Biomedical subjects

Barbara Brillhart

Publications and source records attributed to Barbara Brillhart.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Studying the quality of life and life satisfaction among persons with spinal cord injury undergoing urinary management.

The purpose of this survey was to investigate quality of life and life satisfaction among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) who require various types of urinary management. A sample of 230 persons with SCI completed the Quality of Life Index (QLI), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and a demographic data form. Findings of this study indicated that there was no significant difference in QLI and SWLS with regard to the type of urinary management used (reflex voiding, indwelling catheter, suprapubic catheter, intermittent catheterization, external catheter or a combination of intermittent catheterization and external catheter). There also was no significant difference in QLI and SWLS with regard to the level of SCI or the incidence of hospitalizations for urinary infections. There were significantly higher QLI and SWLS scores for those with greater abilities to work, attend school, and participate in activities. There also was a significantly higher QLI for those without skin problems associated with urinary dysfunction.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A study of spirituality and life satisfaction among persons with spinal cord injury.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of spirituality and life satisfaction among persons with spinal cord injury. A nationwide sample of 230 persons with long-term spinal cord injury completed the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Quality of Life Index (QLI), and a demographic data form. Data analysis also indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between life satisfaction and psychological/spiritual factors of the QLI instrument. Nurses are mandated by the International Council of Nurses, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the Patient's Bill of Rights (Maddox, 2001) to provide spiritual care for clients. Rehabilitation nurses have the opportunity to support spirituality and life satisfaction as we assist our clients with disabilities to redefine their lives and explore new life opportunities.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pressure sore and skin tear prevention and treatment during a 10-month program.

This article reports the results of a 10-month skin care program for 30 clients on a residential Alzheimer's disease unit. The majority (n = 26) of the clients were free of pressure sores and skin tears through preventive care during this study. Four clients with Stage I pressure sores and/or skin tears were successfully identified by consistent assessment and healed quickly due to rapidly initiated treatments. This skin care program's success was attributed to consistent education, preventive care, assessment, documentation, and treatment executed by the entire care team under the leadership of nurse practitioners, one of whom was certified as a rehabilitation nurse.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Research insights.

In any research study, the literature review and the theoretical or conceptual framework guide the development of the subsequent research questions and hypotheses. Both professional nurses and researchers evaluate the research article and its applicability to practice. This article presented the purpose of the theoretical framework or conceptual framework in a study, plus the purpose for the review of the literature.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Safety concerns for rehabilitation nurses in home care.

As the number of acute inpatient days decreases, more nurses are entering the home healthcare field, including those in the rehabilitation field. A major concern shared by many nurses is personal safety as they conduct home visits. A survey of 83 nurses in the home health field found that these individuals had community-safety concerns, such as poor communication systems, and safety concerns in clients' homes, such as lack of sanitation and uncontrolled pets, and lifestyles that included violence and substance abuse. Many participants said being the only healthcare provider in an isolated situation was a safety concern. Guidelines to help these workers ensure their own safety in home healthcare situations were developed to address the concerns expressed in the survey.

Female↗