Julie Santy

A phenomenological study of pain following fractured shaft of femur.

•u2002There is very little work that discusses the pain experience following fractured shaft of femur. Therefore, an exploratory phenomenological study of the individual experience of pain following a traumatic fracture of the shaft of femur was conducted. n n n n•u2002Two key themes emerged: the injury experience and the pain experience, both linked to the need to maintain physical integrity. n n n n•u2002The findings underline the highly complex nature of the pain experience and illustrate the range of experiences that individuals with traumatic fractures are exposed to. n n n n•u2002The findings have implications for the nursing and medical management of patients following long bone fracture.

Critiquing quantitative research

Editor s c o m m e n t The ability to evaluate a piece of published research is becoming increasingly important for or thopaedic nurses. This article offers straightforward guidance and a f ramework to undertake this process. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or definitive piece but will get the novice started and reassure those who are already underway. It concentrates on quantitative research as it is hoped to produce a similar article on qualitative research at a later date. See Hayzens article (p.85) in this issue that critiques a piece of published research. PD

Interprofessional boundaries between nursing and physiotherapy in the orthopaedic setting

This paper examines the interprofessional relationship between nurses and physiotherapists working in the orthopaedic setting. The effect of this relationship on the interdisciplinary function of both professionals and the effect on patient care are discussed. Some ideas for future developments in professional relations are proposed.

The role of reflection in the education and development of orthopaedic nurses

Reflection is a concept frequently referred to by nurses and educators and is a common theme in many texts, journals and conference papers related to both education and practice. Orthopaedic nursing is experiencing a time of rapid development and many believe that by reflecting on what has gone before we should be able to increase our expertise and knowledge in the present and for the future (Teasdale 1996). This would move nursing forward in the most effective way possible. However, it is vital that we do not take on the paradigm that reflection represents without thought for whether it is of practical value and whether it has the potential to influence our education and practice. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of reflection in the education and development of orthopaedic nurses and to examine its potential for helping the specialty to move forward.

Rehabilitation of the patient with a hip fracture: facing the challenge

This paper examines the current care and management of the elderly patient with a hip fracture. It identifies issues regarding the role of the orthopaedic nurse in relation to the rehabilitation of this vulnerable group of older patients, and questions the appropriateness of the orthopaedic trauma ward as an environment in which to provide effective care. The paper offers ideas for alternative strategies to those currently commonly used in practice.

A phenomenological investigation of the individuals experience of pain following a fractured shaft of femur

•u2002There is very little work that discusses the pain experience following fractured shaft of femur. Therefore, an exploratory phenomenological study of the individual experience of pain following a traumatic fracture of the shaft of femur was conducted. n n n n•u2002Two key themes emerged: the injury experience and the pain experience, both linked to the need to maintain physical integrity. n n n n•u2002The findings underline the highly complex nature of the pain experience and illustrate the range of experiences that individuals with traumatic fractures are exposed to. n n n n•u2002The findings have implications for the nursing and medical management of patients following long bone fracture.