Development of a Subjective Workload Assessment for Nurses: A Human Factors Approach.

Background And Purpose: Research has revealed nurses' perception that traditional workload measures do not adequately capture the complexity of workload. Using a human factors approach to address the multiple and complex dimensions from the subjective perception of the worker, the Subjective Workload Assessment for Nurses (SWAN) was developed.

Methods: Survey data from 188 medical-surgical registered nurses were used to establish the instrument's psychometric properties.

A randomised trial of nursing interventions supporting recovery of the postmastectomy patient.

Aims And Objectives: This ABC to recovery study evaluated the combined and separate components of preoperative education and the effectiveness of wearing the Papilla Gown.

Background: Surgical removal of the breast may lead to activity limitation, self-image issues, discomfort and later complication of lymphoedema. Design.

Expressive writing in early breast cancer survivors.

Aims: This article is the report of a study aimed at determining whether or not expressive writing improves the quality-of-life of early breast cancer survivors. An additional aim is the investigation of whether or not the type of writing prompt makes a difference in results.

Background: The risk of distress can extend well beyond the time of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Factors that influence patient advocacy by pain management nurses: results of the American society for pain management nursing survey.

What is the meaning of advocacy, and how does it relate to the nurse who wants patients to experience optimum pain management? This question and the lack of empirical data provided the stimulus for the American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) Research Committee to explore ASPMN members' beliefs, knowledge, and skills regarding pain management advocacy activities. The specific aim of the study was to determine the educational needs for and barriers of advocacy for nurses working with patients experiencing pain. An ASPMN Advocacy Survey Instrument was developed to gather data about advocacy activities and interventions.

A goal attainment pain management program for older adults with arthritis.

The purpose of this study was to test a pain management intervention that integrates goal setting with older adults (age > or =65) living independently in residential settings. This preliminary testing of the Goal Attainment Pain Management Program (GAPMAP) included a sample of 17 adults (mean age 79.29 years) with self-reported pain related to arthritis.

A bone health intervention for older adults living in residential settings.

Osteoporosis, a major health problem that increases with age, may lead to fractures and loss of independence. This study focused on testing a bone health intervention aimed at assisting older adults living independently in residential settings to maintain healthy bones with the long-term goals of fracture prevention and maintenance of independent function. Forty-seven participants (M (age) = 79.

Measurement of the experience of living with primary recurrent headache.

Recurrent primary headache is a major public health concern that impacts both society and the individual, reducing productivity and limiting participation in work, social, and leisure activities. The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure the experience of living with chronic recurrent primary headache. This tool, Chronic Pain Experience Instrument-Headache Version (CPEI-HA), is intended to provide a measure of the affective component of headache that could complement the assessment of intensity, density, and disability.

Improved sleep may reduce arthritis pain.

Studies indicate that pain interferes with sleep and, in turn, sleep disturbances increase pain. Statistics show that up to 60% of those with arthritis experience pain during the night. But despite these findings, sleep is not generally addressed as a major treatment concern among this population.

Functional status in older women following hip fracture.

Background: Women aged 65 years and over are at high risk for a fractured hip because of osteoporosis. One of the devastating effects of a fracture is the loss of ability to live independently.

Aim: The major aim of this study was to describe the functional status, or ability to perform activities of daily living, of women aged 65 years and older who had experienced a fractured hip in the recent past and to explore possible differences in selected variables (e.

Population-based osteoporosis education for older women.

With an increased focus on wellness and health promotion, there is a need for community-based strategies to complement traditional strategies aimed at improving individual and aggregate health. An educational program on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis was provided for 188 women age 60 and older in three different community settings: churches, retirement homes, and senior citizen centers. The major purposes of the study were to determine whether a community-based program might (a) contribute to older women's knowledge about osteoporosis and (b) promote their intent to use this knowledge.

The measurement of patient satisfaction.

Patient satisfaction is an important quality outcome indicator of health care in the hospital setting. The measurement of patients' satisfaction with nursing is particularly important since nursing service is often a primary determinant of overall satisfaction during a hospital stay. This article reports on a study designed to update and revise the definition of patient satisfaction for application with ambulatory surgical patients and to develop a questionnaire that captures this definition.

Barriers to managing chronic pain of older adults with arthritis.

Purpose: To explore barriers to pain management experienced by older adults with arthritis, identify themes, and develop a theoretical model of relationships among the themes.

Design And Methods: Focus groups were used to collect data with 57 older-adult participants who had self-reported arthritis. Coding techniques consistent with grounded theory methodology were used for data analysis.