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Biomedical subjects

Anne Hofmeyer

Publications and source records attributed to Anne Hofmeyer.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Humor as a facilitative style in problem-based learning environments for nursing students.

Although the nursing and education literature confirm that humor has a role to play in the learning experience, there is little evidence available about the impact and the challenges of using humor to facilitate group process and learning in problem-based learning environments for nursing students. In this paper, we explore humor as a style of communication in PBL environments using examples from the classroom. We then propose a range of strategies to build capacity in PBL tutors and to infuse humor into the PBL classroom such as: acceptance that fun and humor are components of the ground rules in the group; appropriate humor and boundaries; mutual story sharing; and creative activities to moderate stress and build coping strategies to thrive in clinical practice. It is timely for nurse academics and researchers to examine the contribution of humor as a facilitative communication style in the PBL environment. Findings could inform evidence-based teaching of nursing students and foster life-long learning and communication skills.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

A guide to knowledge translation theory.

Despite calls over several decades for theory development, there remains no overarching knowledge-translation theory. However, a range of models and theoretical perspectives focused on narrower and related areas have been available for some time. We provide an overview of selected perspectives that we believe are particularly useful for developing testable and useful knowledge-translation interventions. In addition, we discuss adjuvant theories necessary to complement these perspectives. We draw from organizational innovation, health, and social sciences literature to illustrate the similarities and differences of various theoretical perspectives related to the knowledge-translation field.A variety of theoretical perspectives useful to knowledge translation exist. They are often spread across disciplinary boundaries, making them difficult to locate and use. Poor definitional clarity, discipline-specific terminology, and implicit assumptions often hinder the use of complementary perspectives. Health care environments are complex, and assessing the setting prior to selecting a theory should be the first step in knowledge-translation initiatives. Finding a fit between setting (context) and theory is important for knowledge-translation initiatives to succeed. Because one theory will not fit all contexts, it is helpful to understand and use several different theories. Although there are often barriers associated with combining theories from different disciplines, such obstacles can be overcome, and to do so will increase the likelihood that knowledge-translation initiatives will succeed.

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice↗
PubMed2005

Identification of patients with noncancer diseases for palliative care services.

OBJECTIVE: To identify criteria for measuring the eligibility of patients with end-stage noncancer diseases for palliative care services in Australian residential aged care facilities. METHODS: No validated set if guidelines were available so five instruments were used: an adaptation of the American National Hospice Association Guidelines; a recent adaptation of the Karnofsky Performance Scale; the Modified Barthel Index; the Abbey Pain Score for assessment of people who are nonverbal and a Verbal Descriptor Scale, also for pain measurement. In addition, nutritional status and the presence of other problematic symptoms and their severity were also sought. RESULTS: The adapted American National Hospice Association Guidelines provided an initial indicative framework and the other instruments were useful in providing confirmatory data for service eligibility and delivery.

Australia↗
PubMed2003

A moral imperative to improve the quality of work-life for nurses: building inclusive social capital capacity.

The complexity and incessant change in the corporatised health care workplace has influenced nurses' work choices, morale, quality of work-life and the wellbeing of patients. Thus, there is an urgent moral imperative to improve the quality of work-life for nurses. To this end, it is crucial to re-define progress beyond the sole economic markers of success and profit in the health care workplace. This paper argues for the identification of ethical markers and indicators of organisational success based on bridging and linking social capital which could be used to re-organise health care organisations, hence crafting inclusive moral spaces where nurses can safely work and provide quality care for patients. Social and ethical evaluation is well suited to examine current workplace dilemmas from a psychosocial perspective and provide a framework for best practice in building capacity in effective social relations and family friendly, ethical workplaces.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2002

Caregivers talk about experiences of caring for an older person with dementia.

This study explored caregivers' experiences of caring for an older person with dementia by listening to the voices of 15 carers to identify successful management strategies. Some successful management strategies did emerge none saw their approach as a 'successful strategy', just that things worked on certain days. It is suggested that families can be prepared for a 'career' in caring and that early assessment and diagnosis is essential.

Activities of Daily Living↗