Bowel problems, self-care practices, and information needs of colorectal cancer survivors at 6 to 24 months after sphincter-saving surgery.

The aim of this study was to describe bowel problems, self-care practices, and information needs of patients who have recovered from the acute effects of sphincter-saving surgery for colorectal cancer. A retrospective, descriptive survey was conducted using a structured telephone interview and mailed questionnaires. The sample consisted of 101 patients who had undergone sphincter-saving surgery for colorectal cancer in the last 6 to 24 months.

Patients' self-report of procedural pain in the intensive care unit.

Aim: To determine which routine nursing procedures performed on conscious intensive care unit (ICU) patients were painful and which routine procedures were not painful.

Background: Current empirical evidence supports that routine procedures are often not viewed in the context of causing pain to the critically ill patient. Given the complexity of illness and the need to prioritize care in ICU patients, clinicians may not consider routine procedures as causing pain.

Getting on with life: accepting the permanency of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Increasing numbers of people with cardiovascular disease are requiring the insertion of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs). Although these devices are an effective life-saving treatment, psychological distress sometimes accompanies their insertion. A qualitative approach was used to explore the experiences, concerns and needs of recipients of the device in Western Australia.

Use of a Behavioural Pain Scale to assess pain in ventilated, unconscious and/or sedated patients.

Unlabelled: Current empirical evidence supports claims that pain in sedated, unconscious Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients is underrated and under-treated. Given the severity of ICU patients' illness pain management, whilst important, may not be considered a priority and therefore can be easily overlooked. The aim of this study was to validate the Behavioural Pain Scale (BPS) for the assessment of pain in critically ill patients by evaluating facial expressions, upper limb movements and compliance with mechanical ventilation.

Comparison of plain ice and flavoured ice for preventing oral mucositis associated with the use of 5 fluorouracil.

Aims And Objectives: The study aimed to compare the use of plain ice, flavoured ice and standard care, to evaluate the effect on mucositis and to determine patients' perceptions of the two forms of oral cryotherapy.

Background: Despite evidence that oral cryotherapy is useful in preventing mucositis in patients receiving 5-fluorouracil, concerns have been expressed about its clinical utility, due to potential side effects and negative perceptions.

Design: A randomized, controlled, crossover trial was conducted in the outpatient chemotherapy department of an acute care teaching hospital in Perth, Western Australia.