Claudia Gamel

Factors that influence the provision of sexual health care by Dutch cancer nurses

A descriptive-correlational design was used with a sample of Dutch cancer nurses (n = 104) to describe provision of sexual health care (SHC) and to explore influential factors. This report is limited to the second goal. The Theory of Reasoned Action provided the conceptual framework for investigation of five previously identified factors and one unexplored factor. Knowledge, comfort, attitude (towards sexuality) and subjective norm were significantly related with provision of SHC. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that knowledge and comfort were significant explanatory variables, accounting for 37% of the variance.

Filling up the hours: how do stroke patients on a rehabilitation nursing home spend the day?

Objective: To describe the time use of stroke patients on rehabilitation units of a nursing home focusing on the time spent on therapeutic activities, non-therapeutic activities, interactions and the location wherein these took place. Design: A descriptive study. Setting: Rehabilitation units of a nursing home. Subjects: Seventeen chronic stroke patients, including 9 men, 8 women, with a mean age of 77 years (SD ± 7.6 years). Main measures: Daily activities of patients were measured using Behavioural Mapping, including therapeutic activities, non-therapeutic activities, interactions and their location. Functional status was measured with the Barthel Index. Results. Of the patients 15 (88%) were partly/fully paralysed, with a mean Barthel Index score of 9.4 (SD ± 4.3). The patients spent 20% of the day on therapeutic activities, whereas 80% of the day was spent on non-therapeutic activities; 9% on therapeutic activities with the nurse. For 60% of the day patients were alone and not interacting with others. Conclusions. Stroke patients spend only short periods of time during the day on therapeutic activities. For the largest part of the day, the patient is alone and passive. A challenge for nurses is how to activate patients and engage them in purposeful task-oriented training in daily activities.

Sexuality of patients with chronic heart failure and their spouses and the need for information regarding sexuality

Background: Psychological and physiological effects of chronic heart failure (CHF) can influence sexuality. Both CHF patients and their partners may experience changes and have questions about sexuality. Despite this, healthcare professionals give little information regarding sexuality. This may be due to the paucity of literature describing patients’ concerns and questions about sexuality and CHF. Aims: The aims of this study were to describe the sexuality of patients and their partners and to describe their needs for information regarding sexuality. Methods: A prospective, descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample was obtained in three hospitals (Belgian and the Netherlands). Patients and partners completed two questionnaires: Sexual Adjustment Scale (SAS) and the Needs of Sexual Counseling Scale for Chronic Heart Failure (NSCS-CHF). Results: There were 52 patients and 32 partners who participated in the study. No or slight disturbance was seen in sexual discussions and intimacy. Marked or serious disturbance was reported in sexual activity. A mixed profile was seen in sexual performance, sexual interest and sexual pleasure. The majority of patients with CHF and their partners want information regarding sexuality. The NSCS-CHF clearly identified the information needs of patients and partners and most needs concerned the areas of symptoms, the relationship and relaxation. Conclusion: The questionnaires were easy to complete and changes in sexuality and information needs were identified. The NSCS-CHF needs further validation as a research instrument. Healthcare professionals can use both questionnaires to bring up the topic of sexuality and to identify topics that require further discussion or counselling with patients and partners.

Regained Control: A Phenomenological Study of the Use of a Relapse Prevention Plan by Patients With a Bipolar Disorder

PURPOSE To explore the lived experiences with the development and use of a relapse prevention plan by patients with a bipolar disorder. DESIGN AND METHODS In this phenomenological study, we conducted unstructured interviews. Colaizzis data analysis method was used. FINDINGS The relapse prevention plan was perceived to provide a guide for patients to regain control over their lives and develop self-management skills. Contact with relatives and the match with the professional were critical facilitating factors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Professionals can draw upon the patients experiential knowledge as an important source that guides clinical practice and decision-making.

Patients With Anorexia Nervosa Who Self-Injure: A Phenomenological Study

PURPOSE This study investigates self-injury from the perspective of patients with anorexia nervosa. DESIGN AND METHODS A phenomenological design was used. Twelve patients participated. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide. FINDINGS Participants display self-injurious behavior predominantly in situations when they are forced to eat. They are terrified of gaining weight and use self-injurious behavior to cope with their anxiety. Self-injury is envisioned as a technique to regain control of their own eating pattern without bothering anyone. They feel shame for not controlling their emotions more constructively. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Healthcare professionals should systematically observe signals and explore less harmful strategies that help to regulate overwhelming feelings.

Regained Control: A Phenomenological Study of the Use of a Relapse Prevention Plan by Patients With a Bipolar Disorder: Regained Control: A Phenomenological Study of the Use of a Relapse Prevention Plan by Patients With a Bipolar Disorder

PURPOSE To explore the lived experiences with the development and use of a relapse prevention plan by patients with a bipolar disorder. DESIGN AND METHODS In this phenomenological study, we conducted unstructured interviews. Colaizzis data analysis method was used. FINDINGS The relapse prevention plan was perceived to provide a guide for patients to regain control over their lives and develop self-management skills. Contact with relatives and the match with the professional were critical facilitating factors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Professionals can draw upon the patients experiential knowledge as an important source that guides clinical practice and decision-making.