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Biomedical subjects

P Mackereth

Publications and source records attributed to P Mackereth.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

'Reflexology techniques are not an effective tool for symptom recognition or the diagnosis of medical conditions'.

We are pleased to introduce a new series of debates addressing topical issues currently under scrutiny in the field of complementary medicine. In selected issues, two people are invited to argue the case for or against a specific statement. In certain instances the position taken may not necessarily reflect the personal views of the authors. They have been asked to take a specific stance in order to stimulate debate and reflection about particular aspects of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2000

Reflexology: recent research approaches.

The intention of this paper is to examine recent published research in the field of reflexology and healthcare and consider the way forward for research work in reflexology. It will explore the various research approaches and methods, which have and could be used in answering questions about reflexology practice and outcomes for patients. The recommendations of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine Report (FIM 1997) with regard to conducting research and audit will be included in the paper. These are proposed here as a framework for both reviewing past studies and as guidance for future reflexology investigations. The authors themselves have conducted small reflexology studies and they will reflect on their experiences in analysing the research process. This paper does not aim to give a concise review of the literature to date but uses examples of recently published work to illustrate the issues that might confront researchers.

Data Collection↗
PubMed2000

Tough places to be tender: contracting for happy or 'good enough' endings in therapeutic massage/bodywork?

Listening to others has inspired this paper, as they share their experience and analyze their practice, and in the process uncover what is quintessential to therapeutic work. Of course, stories and insights can illuminate our own reflections and in turn deepen our understanding of what it means to be a nurse and massage therapist. They can also challenge what we think to be truths and sacred cows. This paper is about how confusion can be our best teacher when we seek to understand notions of contact and engagement in therapeutic work. When a patient says 'yes' to massage/bodywork what do they expect? Perhaps the massage will ease backache or leave them feeling profoundly relaxed; or could it be that the human contact is the most important need, but that need may be harder to express or even acknowledge? In examining the issues raised by this paper the author proposes a 'structural, emotional and energetic' (SEE) model for massage/bodywork contracts, and recommends that therapists seek supervision and support for their work.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1997

Clinical supervision for 'potent' practice.

The author has received regular supervision since completing his training in biodynamic massage therapy. This is a requirement of the Code of Conduct for the Association of Holistic Biodynamic Massage Therapists. Initially, this proved difficult to arrange as supervisors familiar with this form of bodywork were based either in London or Cambridge, UK and the author has been living and working in the North West of England. One-to-one supervision was tried over the telephone, supported by 3-monthly meetings with a supervisor in London. Four years ago, the author was able to obtain monthly one-to-one supervision locally. He is now a member of a small supervision group who meet for 3 hours per month. More recently, he has taken on the role of supervisor with a focus on working with nurses involved in either complementary therapies and/or in developing clinical supervision. The following article explores the concept of supervision with the intention of sharing these experiences and promoting discussion on an understanding of the process and potential application within therapeutic nursing work.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1997

Therapeutic touch: nursing activity or form of spiritual healing?

There is a major movement in nursing which is exploring the part that a wide range of complementary therapies can play in expanding the therapeutic role of the nurse. Courses have been developed that will enable nurses to apply these skills to their daily practice (Faltermeyer 1995). Therapeutic Touch (TT) is being advocated as one such therapy, primarily developed and researched by nurses for nurses (Sayre-Adams & Wright 1995). Early writings and thinking on TT speak of origins in the ancient practice of the 'laying on of hands'; the purpose of which was and is to 'heal or encourage healing in a sick person' (Krieger 1979). Its application in practice can be helped or hindered by this statement since this might be interpreted as spiritual healing, a term which can be confusing, open to misinterpretation and can spark controversy.

Holistic Nursing↗
PubMed1989

An investigation of the developmental influences on nurses' motivation for their continuing education.

This author investigated these influences by use of a questionnaire. It was distributed to 90 second-year students and 89 staff nurses, working in three London hospitals. The tool was developed from a literature search, which looked at motivational theories, research into nurse retention and attitudes and interest in continuing education. No similar studies were found. An assumption was made that students are idealistic about their continuing education and staff nurses pragmatic. That is, the role change from student to staff nurse alters the perspective on career and continuing education needs. Eighty-one per cent of the questionnaires were returned. Results indicated that students decided their future training needs on how much they enjoyed a particular experience, and on their expectation of furthering their skills in that area; whereas staff nurses wanted management training and skills and knowledge in looking after critically ill patients. A number of respondents were considering leaving nursing, because of poor staffing and salary; this dissatisfaction was greatest amongst the staff nurse respondents. The investigation identified the need for commitment from both service and education to the concept of continuing education for nurses as crucial to improving patient care, and support and help for staff and students to assess their needs and be informed of choices and resources.

Education, Nursing, Continuing↗
PubMed1983

A world leader.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

California↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Life preservers.

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Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

HIV/AIDS. Maintaining confidentiality when tracing contacts.

The extent to which a patient who has HIV can rely on information relating to his or her status remaining confidential has been the subject of furious debate within and outside the nursing profession. This paper explores the issues, with particular reference to partner notification.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗