A peer-driven community-based supervisory model: development from an evaluation of an ethics workshop for doctoral students undertaking research with children

Differing doctoral supervision models currently exist. Three key conceptual supervisory models relevant to doctoral students from within the healthcare professions were identified from a literature review: the ‘functional pre-modern’ model, the ‘team’ model and the ‘community group’ model. However, whilst these models exist, for the most part, supervision remains embedded within home academic institutions. Method and material: (1) An extensive review of the literature was undertaken, drawing on: Australian Education Index, British Education Index, the British Humanities Index, the British Nursing Index, EBSCOHOST EJS and Google™ Scholar; (2) an outcome-oriented evaluation of a workshop delivered to seven current or prospective doctoral candidates from within the health care professions and researching with children and/or young people, concerning the conduct of ethical research was undertaken Results: Five key categories related to ‘best things about the day’ were identified from a four-item, anonymous questionnaire appraising the day. These concerned: round table discussions, plenary seminars, workshop organisation, value of experiential learning and future workshop opportunities. From these themes an ‘innovative’ peer-driven, community based model of doctoral supervision was developed that is extrinsic to and complements the supervision provided in students’ home academic institutions. Conclusions: The innovative supervisory model developed through an outcome-oriented evaluation of a workshop for doctoral candidates has particular relevance for doctoral students who are healthcare professionals generally and nurses in particular, especially those studying in highly specialised areas where there may be a dearth of subject specific supervisors

Homely Remedy Protocols: A solution to the supply and administration of non-prescription medicinal products and dietary supplements

Patient Group Directions, although widely used since their introduction in the late 1990s, are not widely reported in the literature. However, when described, it is recognised that their use are inappropriate for non prescription medicinal products or for use outside NHS settings. This paper thus describes a suitable alternative to Patient Group Directions, for use in research participants requiring non-prescription medicinal products in their own homes, the Homely Remedy Protocol

Taking a longer view of contact: the perspectives of young adults who experience parental separation in their youth

This is a report of a research study funded by the Nuffield Foundation exploring the experiences of a representative group of young adults in England (aged 18-35) who had experienced the break-up of their parents' relationships before they reached the age of 16. The study was based on a telephone survey of 398 and face to face qualitative telephone interviews with 50 of them. It produced valuable empirical evidence on how these young adults viewed the contact arrangements they had had during their childhood and what they believed had made that contact a more or less successful experience. The study provides information which will assist practitioners to predict whether contact arrangements being made for a particular child are likely to be beneficial or not

Three venepuncture techniques in babies: a comparative study

Modifying hyodermic needles for blood sampling in babies is common. However, such techniques mean that medical devices are not always used as manufacturers intend and potential and actual risks associated with their use occur. A number of new devices have recently been designed to overcome safety issues. However, whether new devices are any more effective than existing modified methods is unknown. Through a randomoised controlled trial, this study attempted to compare the safety and efficacy of three blood sampling techniques in babies: (i) the 'broken' needle, (ii) the 'modified' buttrefly' and (iii) a new 'single winged' needle designed specifically for venepuncture in babies and young children. Eligibility criteria for inclusion to the study comprised: babies twelve months of age and under, weighing over 1500 grams, requiring at least three routine blood samples to monitor their condition, six hours apart. Informed, written parental consent was also required. The sample was drawn from a neonatal intensive care unit and achildren's unit in a large teaching hospital. Ethical approval for the study was gained form the local research ethics committee. Babies recruited into the study were randomised according to the order in which the three blood sampling techniques were used. Data were collected in terms of: (1) whether the blood sample had been obtained after one, two or more than two attempts; (2) whether there was clotting in the sample and (3) whether there was bruising and the extent of the bruising measured at the largest diamter of the bruise. Fourteen babies completed the study reulting in the trail being severely underpowered. Recruitment to the study was disappointing and was, in part, attributed to a number of adverse incidents that had occurred in clinical and research practices involving babies and children, that had gained much media attention, both before and during the study period

How holistic nursing can enhance the quality of life of children with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common life limiting autosomal recessive genetically inherited conditions affecting Caucasians. It is caused by mutations of chromosome 7 responsible for encoding amino acid protein 1480, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common mutation, affecting 75% of patients with CF in the UK, is that of delta F508 which results in the omission of phenylalanine at position 508 in the 1480 chain. However, other rarer mutations exist resulting in differing presentations of the condition. Ellen, a teenager with a rarer presentation of CF, and her family, are drawn upon in this case study to discuss living with CF and its impact upon quality of life and well-being in life limiting conditions of childhood