Applied Health Services Research as a Framework for Patient-Oriented Research: A Suggested Framework for Health Care Researchers

Engaging the general population in the research process provides new visions that may lead to innovations and research that are relevant to patients. Many developed countries like Canada are working toward engaging the population in healthcare research to achieve outcomes pertaining to enhanced accountability, transparency, and population empowerment in research. For example, Canada created Canada's Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) (Canadian Institute of Health Research [CIHR], 2011) to empower the patient's role in health research and the healthcare system.  However, there appears to be a gap in the literature because few studies or reports could be found on how applied health services research might be used as a framework for patient-oriented research. The aims of these authors in this paper are to (1) discuss how the applied health services research (AHSR) can be used as a framework for patient-oriented research (POR); and (2) describe salient challenges and potential outcomes that may result from implementing applied health research as a framework for patient-oriented research. This is a multidimensional framework for patient engagement using AHSR as a framework for POR as they have shared crossover research aspects between them. Conducting POR at different levels of AHSR reduces the gap between health research and practice, and empower patients to be responsible for their own health and health services (Gooberman-Hill et al., 2013). The multidisciplinary nature of AHSR and POR may face challenges related to research interests, patients, patient involvement, environmental/ organizational regulations and policies, and research culture

Philosophical Roots of Classical Grounded Theory: Its Foundations in Symbolic Interactionism

Although many researchers have discussed the historical relationship between the Grounded Theory methodology and Symbolic Interactionism, they have not clearly articulated the congruency of their salient concepts and assumptions. The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough discussion of this congruency. A hypothetical example about smoking among college students is included in this paper to illustrate this relationship. This paper will be useful for qualitative researchers who seek a fuller understanding of how the assumptions and concepts provided by Symbolic Interactionism can inform the researcher who adopts a Grounded Theory methodology to investigate human behaviour. The relevance of this congruency for nursing researchers is discussed

Data Saturation: The Mysterious Step In Grounded Theory Method

The aim of this paper is to provide a discussion that is broad in both depth and breadth, about the concept of data saturation in Grounded Theory. It is expected that this knowledge will provide a helpful resource for (a) the novice researcher using a Grounded Theory approach, or for (b) graduate students currently enrolled in a qualitative research course, and for (c) instructors who teach or supervise qualitative research projects. The following topics are discussed in this paper: (1) definition of data saturation in Grounded Theory (GT); (2) factors pertaining to data saturation; (3) factors that hinder data saturation; (4) the relationship between theoretical sampling and data saturation; (5) the relationship between constant comparative and data saturation; and (6) illustrative examples of strategies used during data collection to maximize the components of rigor that Yonge and Stewin (1988) described as Credibility, Transferability or Fittingness, Dependability or Auditability, and Confirmability

The Perception of Staff Nurses and their Experience with the Critical Care Outreach Team in Oman: A Descriptive Correlational Study

Previous research indicated the benefits of the Critical Care Outreach Team (CCOT) in improving patients' health outcomes; however, in Oman, there is a dearth of evidence examining the perceptions of nurses regarding the Critical Care Outreach Team as well as its effectiveness. This study aimed to explore staff nurses' perceptions about the CCOT services in Oman and to explore the relationship between the staff's demographics (age, education, and years of work experience) and their call status to the CCOT services. A valid and reliable questionnaire that includes 19 items and a 5- point Likert scale format submitted online via Survey Monkey to the ward staff nurses who work in the area where Critical Care Outreach Team service is provided. One open-ended question was added to the questionnaire to collect qualitative data. SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data while the qualitative data emerged to support the quantitative findings. A total of 91 participants completed the questionnaire; nurses perceived the CCOT as accessible, approachable and effective in recognizing deterioration, thereby reducing serious events; providing teaching and coaching to staff; helping in referring the patient to allied health and improving patient management on the ward. There was no significant correlation between participant demographic variables such as age (p = 0.616), gender (p = 0.370) or years of experience (p = 0.243) and educational level on the call status to CCOT services. The quantitative perception was supported and explained qualitatively by participants' direct quotations when they answered the open-ended question. It is concluded that nurses in Oman perceived CCOT positively, which indicates that the existence of CCOT in hospitals of Oman is necessary, important and effective in enhancing the patients' outcomes and helping provide teaching and couch for other nurses.  &nbsp

SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS OF PATIENTS FOLLOWING AN ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common complication resulting from surgical procedures. As they impact patient recovery, well-being, and the health care system, SSIs cost time and money. Researchers have identified a number of factors influencing the causation and prevention of SSIs. The purpose of this paper is to examine the literature in regard to factors that have an impact on the incidence of SSI. A review of the literature was guided by the following PICO question: "In women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy, what are the most effective interventions to be used in a standardized care plan, when compared to current practice with varied and undefined interventions, in reduction of surgical site infection?". Four key variables were identified that either influence the incidence of SSI, or are important in shaping policy concerns regarding SSI. The most evident interventions were prophylactic antibiotics and preoperative washing. The findings from literature regarding dressings remain inconclusive in the reduction of SSI incidence. Furthermore, the findings for obese women showing a higher risk for SSI remain inconclusive, but specialized interventions can be used for this group. These findings help to bring further attention to how research in these key areas can improve future nursing practice

Understanding Jordanian Psychiatric Nurses’ Smoking Behaviors: A Grounded Theory Study

Purpose. Smoking is prevalent in psychiatric facilities among staff and patients. However, there have been few studies of how contextual factors in specific cultures influence rates of smoking and the health promotion role of psychiatric nurses. This paper reports the findings of a classical grounded theory study conducted to understand how contextual factors in the workplace influences the smoking behaviors of Jordanian psychiatric nurses (JPNs). Method. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with a sample of eight male JPNs smokers at a psychiatric facility in Amman, Jordan. Findings. Constant comparative analysis identified becoming a heavy smoker as a psychosocial process characterized by four sub-categories: normalization of smoking; living in ambiguity; experiencing workplace conflict; and, facing up to workplace stressors. Conclusion. Specific contextual workplace factors require targeted smoking cessation interventions if JPNs are to receive the help they need to reduce health risks associated with heavy smoking

Omani Families Caring for a Member with Mental Illness: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to gain an in depth understanding and knowledge regarding how Omani families care for a member with mental illness including how they supported the later in self-care activities. Data was collected from participants using a purposive sample consisting of ten family caregivers whose member was in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat. Each caregiver participated in one semi-structured interview. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings included two major themes: The first theme was “caring and empowering with empathy, love, and understanding.” The second theme was “self-denial and giving without limitations.” In conclusion, Omani family caregivers for a mentally ill family member provided optimum level of care to help and empower their family members to manage the mental illness. However, in so doing, those caregivers denied and neglected themselves for taking care of their mentally ill members. Several appropriate clinical interventions and policies are needed to support those family caregivers, to create a situation recently referred to as becoming “care partners.

Prevalence, student nurses’ knowledge and practices of needle stick injuries during clinical training : a cross-sectional survey

Background: The incidence of needle stick injuries is higher among nurses with a low level of knowledge on the prevention of needle stick injury, and who have not received the relevant training during their undergraduate study. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of the prevention guidelines and the prevalence of needle stick injury among students in Oman. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire and involving 167 students from a governmental university was conducted. The questionnaire consists of 30 questions; eight general questions, knowledge related questions, and questions about risk factors, prevention measures, and actions in a case of needle stick injury. Ethical approval was obtained and the link to the survey was shared with students using their university email portal. Results: Of the participants, 81.2% were females; mean age was 23.3 (SD = 4.5) years. The mean total knowledge score was 6.6 out of 10 (SD = 2.1). In addition, 18.2% (n = 32) of the students experienced needle stick injury. Most of the injuries 71.9% (n = 24) occurred during medication preparation and administration. The main cause of NSI as reported by students was recapping the needles (59%, n = 19). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that student nurses have a moderate level of knowledge about needle stick injury prevention measures and lack many facets of safe infection control practice. These findings require the collaborative effort of nursing administrators from both academic and clinical areas, to develop effective strategies to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of needle stick injury.Open Access funding provided by Kristianstad University.</p