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Biomedical subjects

B Parfitt

Publications and source records attributed to B Parfitt.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Working across cultures: a model for practice in developing countries.

The aim of this study was to identify the influence that cultural values have on the practice of nurses working in developing countries in primary health care. This was achieved through the exploration of their common experiences of practice using an ethnographic approach with ethnosemantic analysis as the research tool. Western expatriate nurses represent a dominant Western culture and so carry with them the values and beliefs of the West into their practice, thus potentially creating greater dependence rather than supporting the primary health care principles exhorted through Alma Ata of self reliance and community participation. The study showed that the effect is determined by the values that influence practice. These values are either modified by the expatriate nurses to create an enabling environment or there is a failure to modify their values so promoting dependence through a 'helping' or 'aid giving' approach.

Anthropology, Cultural↗
PubMed1996

The rights of Christian women in nursing.

In this paper I have attempted to suggest that the Christian nurse who recognises the importance and significance of their personal characteristics as a woman and as a nurse is able to practice a model of care which enables rather than disables individuals and communities. A disabling model is one where we have a false perception of who we are and what our rights and responsibilities are. This approach perpetuates the passivity of women. Women have a unique view of the world and are able to contribute in a way that men are not able to do. We must not allow ourselves to be defined by men but in understanding ourselves we can fulfil our potential. This is not contrary to Christian teaching but rather corrects a cultural view which has been imposed on us about the nature of women in the profession and in the church. The essence of the Christian faith is that Christ died for all; without this belief there is no Christianity. Christ did not die for men alone who in turn represent women. In Christ there is no male or female Jew nor Greek, In Christianity there can be no sexism and no racism. We have rights as women and as Christians. Let us not neglect to use them.

Christianity↗
PubMed1994

Value orientations of expatriate nurses in the developing countries.

This paper represents some of the findings from a study of expatriate nurses working in developing countries. The aim of the study was to identify the value orientations of Western nurses and to suggest to what extent those values influenced practice. A values clarification exercise was carried out and classified within Kluckhohn and Strodbeck's values orientation continuum (1961, Variations in Value Orientations. Row Paterson & Co., New York). Western nurses saw themselves as knowing what was right for others. They were essentially activists seeking to 'do' many things focusing on individuals while at the same time working towards community planning. Western nurses although powerless to alter the values of the system within which they worked were able to initiate change. The ability to adapt and reconstruct individual value systems in response to working in a cross-cultural situation influenced the effectiveness of the nurse in practice.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

A conceptual framework for Christian nursing practice.

The use of models and theories of nursing has raised questions for Christian nurses. It was acknowledge that many of the underlying philosophical assumptions made in models and theories of nursing are contrary to those acceptable to Christians. Questions of the importance of understanding these philosophical assumptions when adopting a model of nursing were raised. What essential assumptions should the Christian nurse accept when adopting a given model of nursing? Is there in certain circumstances a need to reject a given model of nursing because it does not support fundamental Christian beliefs about the nature of mankind, society or nursing? Is it necessary for Christian nurses to develop their own model of nursing?

Christianity↗