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Biomedical subjects

J E Beeken

Publications and source records attributed to J E Beeken.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Contracting with outpatient hemodialysis patients to improve adherence to treatment.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between contingency contracting and adherence to prescribed therapy in outpatient chronic hemodialysis patients. A quasi-experimental, pretest/posttest design was used. The sample included 15 hemodialysis patients, 6 in the phosphorus group and 9 in the weight-gain group. The study was conducted at an outpatient hemodialysis center in a Midwestern rural state. Specific variables investigated were interdialytic weight gains and serum phosphorus levels that reflect adherence to fluid restrictions and to taking phosphate-binding medications. Weekly interviews were conducted with each patient and content analysis of interview data was completed to identify categories related to adherence and nonadherence. Pre- and postcontract weight gains and phosphorus levels were analyzed with a paired two sample t-test. The categories related to adherence and nonadherence included physiological, psychological, environmental, locus of control/self-control/self-praise, economical, medical, knowledge deficit, health benefits, family support, and social support. Adherence to taking phosphate-binding medication responded more favorably to contingency contracting than did adherence to fluid restrictions. Chronic outpatient hemodialysis patients in the sample responded to the use of contingency contracting and developed techniques to remember to take phosphate-binding medications in order to lower serum phosphorus medications.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The effectiveness of neuromuscular release massage therapy in five individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease.

The purpose was to examine neuromuscular release massage therapy (NRMT) as an intervention for individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) to improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life. Variables measured were thoracic gas volume, peak flow, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and quality of life to determine if improvement occurred with 24 weekly treatments of NRMT. Four of five participants had an increase in thoracic gas volume, peak flow, and FVC. Paired differences t test resulted in significant changes in heart rate, oxygen saturation, and time of breath hold. Repeated measured analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between participant and time for heart rate, oxygen saturation, and systolic blood pressure. The results suggest that individuals with COLD do benefit from NRMT, but the exact physiological mechanism for the changes warrants additional study.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Teaching critical thinking skills to undergraduate nursing students.

Teaching nursing students to use critical thinking skills is important in today's changing healthcare system. Formal instruction in critical thinking theory is included in a professional issues nursing course for junior nursing students. The authors describe healthcare and non-healthcare educational activities used to promote application of the principles of critical thinking.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An experience with "research by committee".

The Nursing Research Committee of a community hospital describes the difficulties and unexpected pitfalls encountered during an attempt to conduct "research by committee." The steps of the process, from initial development of a research question through research design and implementation and termination of the project, are related. A retrospective analysis of the difficulties encountered serves as a basis for recommendations to others who might consider research by committee. Although a valid means for conducting research, the experiences of this committee indicate how forces, in their control and beyond their control, might influence completion of a project.

Hospitals, Community↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cooperative learning: planning for success.

Cooperative learning activities are designed so that students teach each other while the instructor acts as a facilitator/manager in helping the groups accomplish their goals. A positive outcome of these interactions is the development of an intrinsic motivation to learn, which is more valuable in the learning process than controlling for external rewards. Cooperative groups were found to have greater productivity, better individual effort and coordination of effort, more attention to fellow group members, more positive communication than competitive groups, more effective work habits, and demonstration of a greater need for each other.

Cooperative Behavior↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship between critical thinking and self-concept in staff nurses and the influence of these characteristics on nursing practice.

Thirty-five nurse managers were interviewed, and 100 staff nurses were tested using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) to determine if a relationship existed between critical thinking and self-concept. Correlations (Pearson r) showed no statistically significant relationship (r = 0.1097, P > 0.05). Comparison of the results of the California Critical Thinking Skills Test between groups with differing levels of nursing education indicated that scores for nurses with a baccalaureate were statistically and significantly higher than the scores of nurses with an associate/diploma degree (ANOVA F = 3.03, P = 0.03). Implications for nursing education and practice are discussed.

Adult↗