Illuminating dissertation supervision through reflection

This paper describes a small research study designed to explore the role of the dissertation supervisor and to examine the potential of using reflection as a tool for learning and for enhancing professional educational practice. The authors met to discuss and reflect upon the processes of supervision and the role of the supervisor throughout the period of supervising three dissertation students. Each author maintained individual reflective written accounts of supervisory meetings with students. These accounts and the transcribed tape-recordings of the group meetings provided two sets of data which were analysed using qualitative techniques. From the data analysis the authors were able to identify various phases in dissertation supervision — partnership; setting the learning contract; signposting; ownership of the dissertation; letting go; the rush at the end; maintaining the balance — and also contextual issues of humanness; time; and energy, which were needed to sustain the supervisory processes. The role of the dissertation supervisor was illuminated and the potential of using reflection as a tool for developing professional educational practice was realized. The importance of constructive support while engaged in processes of reflection cannot be underestimated.     

Supportive learning in distance education

This paper argues that tutorial support should enhance the learning experience of students who enrol on a distance education programme. A rationale for such support is givne as well as a definition of support for distance learners. The complex role of the tutor in distance learning is described which suggests the need fortutor preparation, paricularly for tutors adapting to this mode of course delivery. The paper reports on two existing models used within distance education which have focused on the outcome of study. The paper introduces an alternative model of supportive learning which focuses on the development of the educational experience throughtout the lenght of a distance-learning course.     

Exploring the process of data acquisition: methodological challenges encountered and strategies employed

Data acquisition marks the first phase of the problem-solving process Little research exists, however, on data acquisition amongst nurses despite its centrahty in the problem-solving process In part, this is a reflection of the inherent challenges and difficulties posed by this area of research This paper discusses methodological issues raised during a recent study exploring the process of data acquisition amongst student nurses The research forms part of a larger comparative study of the outcomes of preregistration nurse education programmes, funded by the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting     

Quality of life in long-stay institutions in England: nurse and resident perceptions

Quality of life (QOL) of older persons living in institutions is a critical consideration in international economic policies and health care decisions Yet, there is little relevant research to support decisions about culturally acceptable and effective nursing care for this population This qualitative study explored and compared perceptions of older residents and nurses in three long-stay institutions in south-west England It addressed issues viewed as important to a good QOL for residents and ways in which nurses promote QOL A convenience sample of 10 residents aged 65 and older (80% female) and nine nurses (n=five registered general nurses and four enrolled nurses) were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule Interview data were analysed using an analytic induction method of content analysis While theme frequency and examples differed, themes common to both residents and nurses were individuality, professionalism, connectedness, and physical functioning Resident responses tended to be personal, succinct, and sometimes negative Nurses' responses were more positive, detailed, and reflective of general professional responsibilities Implications for nursing education, research, and practice are discussed Improvement in QOL will be addressed differently based on social and cultural settings However, there may be commonalities that are applicable across cultures     

User involvement in mental health nursing practice: rhetoric or reality?

Following the review of mental health nursing, nurses need to address the dilemma of providing empowering care in a climate of increasing control and stigma. This paper discusses tile background to, and significance for nursing, of the 'user movement' in the UK. A current 'explosion' of user groups does not imply that these form a homogeneous group, nor that they share similar perspectives. Consultation and involvement mean little if unmatched with action. This may be constrained by the 'market' in which the 'true power' is held by the budget holder, and by stigmatizing policy imperatives claimed to be in the public interest. Self-advocacy may be legitimized by the desire to prevent providers 'speaking out'. These difficulties may, however, provide convenient excuses for inaction. A new professional identity may be found in forging political alliances with users, in which a reappraisal of traditional boundaries may go some way towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health problems.     

Health benefits for health and social care clients attending an Integrated Health and Social Care day unit (IHSCDU): a before‐and‐after pilot study with a comparator group

It is thought that integrating health and social care provision can improve services, yet few evaluations of integrated health and social care initiatives have focused on changes in clinical outcomes and used comparator groups. The aim of this pilot study was to identify whether attendance at an integrated health and social care day unit (IHSCDU) affected selected outcomes of functional mobility, number of prescribed medications, and physical and psychological well‐being. A secondary aim was to examine the utility of the tools to measure these outcomes in this context; the feasibility of the recruitment and retention strategy and the utility of the comparator group. A before‐and‐after comparison design was used with non‐randomised intervention and comparator arms. The intervention arm comprised 30 service users attending the IHSCDU and the comparator arm comprised 33 service users on a community nursing caseload. Measures of functional mobility (Barthel's Index) and physical and psychological well‐being (SF‐12^®) were taken from all participants in both arms at three data collection points: baseline, 4 and 9 months later, between November 2010 and September 2012. Participants and outcomes were identified prospectively and in both arms, the individual was the unit of assignment. No significant changes were noted in functional mobility and psychological well‐being and the number of medications prescribed increased in both arms. There was a trend towards a significant difference between study arms in the change in the SF‐12^® physical health outcome measure and this outcome measure could be usefully explored in future studies. The recruitment and retention strategy was feasible although our comparator group had some limitations in not being closely matched in terms of age, functional mobility and mental well‐being.     

A Validation Study of the Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety in Brazil

PURPOSE.  This study aims to validate the nursing diagnosis of anxiety among expert Brazilian nurses and clinicians using NANDA International defining characteristics and to compare the clinical judgments of the experts and the clinicians.
METHOD.  A semistructured questionnaire was completed by a convenience sample of 120 nurses. NANDA International defining characteristics of the Brazilian Portuguese version were used. The analysis of the ratings was based on the framework of the Diagnostic Content Validation model. Brazilian nurses considered the anxiety definition established by NANDA International to be appropriate and experts' and clinicians' judgments were similar for both groups of nurses.
FINDINGS.  The results showed that among the 71 characteristics of anxiety, 8 were identified as critical defining characteristics of anxiety (score  ≥  0, 80) by the expert nurses.
CONCLUSIONS.  Brazilian nurses accepted the NANDA International definition for nursing diagnosis of anxiety although some defining characteristics might differ due to cultural differences. Future research could address the limitations of the study and examine validations by both the experts and the clinicians.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  The adequate preparation of undergraduate and postgraduate nurses in nursing diagnosis is important in improving the quality of care given to patients.