4 research outputs found
Experiences of professional nurses caring for patients with open abdomen in an intensive care unit in Gauteng
No full textAbstract: Managing patients with open abdomen post-operatively has become a daily procedure in intensive care units as it reduces mortality rates in patients with abdominal hypertension, abdominal compartment syndrome and abdominal sepsis. The routine nursing care is more challenging because these nurses should constantly observe the open abdomen which is only covered with a temporary dressing. The researcher has observed that nurses prefer not to nurse patients with open abdomen as they fear that the abdominal contents will protrude. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses taking care of patients with open abdomen in intensive care in an academic hospital in Gauteng and to describe the recommendations for assisting professional nurses in taking care of patients with open abdomen. The research design used was a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The target population was professional nurses with more than one year experience caring for patients with open abdomen and are working in a specific adult intensive care unit. Four focus group interviews were conducted and each comprised of six participants. The research question which was addressed was: What are the experiences of the professional nurses caring for patients with open abdomen in intensive care unit? What recommendations can be made for assisting professional nurses in taking care of patients with open abdomen in intensive care unit? Data saturation was reached on the fourth interview. Data were analysed using Tesch‟s method. Three themes also emerged: difficulty in nursing care, complications suffered by patients and poor hospital administration. Recommendations for assisting professional nurses in taking care of patients with open abdomen were then described from the findings of four focus group interviews. Ethical principles and measures of trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the research study. This study revealed that professional nurses in intensive care unit have difficulties in caring for patients with open abdomen due to lack of protocols, lack of equipment, lack of knowledge and skill by the nurses and doctors. This lead to patients developing complications such as infections and fistulas while nurses develop psychological problems. In-service programs and debriefing sessions should be conducted to assist professional nurses in caring for patients with open abdomen.M.Cur
A model to facilitate self-care of registered nurses caring for critically ill patients
No full textD.Cur.Abstract: Self-care is vital in promoting the physical and psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers. There are multiple impediments in the South African intensive care units which contribute to self-care not being practised and prioritised by the registered nurses caring for critically ill patients. The multi-layered demands of the critical care patients related to life threatening illnesses resulted in compassion fatigue and stress. The researcher’s previous Master’s Dissertation “Experiences of registered nurses caring for patients with open abdomen” confirmed the need to facilitate self-care of registered nurses caring for critically ill patients. The research question of “What can be done to facilitate self-care of registered nurses caring for critically ill patients?” was formulated. The purpose of the study was to develop, implement and evaluate a model as a frame of reference to facilitate self-care of registered nurses caring for critically ill patients in an intensive care unit in a public hospital in Gauteng. The researcher utilised a theorygenerating, qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The four criteria to evaluate trustworthiness in qualitative research were adhered to, to ensure that the findings of the research reflected the truth value of this study: credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability. The study followed four steps which were concept analysis, the concepts being placed in relationship statements, the description of the model, and the implementation and evaluation of the model. A one-day workshop was prepared and planned to implement and evaluate the model. A total of six participants aged between 28 and 64 years were interviewed online and three themes emerged during data analysis and supported with the literature control. The benefits which the registered nurses achieved from the implementation of the model include: autonomy, increased self-esteem, empowerment, increased social support, ability to cope with stress and ability to take charge of their self-care
Exploring information needs among family caregivers of children with intellectual disability in a rural area of South Africa: a qualitative study
No full textAbstract Background Globally, families experience challenges caring for and raising children with intellectual disability (ID). Family caregivers in rural states are mostly known for lacking support resources, including information on understanding the care of ID. Lack of adequate information on understanding of ID compromises the provision of life-long care and support of the children with ID’s physical, emotional, psychological and social developmental well-being. The study aimed to explore the information needs of family caregivers regarding the care of children with ID in rural areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods This qualitative explorative research conducted 16 in-depth individual interviews and one focus group discussion with ten family members. The participants shared their experiences of raising children with ID in rural communities. Inductive thematic analysis using Atlas Ti software categorised emerging themes and subthemes of this study from merged data sets on information needs regarding the care of children with ID among family caregivers. Results The findings highlighted the need for information regarding ID care among family caregivers raising children with ID in the home environment. The information challenges experienced by family caregivers include caring for the challenging behaviour of children with ID and available support resources and services for the children and their families. These challenges impact the care and support required to meet the developmental needs of children with ID. Furthermore, inadequate information on ID among family caregivers in rural communities with a lack of resources restricts the children from accessing required support services. Conclusions Given the information challenges these families face on ID, the stakeholders must develop continuous training programmes that will equip, empower, and further monitor ID care and management among family caregivers to enhance care and the raising of children with dignity
