The experiences and needs of patients attending a cancer support group.

This paper explores the experiences of people who, following a diagnosis of cancer, initially received treatment in a conventional hospital setting under the direction of professional health-care workers and then joined a cancer support group. In this study it is assumed that an increased awareness of the experiences and needs of patients with a malignant disease will enhance the ability of professional health-care workers to provide more effective care and to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of cancer patients. A phenomenological approach was employed in an attempt to understand the experiences from the perspective of the respondents in the study.

A review of pressure damage prevention strategies.

The prevention of pressure damage is a fundamental aspect of nursing care. Despite this and the amount of literature available, the prevalence and incidence of pressure sores do not appear to be diminishing. This review focuses on elements of care that are within the power of nurses to attain and suggests strategies for promoting quality care by simple, economic and effective means.

A history of transplantation.

This paper provides a brief historical overview of the development of transplantation by highlighting some of the key developments in both physiological knowledge and surgical technique which enabled progress to be made towards the present day situation.

The origins of insane asylums in England during the 19th century: a brief sociological review.

This paper explores the origins of insane asylums in 19th century England by comparing the official 'received' medically dominated perspective with an alternative sociological perspective. The major structural changes in provision are addressed as the focus for analysing the differing histories. A brief review is presented of the responses to insane people prior to the national asylum programme following the 1845 Lunacy Act, and of the reform logic that underpinned asylum care.

Findings of a training needs analysis for qualified nurse practitioners.

Training needs analyses have been identified as an essential part in the development of continuing education programmes and their implementation into practice. This study describes the results of a training needs analysis of nurse practitioners across three health authorities in England.

The student nurse selection experience: a qualitative study.

A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the experiences of student nurses recruited to three British colleges of nursing. A series of focus groups was initiated to discuss the career decisions surrounding their entry into nursing and their experiences of the selection interview. Similar groups were conducted with those who are involved in the selection of candidates for nursing to determine what influenced their decisions to accept or reject people.

Nurse-aid management of burns.

With over 75% of burns occurring in the home it is essential that nurses are aware of the main principles of treatment. This article outlines the nurse-aid management of burns to help reduce the severity of the damage.