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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
De Concentv Amisso Qvaerendo: An Investigation Into The Relative Benefits Of Three Different Types Of Ambient Music On The Observed Agitated Behaviour And Quality Of Life Of Dementia Sufferers In Residential Aged Care Facilities, Peter Wilkinson
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
There is an increasing body of research evidence to support the use of music as a therapeutic modality in reducing the agitated behaviour frequently associated with late-stage dementia. Although much of this evidence suggests that music interventions are most effective when they are “individualized”, this type of intervention is often difficult to implement in large, busy, aged care facilities where residents may be located together in communal areas during the day. The challenge therefore is to try and identify a particular musical genre which, when played as “ambient” or “background” music, demonstrates a consistent capacity to reduce agitated behaviour in …
The Lived Experience Of Self-Intermittent Catheterisation In People With Spinal Cord Injury, Brendan J. Bakes
The Lived Experience Of Self-Intermittent Catheterisation In People With Spinal Cord Injury, Brendan J. Bakes
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
Self-intermittent catheterisation (SIMC) is one of the most common and safest methods of bladder emptying in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). There is a large amount of literature relating to the biomedical aspects of SIMC, such as infection rates and renal complications. There is however, very little information about how people actually experience SIMC and its effect on their daily lives. Through a series of semi-structured interviews this study describes the lived experience of eight men with spinal cord injuries who perform self-intermittent catheterisation to empty their bladder. The study uses Husserlian phenomenology and Colaizzi's method to analyse data …
Responding To Localised Prostate Cancer : Lifeworld Reconstruction During The First Post-Diagnostic Year, David P. Wall
Responding To Localised Prostate Cancer : Lifeworld Reconstruction During The First Post-Diagnostic Year, David P. Wall
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
This thesis investigated the experiences of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, as they reconstructed their lifeworlds during the first post-diagnostic year. With the exception of health related quality of life, a review of the psychosocial research literature revealed few studies that, explored the psychosocial experience of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer. Furthermore, the review uncovered no studies that explored the process of Iifeworld reconstruction, and only three studies that considered the role of masculinity in the responses of men to the prostate cancer experience. Such a limited understanding, about the nature and process of lifeworld reconstruction, potentially compromises …
A Longitudinal Study Exploring The Impact Of Moderate Or Severe Traumatic Head Injuries On Family Caregivers, Chayanit Luevanich
A Longitudinal Study Exploring The Impact Of Moderate Or Severe Traumatic Head Injuries On Family Caregivers, Chayanit Luevanich
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
Background: This longitudinal study explored the impact on the family caregivers caring for a victim of a moderate or severe traumatic head injury (THI). The study used both quantitative and qualitative method and involved data calculation at three times points: one-month post injury, six months post injury, and one year later. Study Population: The study population comprised 45 family caregivers aged 21 to 72 years old. Thirty-four of the same caregivers were followed at six months and twenty five one year respectively. Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess the family caregivers. The quantitative dimension comprised the …
A Phenomenological Study Of Partners Of People With Parkinson's Disease Who Demonstrate Communication Changes, Elsie Janet Doherty
A Phenomenological Study Of Partners Of People With Parkinson's Disease Who Demonstrate Communication Changes, Elsie Janet Doherty
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
Parkinson's disease is a common progressive neurological illness for which there is no known cure. While the cardinal signs are tremor, bradykinesia or slowness of movement, muscle rigidity and postural instability (Jahanshahi & Marsden, 1998, p.3) the patient may face an extended number of years experiencing all, or any combination of, the many other manifestations of the disease process. These manifestations include changes to various aspects of communication including loss of voice volume, diminished body language and loss of facial expression. All of these affect both verbal and non verbal communication. Given the progressive nature of Parkinson's disease the patient …
Developing And Testing A Pain Management Program For Family Caregivers Of Advanced Cancer Patients, Lynn Oldham
Developing And Testing A Pain Management Program For Family Caregivers Of Advanced Cancer Patients, Lynn Oldham
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
Increasingly, advanced cancer patients are receiving care in the community supported by families and hospice home care services. However, little or no preparation is provided to family caregivers who assume this supportive role, often 24 hours per day. Pain management is consistently identified by family caregivers as their primary concern related to care and support of a relative with cancer. This project involved a three-phase program of research to develop and test a pain management program (PMP) that would provide family caregivers of advanced cancer patients with information and skills to manage the patient's pain.
Dual Disorders And Implications For Assessment And Treatment, Eva Rosada
Dual Disorders And Implications For Assessment And Treatment, Eva Rosada
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
Part 1: Literature review. This review of the published literature examines the consequences for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder and chronic mental illness in traditional treatment systems that provide separate mental health and substance use treatment and identifies barriers to effective service delivery. Barriers to effective assessment and treatment are related to a lack of integration of treatments, a Jack of networking among services, and a failure to identify and assess adequately for the presence of a dual disorder. The attitude of professionals towards DD individuals is indicated as a potential barrier. Professional education in dual disorders is emphasized …
Early Attachment And Eating Disorders: A Comparative Study Between Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia Nervosa, Francoise Ringer
Early Attachment And Eating Disorders: A Comparative Study Between Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia Nervosa, Francoise Ringer
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
The purpose of this research was to study the association between adult mental representations of curly attachment relationships and eating disorders, and to compare attachment classifications between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The sample consisted of 62 women with eating disorders, divided between anorexia nervosa [restricting type (n=20) and binge-eating/purging type (n=l6)], and bulimia nervosa (n=26). The measures were (a) a structured interview based on the ''Diagnostic Survey for Eating Disorders" (Johnson and Connors, 1987) and the DSM IV criteria for the classification of eating disorders, and (b) the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) (George, Kaplan and Main, 1985). The AAI …
The Art Of Healing : A Journey Through Cancer : Implications For Art Therapy, Carmen Zammit
The Art Of Healing : A Journey Through Cancer : Implications For Art Therapy, Carmen Zammit
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
This thesis is designed to investigate how art assisted in the healing process of a person suffering from a life threatening illness. The research method used is a clinical case study. This study is a form of evaluative research, a systematic data-based inquiry concerning the participant's engagement with art in her healing process, a process which unfolds as being both life affirming and spiritually enriching. This case study takes a qualitative approach, with its emphasis on the participant's own account of her behaviour. The participant is a fifty-three year old woman, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, who was diagnosed with multiple …
Art Therapy In The Paediatric Oncology Setting: An Assessment Of The Feasibility Of Art Therapy To Address The Psychosocial Needs Of Paediatric Cancer Patients, Anthea Carboni
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
It is well recognised that children with cancer have special needs. Art therapy has been shown to be effective in meeting some of these needs. An exploratory study was conducted to assess the feasibility of art therapy to address the psychosocial needs of paediatric cancer patients in a medical setting where art therapy has not been practised before. A qualitative research design was used to investigate the research questions, using interviews as the main instrument. Subjects were recruited from the oncology team of a metropolitan children's hospital. The sample of thirteen informants consisted of representatives from the medical, nursing and …
A Comparison Of Two Bathing Methods : Effects On The Haemodynamic And Subjective Responses Of Low Risk Patients Within 48 Hours Post Myocardial Infarction, Heather M. Kidd
Theses: Doctorates and Masters
The purpose of this within subject experimental study was to determine what effect showering by nurses, as compared to bed bathing patients, has on the haemodynamic and subjective responses of low risk patients within 48 hours of having a myocardial infarction. The sample consisted of 50 patients, 8 female and 42 male, with a mean age of 61 years (SD = 10). Twenty-five were randomly assigned to a bed bath, then a shower over 2 consecutive days and the other 25 to the reverse order. The haemodynamic responses consisted of heart rate, rate pressure product (RPP), blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, …