Lise R. Talbot

A Constructivist Evaluation of Family Systems Nursing Interventions with Families Experiencing Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Illness

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Family Systems Nursing interventions using a methodological approach based on Guba and Lincoln’s fourth generation evaluation. The project involved five families in which one member had suffered either a myocardial infarction or a stroke. In this participatory study, family members, patients, nurses, and investigators were considered coresearchers in the research process. Thus, families collaborated with investigators and nurses to develop and evaluate Family Systems Nursing interventions based on the Calgary Family Assessment and Intervention Models. This article presents the research methodology and results that offer practical nursing interventions to help families during the patient’s rehabilitation process.

Post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms among emergency nurses: their perspective and a ‘tailor‐made’ solution

AIM The goal of this study was to identify support activities for emergency room nurses who have been exposed to traumatic events, in order to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder. BACKGROUND Emergency room nurses experience stress during traumatic events, for which they need support. It turns out that such support is insufficient, ineffective or non-existent. METHODS This qualitative study was carried out among twelve emergency room nurses from January to May 2007. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted. Content analysis fulfilled the objectives of our research. RESULTS The frequency of traumatic events leading to contextual exposure and exposure as a witness increases with years of experience (r=0·67 and r=0·57). The frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms decreases with age (r=-0·83). The data demonstrate the importance of having a supportive social network and being able to talk things over with colleagues. The support activities considered include all types of prevention. They consist primarily of a peer support system, psycho-education and emergency room simulations. CONCLUSION A three-level complex of support activities represents a promising solution to prevent and treat post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency room nurses. A further study to test its effectiveness is currently underway.

Process of implementing collaborative care and its impacts on the provision of care and rehabilitation services to patients with a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury

Objective The introduction of new services in a rehabilitation center is a unique opportunity to introduce a new model of care and services between two institutions. A hospital and a rehabilitation center experienced a clinical management model inspired by an American approach – collaborative care. The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of this approach and to provide a perception of the quality of care and services provided to patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury and to their caregivers. Materials and methods In this qualitative study, individual semistructured interviews were conducted with patients and their caregivers in the hospital and rehabilitation center where the patients were treated. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with administrators, and two focus groups were held with clinicians before and after the implementation. Results and conclusion Ten days’ waiting time were saved with the collaborative approach. Implementing the collaborative care approach has been found to have several benefits, including improved communication, coordination of services between institutions, and better preparation, awareness, and involvement of patients and their families. Administrators, clinicians, patients, and caregivers expressed their opinions on the organization of care and services, the needs and expectations of patients and their caregivers, their participation in terms of roles and responsibilities, their perception of continuity of care, their satisfaction with the care process, and their suggestions for improvements.