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Biomedical subjects

G A Bechtel

Publications and source records attributed to G A Bechtel.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Using a health risk appraisal to determine an Appalachian community's health care needs.

The Health Risk Appraisal developed by The Carter Center of Emory University was used as a basis for diagnosing an Appalachian community's health care needs. Concepts identified included (a) demographics, (b) nutrition/exercise, (c) lifestyle, (d) contentment, and (e) preventive health behaviors. The sample consisted of 108 individuals residing in subsidized housing projects within Appalachia. The findings of this study suggest that although these participants perceived their health to be generally good, their health practices were poor. However, the HRA was not culturally sensitive to the specific health and social needs of this community.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Evaluating quality of care using modular nursing on a multispecialty unit.

The purpose of this study was to examine performance outcome measures of nurses who work on a general medical unit and those who work on specialized or modular units. A sample of 82 nurses were reassigned to patients in either specialty modules or a general medical unit. Findings suggest that large nursing units staffed according to modular groups based on common diagnosis may improve nursing care quality. Modular nurses assigned to patients on a general medical unit made more medication errors, charted nursing interventions less frequently, and were less likely to provide prompt PRN medication administration. Of concern is the care provided to chronically ill; elderly clients not admitted to a predetermined specialty module received the poorest nursing care. We support development of specialty nursing modules to replace large, general medical units, it does not measure the impact of retention, cost, or other key variables on nurse staffing. We suggest that large medical units be divided into specialty modules and that staff rotation to general medical units be minimized.

Hospital Units↗
PubMed1994

Purpose in life among gay men with HIV disease.

Positive purpose in life (PIL) has been shown to influence health maintenance, facilitate recovery from illness, and enhance psychological well-being. Among persons diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, PIL has received minimal attention. This study used a convenience sample of 67 men who had a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or who participated in high-risk sexual behavior associated with HIV disease to measure PIL. Integrating qualitative data into the final analysis contributed to a greater understanding of PIL among persons with HIV disease and those at high risk for the disease. Results of the study demonstrated a significantly lower PIL score for men with AIDS. PIL scores were negatively correlated with religious beliefs for the group, and these scores were not influenced by the interval since the AIDS diagnosis. Men with HIV disease are often isolated and withdrawn from society and appear to lack clear meaning for existence.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Health risk appraisal differences between well elderly and university students.

A descriptive/correlational study was undertaken to compare lifestyle behaviors between the well elderly attending a nurse-managed clinic and students attending a university wellness center. The purpose of this study was threefold: (a) to determine current health behaviors of both well elderly and students, (b) to identify high-risk health practices among these two populations, and (c) to compare differences in health behaviors between the two groups. The Carter Center of Emory University Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) was used to measure the occurrence of selected health behaviors. The sample consisted of 173 well elderly and 110 students. Results of the study indicate that when age-related physiologic variables were removed, both groups were highly involved in risk preventive behaviors. Most differences could be explained by culture and age. Additional studies are needed to measure the effect of risk preventive behaviors on quality-of-life.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Characteristics of nursing doctoral programs in the United States.

The expansive growth of doctoral programs in the United States has necessitated a need to determine demographic attributes of the academic program, characteristics of the students, admission criteria, and curriculum patterns. Seventy-eight doctoral programs were sent a researcher-designed survey and 48 (62 per cent) responded. Results show an increasing shift away from clinical doctorates to the research doctorate, although few differences exist within the research focus of doctoral nursing programs. Consistent with previous reports in the literature, curricula are fairly standard and few differences were noted based on a number of criteria including geographic location, type of degree granted, Carnegie classification of the university, or by the length of time the program has been in existence. Discussion of these findings is included.

Curriculum↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enhancing self-esteem among cardiac patients.

This study examined the development, implementation, and evaluation of a module to enhance self-esteem among patients in an outpatient cardiac clinic. Eighty percent of the subjects reported that activities such as exercise and social functions helped them feel better about themselves. This data supported the use of spirituality, interpersonal relationships, self-care activities, and self-preservation concepts to enhance self-esteem in cardiac patients.

Heart Diseases↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Community health nursing in migrant farm camps.

The author describes a community health nursing experience in the migrant farm camps of south Georgia. While providing primary healthcare to an underserved migrant farm community, students began to understand the complexities of health, policy, and community organization. Examples are presented that reflect crucial elements of student involvement and barriers to learning.

Community Health Nursing↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enhancing relationships between nursing faculty and clinical preceptors.

Rapid changes in health care and nursing education have necessitated an increased need for educators and clinicians to build alliances. Historically, the economic demand has been placed on clinical agencies to provide quality educational experiences for students. However, clinical agencies are increasingly refusing to precept students because of cost and liability issues. To secure and maintain optimal clinical experiences for students, nurse educators must learn to develop positive relationships with practicing nurses, contribute to staff education, and share educational responsibility in evaluating student learning.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Caring behaviors by nurses: women's perceptions during childbirth.

OBJECTIVE: To identify nursing behaviors perceived as caring by women during childbirth. DESIGN: Descriptive research design using a structured questionnaire. SETTING: Interviews were conducted after vaginal birth and before hospital discharge. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 31 childbearing women. RESULTS: Women's perceptions of caring behaviors used by nurses were measured via the Caring Behavior Assessment, an instrument that lists 63 nursing behaviors in seven subscales and is congruent with Watson's (1988) caring factors. Mothers who had uncomplicated vaginal births were asked to rate behaviors of their nurses. Behaviors in the human needs assistance subscale, which included items such as "help me with my care until I'm able to do it for myself," "give my treatments and medication on time," and "check my condition closely," were perceived as the most caring. CONCLUSION: Identification of nursing behaviors that are perceived as caring will help nurses working in managed care environments where time spent with patients is decreased.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Research implications for alternative health therapies.

Nontraditional health practices have gained in popularity during the past 10-15 years. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of many nontraditional approaches have been inadequately investigated. Furthermore, tradition research protocols often have fallen short in providing satisfactory strategies for these types of investigations because the nature of the personal belief system between patient and provider has not been examined. The authors discuss the implications for triangulation techniques in nursing research related to nontraditional treatments. Six types of triangulation are defined and methods for utilizing these techniques are explained.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Referencing in transcultural nursing: an ethical analysis.

The increasing emphasis placed on transcultural care among clinicians and educators, coupled with the lack of original research in this field, has led to a number of articles in journals and books that are poorly researched and referenced. Authors have a responsibility to critically review primary sources rather than rely on secondary sources that can be erroneous. Having established a unique contribution to the transcultural literature, nurse authors and educators have a responsibility to maintain high professional and ethical standards when disseminating information to readers.

Bibliographies as Topic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Writing for publication in an RN to Baccalaureate program: an exercise in critical thinking.

More than 35,700 registered nurses are currently enrolled in an RN to Baccalaureate completion program (I). The demand for these graduates is expected to continue, along with an increased demand for community-based educational programs. Many of these students have significant clinical experience and expertise. Nursing faculty are challenged to develop learning experiences and program outcomes that enhance their professional skills and add to their expertise.

Authorship↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessing culturally diverse pediatric clients.

For many pediatric nurses, providing culturally sensitive care among children of diverse backgrounds is frustrating and time-consuming because elements of cultural care theory were not assimilated into their educational programs. Using a transcultural model developed by Giger and Davidhizar (1995), pediatric nurses can now integrate a holistic and efficient assessment into the child's treatment plan. Essential health beliefs and practices are synthesized into the model's six components to assist the pediatric nurse in providing culturally appropriate care.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Critical thinking and clinical judgment of professional nurses in a career mobility program.

This study's purpose was to establish the impact of a Career Advancement Program on critical thinking and clinical judgment of Registered Nurses. Findings of the study suggest that critical thinking and clinical judgment are not influenced by patterns of upward mobility. Additionally, an analysis did not indicate significant predictors in education, specialty area, or years of nursing experience related to scores. Whereas this study questions the efficacy of career mobility programs on critical thinking and clinical judgment, it does not measure the impact of career advancement programs on other key outcome variables. The study suggests nurse educators emphasize critical thinking and clinical judgment rather than transmission of information in educational offerings.

Career Mobility↗