Patient Education Program For Patients With Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes (Type Ii), Helen M. Walker

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a group outpatient program for patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type II). It endeavoured to establish whether at the completion of a patient education program, and again at the 3 month follow-up period, the patients were complying with : (a) the recommended dietary plan, (b) the exercise program, and (c) were monitoring blood glucose levels at home, as evidenced by weight loss and metabolic control of their diabetes. The study also investigated factors influencing non-compliance. The theoretical rationale used for this study was Pender's Health Promotion Model, which theorises that health-promoting behaviour …

Phonological Profile For The Hearing Impaired : Manual, Iris Vardi

Research outputs pre 2011

Anyone who deals with the speech of the hearing impaired is only too well aware of the wide range of speech problems that can present. Many of these problems have been thoroughly researched and documented. Toni Gold (1980), detailed the following characteristics of hearing impaired speech as revealed by the literature to that date:

(l) intelligibility problems;

(2) consonant errors relating to voicing, consonant omissions, position of consonant error in word, difficulties with consonant blends, effects of place of articulation;

(3) vowel and diphthong errors;

(4) suprasegmental errors including problems with rate, increased duration of phonemes, timing, pausing; and

(5) …

Nurses' Attitudes To The Nursing Process, Glenda M. Prideaux

Theses : Honours

The nursing process was 'introduced in Australia in the mid 1970s, as a teaching tool, however, with the advent of tertiary based education in the late 1970s, it was used as a problem solving approach to the practice of nursing. Acceptance of the nursing process has required changes' in attitudes and practice. The objectives of the study were firstly, to describe nurses' attitudes to the nursing process, and. secondly, to relate these attitudes to education and experience. The purpose of this study was to describe nurses' attitudes to the nursing process because they are reported to influence the standards or …

The Effect Of Prolonged Cycling At The Conconi-Predicted Anaerobic Threshold On Blood Lactate Concentrations, Michael John Newton

Theses : Honours

A study which assessed the validity of the Conconi test to predict the anaerobic threshold (AnT) was undertaken with 20 sport science students. The study involved the subjects undertaking three tests over a one week period. Each test was separated by a period of at least 48 hours which allowed the subjects time to recover. The subjects initially completed a Conconi test which attempted to predict their AnT through plotting heart rate against work intensity. Following the specified recovery, a maximum oxygen uptake test (V0₂max) was undertaken by all subjects. Following another recovery period those subjects who produced …

Professional Experience Programme Report: Women's Health Promotion, An International Perspective, Lynne Hunt

Research outputs pre 2011

Between August 1988 and January 1989 I visited niQe countries in the Western Pacific, North America and Europe to survey women's health promotion from the perspective of the women's health movement. The experience was facilitated by study leave (Professional Experience Programme) from the Western Australian College of Advanced Education (now Edith Cowan University).

The main purpose of the study was to exchange ideas with selected academics and experts in women's health. The information acquired will be applied in courses in women's health offered by Edith Cowan University and in the ongoing development of a series of videotape productions on women's …

An Evaluation Of Comparative Strategies For Teaching Breast Self-Examination, Julia Agars

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study addresses the issue of breast self-examination (BSE) in female nurses, as nurses who perform BSE are more likely to promote BSE to their clients. The purpose of the study is twofold: first, to assess the effects of three alternative methods of BSE instruction on nurses’ BSE practice; and second, to determine the influence of nurses’ health beliefs on their practice of BSE. Previous studies have indicated that various teaching strategies have improved BSE practice. However, the three methods of BSE instruction to be assessed on this study which includes booklet with written instruction, film and group discussion, and …

The Relationship Between Diet And Exercise And The Occurrence Of Headaches In Adolescents Aged 12 To 15 Years, Paula Hahnel

Theses : Honours

Headaches in adolescents present school nurses with a challenge. Al though separate research has focussed on headaches in children, and on dietary and exercises practices of adolescents, little attention has been paid to the relationship between the two. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether adolescents' dietary and exercise practices affect the occurrence of their headaches. The randomly selected sample consisted of 97 adolescents, aged 12 to 15 years, from a Perth metropolitan high school. Males accounted for 28%. Of respondents, and females 72%.. The average age was 13.5 years. All students taking part in the study were …

Nurses' Use Of Universal Precautions, Robin G.S. Jackson

Theses : Honours

Research into Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Hepatitis B., and other bloodborne pathogens has led to the current worldwide awareness that patients can be admitted to hospitals with potentially fatal diseases that can remain undetected in blood and certain body fluids. This has resulted in a change of emphasis in Infection Control, namely isolating the source of infection rather than isolating the diagnosed infectious patient. One such technique recommended to protect healthcare workers, and other patients from nosocomial disease, is Universal Precautions. This study, using a descriptive survey design and structured questionnaire examined nurses' stated compliance to this technique in a …