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JAN – JUN 2009 VOL-10, NO.1 GUIDELINES FOR WRITING INFORMED CONSENT IN HEALTH RESEARCH * Hetzy S. Xylophone, M.Sc (N) ABSTRACT Informed consent is universally recognized as a key component of ethical conduct in scientific research. Informed consent is described as an interactive process in which individuals or their surrogates voluntarily agree to participate in a research study after the purpose, risks, benefits and alternatives have been thoroughly described and understood. Requirements for informed consent in national and international guidelines are based upon and justified by the principle of respect for persons. Due to the wide variety of research projects conducted at various research institutes, several types of consent forms are acceptable to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). For health research that poses more than minimal risk to subjects, a consent document that follows a standard format with detailed information is usually required. For research that poses minimal risk to subjects, a less formal document may be approved, as long as it contains necessary elements of consent. This article presents the guidelines comprising explanations and examples of text that may be used in preparing consent forms for research studies. CARE OF PATIENTS WITH PERSONALITY DISORDERS * Vimala Prakasam, M.Sc (N) ABSTRACT The personality disorders are generalized inflexible patterns of inner experience and behaviour. These are long term maladaptive patterns of perception, emotional regulation, anxiety and impulse control. The main types of personality disorders include eccentric personality disorder, dramatic personality disorder and anxious personality disorder. The overall psychological and medical management includes psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, antipsychotic, antianxiety and antidepressive medications. The nursing interventions depend on assessment findings, collaborative actions with other disciplines and maintenance of therapeutic relationship. This article presents various types of personality disorders along with clinical features and management. The aim of this article is to enhance the knowledge of the staff to render appropriate nursing care to patients with personality disorders. PSYCHOSOCIAL PROFILE OF THE WIVES OF ALCOHOLICS AND NON-ALCOHOLICS * Revathi S, M.Sc (N)., Ph.D ABSTRACT A cross sectional descriptive study to compare the psychosocial profile between the wives of alcoholics and non-alcoholics and to determine the relationship among those psychosocial variables was conducted at the deaddiction centres of Chennai, Tamilnadu. A sample of 200 Wives of Alcoholics (WOA) who were staying with their husbands during deaddiction treatment and 200 Wives of Non-Alcoholics (WONA) visitors of the alcoholics were included in the study. Convenience sampling was used to select the samples in both groups. Psychosocial profile was measured in the areas of psychological distress, Quality of Life (QOL) and social support. General health questionnaire 28, to assess the psychological distress, WHO QOL BREF, to assess quality of life and social support questionnaire to assess social support were used to collect the data using interview technique. Findings revealed that the mean scores of psychological distress were significantly high among the wives of alcoholics than that of the wives of non- alcoholics. The mean scores of quality of life and social support and satisfaction with social support were significantly low among the wives of alcoholics compared to the scores of the wives of non-alcoholics. Significant correlations were found among the psychosocial variables in both groups. PERCEPTION OF NURSES AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS REGARDING THE NEEDS OF FAMILY MEMBERS * Anie A.T. (Sr. Prabha Grace), M.Sc (N) ABSTRACT Critical illness is always a traumatic event for both the patients and the family members. Hospitalization places an additional burden on the family system. The family members will have a number of needs to be met at the time of critical illness of their relative. The nurses who are involved in the care of critically ill patients should identify the family members' needs and provide a family centered nursing care in acute care settings. This study was aimed to compare the nurses and family members’ perception regarding the needs of family members and the extent of meeting their needs by the nurses. AN INTRODUCTION TO NURSING RESEARCH * Punitha Ezhilarasu, M.Sc (N)., Ph.D ABSTRACT Nursing research involves questioning. Nurses are required to question the current practices, seek answers and determine the best practices based on evidence generated through research. Research is also required to promote excellence in nursing science. Today's mandate of the nursing profession is that the nurse practitioners, educators, managers and researchers sharpen their research skills and conduct high quality research in nursing. Enhancing knowledge of research among our readers is essential to achieve this. This article presents an introduction to nursing research with special emphasis on definition, purpose and importance of nursing research including roles of nurses in research. CHEMOTHERAPY IN CANCER TREATMENT * Selva Titus Chacko, M.Sc (N) ABSTRACT Cancer nursing practice covers all age groups and nursing specialities which is carried out in a variety of health care settings. Chemotherapy administration is an essential aspect of cancer care and requires expertise on the part of the nurse for accurate and efficient intervention. With the evolving diversities in the regimens of chemotherapy, it is vital to understand them so as to render complete and accurate care to cancer patients. Following the guidelines for administration of chemotherapy and practising safe handling of cytotoxic drugs to avoid their carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects is essential. To help the patient cope effectively throughout the treatment schedule, the nurse needs to be aware of the side effects, major complications of chemotherapy administration and its management. This article focuses on the various vital aspects of chemotherapy administration to impart knowledge on principles, goals, routes of chemotherapy administration, guidelines in preparation, administration and disposal, side effects, complications and their management. ARE NURSES WORKING WITH PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS ASSERTIVE? * Sailaxmi Gandhi, M.Sc (N)., Ph.D ABSTRACT The authors adopted a descriptive research design and administered the assertiveness scale among 53 randomly selected nurses working with psychiatric patients with an aim to assess their level of assertiveness. The subjects mean scores on the Assertiveness Scale revealed that they were assertive only occasionally (47%). Assertiveness training would help in furthering positive professional behavior and help nurses manage stress in an adaptive manner. |