Bowel Cancer Awareness week June 6-12, 2011
Bowel cancer is New Zealand's cancer – affecting men and women, young and old. Each year, almost 3,000 New Zealanders are newly diagnosed – making it our most common cancer affecting both men and women.
http://www.beatbowelcancer.org.nz/action.html
Articles from ONS Connect Journal (Oncology Nursing Society)
1. Gene Test Helps Predict How Well Chemotherapy Will Work
ONS Connect, May 2010, Vol. 25 Issue 5: p4
Abstract: The article reports on the significance of genetic test towards predicting the outcomes of chemotherapy on breast cancer patients.
2. Virus May Cause Prostate Tumors
ONS Connect, May 2010, Vol. 25 Issue 5: p4
Abstract: The article reports that xenotropic murine leukemia virus (XRMV) is associated with the incidence of prostate cancer in humans
3. Growth Rate of Tumor Calculation Improved
ONS Connect, May 2010, Vol. 25 Issue 5:p4
Abstract: The article reports on the use of specific growth rate (SGR) among researchers which improves the calculation of the rate of tumor growth compared to Doubling time (DT).
4. This May, Recognize the Many Subspecialties of Oncology Nursing
By Wujcik, Debra M. ONS Connect, May 2010, Vol. 25 Issue 5: p5
Abstract: An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses an article on Straight Talk about the Congress mugs by Seth Eisenberg, the subspecialty role of oncology nurses by Ellen Olson and subspecialty areas in oncology
5. Finding Your Niche
By Tariman, Joseph D. ONS Connect, May 2010, Vol. 25 Issue 5: p6-9
Abstract: The article focuses on the role specialization in oncology nursing. It highlights that some oncology nurses are looking for specialty roles due to previous job experiences and other opportunities. It stresses the importance of training and cross training for oncology nurses within their chosen specialty. According to Deborah Doss, an Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) member, the greatest advantage of specialization is becoming really good at a particular field.
6. Oncology Specialties Are Recognized by Certification
ONS Connect, May 2010, Vol. 25 Issue 5, p9
Abstract: The article reports on the certification which recognized nurses in oncology specialty granted by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corp. (ONCC).
7. How Have You Combined Oncology Subspecialties?
By Olson, Ellen. ONS Connect, May 2010, Vol. 25 Issue 5: p10
Abstract: A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's job experience of having three subspecialties including oncology, bone marrow transplantation (BMT), and pediatrics
8. Connect to Oncology Nursing Specialties Online
By Braccia, Deborah. ONS Connect, May 2010, Vol. 25 Issue 5: p11
Abstract: The article reviews several oncology subspecialty Web sites including Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Special Interest Groups at http://sig.vc.ons.org, Oncology Nursing Certification Corp. (ONCC) at www.oncc.org and the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses at www.aphon.org.
Articles from Nursing & Health Sciences Journal
9. Tobacco control and the nursing profession
By Smith, Derek R. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p1-3
Abstract: The author discusses the role of nurses in tobacco control as they are the largest group of health professionals and are on the front lines of health care service. As role models, the author mentions that nurses should not smoke. Research on nurses' smoking is mentioned. The goal of tobacco control among nurses is discussed.
10. Management of flood victims: Chainat Province, central Thailand
By Wisitwong, Anchaleeporn & McMillan, Margaret. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p4-8
Abstract: This article focuses on the processes of flood management and the experiences of flood victims in Chainat Province, central Thailand, so as to develop knowledge about the future handling of such disasters. A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to describe the processes of providing assistance to flood victims. In-depth interviews and observation were used to collect the data. Criterion sampling was used to select 23 participants. Content analysis of the data revealed that some flood victims could predict flooding based on prior experiences, so they prepared themselves. The data revealed six themes that demonstrated that those who could not predict how floods would impact on them were unprepared and suffered losses and disruption to their daily life. Damaged routes meant people could not go to work, resulting in the loss of income. There was a lack of sanitary appliances and clean drinking water, people were sick, and experienced stress. At the community level, people helped one another, making sandbags and building walls as a defense against water. They formed support groups to enable the processing of stressful experiences. However, later, the water became stagnant and contaminated, creating an offensive smell. The government provided assistance to cut off electricity services, food and water, toilets and health services, and water drainage. In the recovery phase, the victims needed money for investment, employment opportunities, books for children, extra time to pay off loans, reconnection of electricity, surveys of damage, and pensions to deal with damage and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
11. Experiences of nurse leaders surviving Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
By Danna, Denise et al. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p9-13
Abstract: Hurricane Katrina left New Orleans, Louisiana, USA destroyed by its impact on 29 August 2005. Working during a hurricane was nothing new to these authors. Having lived in New Orleans all our lives, we were used to preparing our homes and our families to weather the storm. Nurses are in leadership positions before, during, and after any disaster. Nurses are called upon to report to duty, leaving their loved ones to care for themselves while the nurses care for the sick and frail in unbelievably difficult situations. The purpose of this article is to share our experiences as nurse survivors during Hurricane Katrina, reflecting on 10 major aspects of disaster planning from the perspective of the “Then” (during the storm) and the “Now” (current recommendations). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
12. Australian Bachelor of Midwifery students' mental health literacy: An exploratory study
By McCann, Terence V.; Clark, Eileen. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p14-20
Abstract: Many pregnant and post-partum women experience mental health problems, but midwives are frequently ill-equipped to provide support. The purpose of this study, conducted in Melbourne, Australia, was to examine first-year Bachelor of Midwifery students' mental health literacy about post-partum women with schizophrenia, using the vignette of “Mary”. A non-probability sample of 38 commencing students was used. The results showed that the students had a mainly lay person-informed conceptualization of mental health interventions for post-partum women. They acknowledged that Mary had a mental health problem that might have a more favorable outcome with professional support, but this agreement did not extend to their understanding of the consequences of the failure to receive professional help. They believed that negative outcomes were less likely and positive outcomes were just as likely for Mary than for others in the community. The findings highlight the need for mental health theory and clinical subjects to be incorporated in midwifery curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
13. Perceptions of women and health-care providers in Tokyo of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy
By Haruna, Megumi et al. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p21-26
Abstract: A mother's underweight status and insufficient weight gain during pregnancy are risk factors for infant low birthweight. Concerns have been raised regarding whether pregnant women are provided with accurate information about weight gain. This study explored how and from whom pregnant women in Tokyo receive information related to body weight. Four focus groups were conducted with nine pregnant women, nine nurse-midwives, and eight obstetricians between March and June 2006. The recorded interviews were content-analyzed. Weight gain was a common concern among the participants, regardless of the women's body size, and sufficient weight gain was rarely mentioned. However, the health-care providers were aware of their lack of expertise and training in behavior modification. Pregnant women consistently expressed a desire for reassurance and praise from health-care providers, which might be a culture-specific phenomenon. The findings point to a need for culturally appropriate and accurate communication about weight gain during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
14. Use of educational games in the health professions: A mixed-methods study of educators' perspectives in the UK
By Blakely, Gillian et al. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p27-32
Abstract: Educational games have been shown to be effective in supporting learning, especially to reinforce knowledge, and students are generally positive about the use of games. The aim of this mixed-methods study that was conducted in the UK was to explore educators' views towards the use of educational games in the health sciences. The data were collected via semistructured interviews with 13 health educators and an online survey that was completed by 97 health educators. Three factors influence the use of classroom games: reflective practice, the impact of games on students, and the impact of logistical factors. Educators assess their own performance and the impact of the games on students when planning their use; however, large classes and the need for preparation time have a negative impact on educators' willingness to use games. Similar constraints might restrict the use of active learning strategies, such as simulation, that are crucial for enabling health professionals to develop competence. These issues require consideration when planning educational methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
15. Health-care system and nursing in Sri Lanka: An ethnography study
By De Silva, Badurakada Sunil Santha & Rolls, Colleen. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p33-38
Abstract: This article stems from a larger ethnographic study that primarily explored nurses' cancer pain management in Sri Lanka. The findings presented in this article report on two aspects revealed in that study: the Sri Lankan health-care system and nursing. The findings indicate that the Sri Lankan health-care system is under considerable strain. Poor hospital management allows doctors to admit too many patients, resulting in chaotic and overcrowded work environments with unsustainable resources. This then impacts on the role of the nurse. This study highlights the adverse conditions under which nurses in Sri Lanka try to administer care, within a powerless and unchanging professional situation. Although this study extends the level of understanding of the situation for nurses in a government hospital, it also offers directions for policy-makers and international nursing organizations to improve nursing education and governance in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
16. Are laboratories useful fiction? A comparison of Norwegian and Australian undergraduate nursing skills laboratories
By Wellard, Sally J. & Heggen, Kristin M. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p39-44
Abstract: Drawing on the findings from studies in Australia and Norway that explored the use of laboratories in the preparation of nursing students for entry to practice, this article identifies the pedagogical challenges for the undergraduate education of nurses. The findings from both countries are compared and, in spite of distinct differences in the level of financial investment, there are striking similarities between the ways in which laboratories are used in the two countries. The laboratories were designed to predominately represent acute care hospital environments. The participants demonstrated a high level of commitment and strongly held beliefs in the laboratory as a safe place to facilitate self-paced learning and as an environment where students can practice until they become competent and confident. However, at the same time, there was a striking lack of evidence to support these views. The participants in both countries reported a common approach to instruction: a process of teacher demonstration, followed by student repetition and practice. Variability in students' motivation also was reported and the participants especially expressed concern for those students with a low level of interest in the basic skills associated with personal care. The possibilities and limitations of using skill laboratories as part of the practical preparation for nursing are discussed, using the metaphor of laboratories as “fiction”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
17. Evaluation of an information booklet for caregivers of people with dementia: An Australian perspective
By Chang, Esther et al. Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2010, Vol. 12 Issue 1: p45-51
Abstract: The need for improved communication around end-of-life issues has been identified in cancer care. However, caregivers assisting those with dementia have been given scant attention. This study investigated the application of a new dementia information booklet for family caregivers, accessing those that were both community-based and linked to a residential aged-care facility through the distribution of 672 information booklets. This occurred via 14 dementia advisory services and 48 residential aged-care facilities throughout New South Wales, Australia. A total of 233 carers (33%) completed the booklet questionnaire evaluation. The descriptive statistics indicated that most carers found the booklet useful and thought that the booklet should be freely available to them. Almost half of the carers said that they wanted to receive the information at the time of, or soon after, the diagnosis of dementia. Only a small group of respondents considered the information to be confronting. The reported anxiety was thought to be part of a larger issue of dementia education and dealing with loss and not specifically related to the booklet itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Journal - Table of Contents
18. From Canadian Nurse, Volume 107, Number 4, April 2011
PERSPECTIVES
18A. Standing up to Goliath: A Victory in geneder discrimination battle
18B. Bringing the patient's perspective to health care [new patient advocacy group, the Patients' Association of Canada]
COMMENTARY
18C. Does nursing research have a future?
18D. Double the practice fro the CRNE; Election tools at your fingertips; Tackling wait times followup report; Supporting your practice CNA's new tools and resources
18E. Research File: Nurses' role in health promotion in schools; Journal club spotlight: Reflecting nurses' decision-making in EHRs
18F. ACT 11: A new career direction
18G. Nurse to know: On double duty in Labrador City
News - National
19. Patient's treatment 'indefensible'
Waikato Times - 31 May 2011
Hamilton GP Suresh Vatsyayann missed a "cascade of evidence" that something was seriously wrong with a patient who later died of bowel cancer, according to one expert witness.
Auckland doctor Gerald Young yesterday told a Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal hearing into Dr Vatsyayann, who faces more professional misconduct charges over the misdiagnosis and death of the woman, that the doctor's inaction was "indefensible".
From October 2007, the then 66-year-old Hamilton woman visited Dr Vatsyayann at his Beerescourt Family Clinic 17 times during a 12-month period before she finally went to another doctor who detected the cancer.