The aim for this literature review is to use specific information on the use of cannabis and cannabis based products to reduce pain in the patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The rationale for choosing this subject was that the author had experienced a

Contents Introduction..................................................................................page 2 Background of MS...........................................................................page 3 Background of Cannabis....................................................................page 3-5 Literature search..............................................................................page 5-11 Summary of Findings........................................................................page 11 Implications and Role of the Nurse...........................................................................page 11-12 Reccomendations.............................................................................page 12-13 Conclusion....................................................................................page 12-13 References....................................................................................page 14-16 Bibliography..................................................................................page 17 Introduction A literature review focuses on a research issue, it is a process of reviewing current knowledge, analysing previous studies and it helps the author note similarities and differences in research results. It also evaluates the strengths and weaknesses and will identify any gaps in the literature (Timmins and McCabe 2005). A

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  • Subject: Subjects allied to Medicine
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Critical evaluation of nursing research

Introduction Alasad J., M Ahmad (2005): Communication with critically ill patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 50(4), 356-362. Critical evaluation of research The purpose of this assignment is to critically evaluate the research article entitled above. Hek et al (1996) say that when we critique research material it is important to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the study. Polit and Hungler (2001) would also agree with this and state that a research critique is a judicious, critical appraisal of the strengths and limitations and not just a review or summary of the article. Critical evaluation allows an individual to assess the worth of a research article by looking carefully at all parts of the study (Walsh & Wigens 2003). The aim therefore, is to critique and evaluate the chosen article in terms of strengths and weaknesses, to demonstrate an understanding of the research process and to relate this to professional practice. According to Smith (1997), good critiquing skills will prevent nurses from accepting inept research findings. However the task of critiquing is according to LoBiondo-Wood & Haber (2006) a challenging one and can only be effectively achieved through much practice and skill. Framework for analysis The framework used to critique this piece of research is the LoBiondo-wood and Haber (2002, (appendix 2). The framework suggests questions we

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  • Subject: Subjects allied to Medicine
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Therpeutic Interventions

MO2 Therapeutic Interventions A therapeutic intervention is an intervention or activity aimed at enhancing mental health through one of the following: improving the quality of mental health, reducing the negative effects of mentally ill health or distress, or retaining psychological/psychosocial equilibrium (Derwen NHS Trust, 2008). This essay examines the therapeutic intervention of medication and the process of a patient changing to a new medication to hopefully improve the patient's quality of life. At my most recent placement, I have been working with a community mental health team that specialise in patients with enduring mental health problems. The majority of these patients have either schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder. I have discovered from this placement that the introduction of different therapeutic interventions to patients is a major part of the nurse's role, especially in the community, this includes; suitable medications, social group therapies and other possible interventions that could be tried in conjunction with or instead of medication. Later in this essay I will discuss this in further detail. I have decided to base my essay on a particular patient; a man aged 45 years old who has Schizophrenia and has been on a depot injection of Depixol (Flupenthixol Decanoate) for nearly 20 years, having been ill since the age of 17. This man has tried other

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  • Subject: Subjects allied to Medicine
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This essay explores acute confusion in elderly hospital patients. It was found that a high proportion

Acute confusion and the hospitalised elder Introduction This essay explores acute confusion in elderly hospital patients. It was found that a high proportion of hospitalised elders develop acute confusion, with some studies indicating incidence levels may be as high as 50% (Inouye 2000). Elders that develop acute confusion, or delirium, have longer hospital stays, increased mortality, and are less likely to resume independent life in the community than their non-confused counterparts (Inouye 2000, Aditya & Sharma 2003). Elements that contribute to the development of delirium in elders were next examined to find that elders accumulate a number of predisposing factors through the ageing process. They have reduced physical reserves, more chronic illnesses, and are often prescribed multiple drugs for their conditions; all of which make them more vulnerable to minor precipitating events. Precipitating events that can induce delirium in the elderly may not cause delirium in younger, more hardy individuals. Infection, dehydration, hypoxia, pain, sleep deprivation or additional medications have all been described as possible precipitating factors. Considering that delirium often heralds adverse outcomes for the elderly, it was interesting to note that this condition is rarely diagnosed or adequately managed. Attitudes of health care staff were examined to understand why

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My chosen skill is to assist the patients to feed and drink. I have chosen this skill because I believe that it is a very important task, research and my personal experience has showed me that it is common in the hospital setting for patients to need ass

Nursing Skill: Assisting patients to feed and drink My chosen skill is to assist the patients to feed and drink. I have chosen this skill because I believe that it is a very important task, research and my personal experience has showed me that it is common in the hospital setting for patients to need assistance at meal times. It is undeniable that patient malnutrition needs to be taken seriously and nurses should have the appropriate knowledge and training to understand all the issues surrounding assisting patients to eat. Furthermore, nutritional support needs to be discussed and arranged between members of the multidisciplinary team to identify the problems and to adapt to the circumstances of each patient. Holland et al (1993: 169) claims "Being fed by others can be quite threatening and demoralising" and to support the patient the nurses need to understand and apply the Holistic approach to health in taking into account the individual physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. This essay will explain the importance in using nursing models when assessing patient's nutritional condition and assessment tools that help to identify the patient's individual needs and also guide the nurses in assisting the patient. I will also explore the importance of communication skills when assisting patients to feed. As good communication skills are so imperative when

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Explore the assessment process and how it informs the assessment of a patient.

Introduction The admission into hospital of a patient is routine for hospital staff, but forms a major event in people's lives. It is suggested often as being a source of anxiety and stress (Scrambler 2002). The aim of this essay is to explore the assessment process and how it informs the assessment of a patient. I aim to effectively assess a patient on my most recent clinical placement, using evidence-based practice. The ethical issue of consent needs consideration. I explaining to the patient the purpose of my assessment. That all the work would be confidential, and a pseudonym would be used in the essay to protect her identity, as stated in NMC (2002) section 5. By doing this I gained valid, informed consent NMC (2002) section 3. I aim to discuss effective communication, by reviewing and reflecting on my interviewing techniques and interpersonal skills. I will introduce the patient and give a brief social, biological and personal history. From this assessment I will highlight one patient problem and discuss the biological, sociological and psychological perspective, which influences and informed the care given. During the assessment I used the Roper- Logan-Tierney model for nursing. I aim to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using this nursing framework, and compare it to a more appropriate nursing model in relation to the individual patient problem.

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Management of Cancer Pain. When pain is chronic and poorly controlled it produces anxiety and emotional distress, interferes with functional capacity, and can affect a patients social, family and professional life. I have chosen this aspect of nursing

MANAGEMENT OF CANCER PAIN The experience of pain can have a negative effect on nearly every aspect of life, including mood and capacity to function in daily activities. According to the World Health Organization, individuals who live with persistent pain are four times more likely than those without pain to suffer from depression or anxiety, and more than twice as likely to have difficulty working. Also the costs associated with pain are extremely high, due both to the healthcare system and to society at large (Katz, 2002). Most people with pain have a greater rate of utilization of the healthcare system and also their productivity is substantially reduced. However one of the most important characteristics of pain is it's effect on quality of life. The impact of malignant pain on quality of life is severe. When pain is chronic and poorly controlled it produces anxiety and emotional distress, interferes with functional capacity, and can affect a patient's social, family and professional life. I have chosen this aspect of nursing practice because I have a personal interest in the subject. Also many people suffer from cancer and I believe it's an important aspect of nursing care to treat and effectively relieve patient's pain and therefore improve a patient's quality of life. According to the code of professional conduct of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC),

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Care Study.

Care Study I recently completed a placement in the community, and decided it appropriate while there to focus my care study assignment on leg ulcers as I witness various chronic wounds being assessed and dressed and wished to acquire more knowledge on the subject. Chambers et al, (1996) suggests that chronic leg ulcers present a large problem to nursing today. My care study will focus on one particular lady who was suffering from a venous leg ulcer. For the purpose of this case study I will call that patient Miss. A, as a nurse has a legal, professional and ethical duty to protect all confidential information concerning patients by recognizing the primacy of the patient and practice in an ethical and legal framework (NMC, 2002). The patient gave informed consent and agreed to be involved with the care study after being given adequate information and given time to decide whether or not to agree to be written about. It was discussed and explained that the care study would involve the condition of the patient, assessments, prioritise the needs which arise and contribute and develop a plan of care. This would be done by assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating which is the constant cycle of the nursing process. (Alexander et al, 2000). Miss A is an elderly lady who has lived with her sister for many years; she has limited mobility and relies on her sister for most of

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The assessment task for this module requires you to write about a client/patient in whose care you have participated during a period in hospital.

Contents Assessment Task 2 Appendix I 14 Appendix II 15 References 16 Bibliography 16 Assessment Task The assessment task for this module requires you to write about a client/patient in whose care you have participated during a period in hospital. It must focus on the client/patient's lived experience of the altered health status that preceded their admission to hospital as well as discussing the role of the registered nurse in meeting some or all of their health needs in an acute care setting. Submission Date - 28th February 2005 The Ward and Trust will not be mentioned by name in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct (2002). The client that will be named in this assignment has been given a pseudonym Paula Money, to protect her identity in accordance with the section 5 of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct (2002). This assignment will focus on a chronic illness and the patient/clients lived experience of this. The Roper, Logan and Tierney's model will be used to discuss the health needs of the client as it identifies and groups nursing activities in relation to the process of living (Roper et al 2001). The patient observed for this study had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is the term used to describe conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic airway obstruction, and irreversible asthma. (Unison Healthcare,

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Evidence based pratice - conducting a literature search and appraisal of research based on type 2 diabetes

BSc/BSc Honours in Nursing Tayside Institute for Health Studies Module HE0811A - Evidence Based Practice Assignment Select one topic from the following: . The effectiveness of hand hygiene in infection control 2. Patient education in type 2 diabetes 3. The use of psychosocial plus pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation 4. Effectiveness of family interventions in the prevention of relapse in schizophrenia 5. Effectiveness of medication in the treatment of depression 6. Effectiveness of reminiscence therapy in the treatment of dementia Then... Undertake a literature search of the topic, searching a minimum of two databases e.g. CINHAL, MEDLINE, and Physcinfo etc. and present your findings. Then... Select one piece of original research from the findings of your literature search and appraise this paper. Matriculation Number: - 0605304 * Introduction There are currently 2.3 million people in the UK with diabetes, and up to 95% of them are type 2 diabetics (Diabetes UK, 2007a). Life expectancy is reduced by up to 10 years in those with this type of disease (Whittaker, 2004); and much of the burden relating to care falls on the individuals themselves (Whittaker, 2004). In the majority of cases, type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes such as healthier diet, weight loss, and increased physical exercise (Diabetes UK, 2007b); and maintaining

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Subjects allied to Medicine
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