Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Hastings

Publications and source records attributed to F Hastings.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Introduction of the use of structured pain assessment for post-operative patients in Kenya: implementing change using a research-based co-operative approach.

A research-based project was conducted to introduce structured pain assessment on a surgical ward at a general hospital in Kenya, East Africa. The aim was to improve pain control, and subsequently patients' recovery and satisfaction with care. It was agreed that the ultimate aim was to develop and use a common tool for pain assessment throughout the hospital, thereby reducing disparity in various clinical areas, and raising standards of patient care. The project was seen as a pilot, and planned introduction of the pain assessment took place over 1 month. This paper describes the findings in relation to the patient sample, and perceptions of nurses taking part. It also contains reflections about action research, and how it may enter the scene as a way of understanding the whole picture retrospectively.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Auditing the clinical learning environment in West Glamorgan: evaluating the process.

The responsibility for auditing clinical learner areas was developed from the Welsh National Board to individual educational establishments in Wales in 1988. The West Glamorgan College of Nursing and Midwifery designed on audit tool, based on the National Board's guidelines, and have used it in clinical areas since 1990. This paper reports on an evaluation survey carried out after the tool had been in use for one year. The results suggest that the ward/area managers involved have been able to identify a range of benefits for their units with the introduction of the tool, and demonstrate an acceptance of the need to maintain standards of practice and education.

Anxiety↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Developing nurse education in Kenya.

This article describes a six-month project to facilitate educational developments in the School of Nursing at the Nairobi Hospital, Kenya. The project addressed curriculum revision, mentorship, audit of clinical learning environment, developing teaching and assessing skills in qualified staff, establishing a computerised student allocation system, and post-basic and in-service education. The first three will be described in detail, with some reflections on the experience of introducing change in an environment which was both familiar and strange to the author.

Education, Nursing↗
PubMedDate not supplied

End of life issues in ESRD. A study of three decision variables that affect patient attitudes.

The substantial end-stage renal disease (ESRD) mortality rate reflects an older population, worsening comorbidity, and increased cardiovascular disease. Advance directives in ESRD may simplify issues such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and dialysis discontinuation. However, ESRD patients with advance directives may change their mind or allow surrogate leeway for override of end-of-life decisions. Three decision variables (requesting CPR, discontinuation of dialysis with depression, or discontinuation with dementia) were studied in 141 ESRD patients through a 47 item questionnaire. Duration of dialysis (> or = 4 years) (P = 0.002) and prior CPR experience (P = 0.02) increased the probability of refusing CPR by 12 times. The use of surrogates and substituted judgement for dialysis discontinuation with depression was more likely in women (P = 0.0006) and in patients with higher levels of education (P = 0.003). The odds of deciding to discontinue given dementia were three times greater for hemodialysis than peritoneal dialysis patients (P = 0.03). Eighty-three percent of the patients requested that physicians periodically check with them to determine if their advance directives had changed. The authors conclude that advance directives may assist ESRD patients, families, and staff with end-of-life decisions. Three end-of-life decision variables are significantly affected by duration and type of dialysis, previous CPR, gender, and level of education.

Adult↗