Biomedical subjects

D Gaskill

Publications and source records attributed to D Gaskill.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Tissue reconstruction with nonpenetrating arcuate-legged clips. Potential endoscopic applications.

A new system for tissue approximation consisting of a nonpenetrating arcuate-legged clip applied to everted tissue edges to form an elastomeric flanged joint is described. The flanged joint has unusual physical and morphologic properties. Novel systems for tissue eversion, clip application and clip removal have been tested at the micro scale in blood vessels and the rat vas deferens (vasovasostomy). Human applications have been successful (cerebrovascular reconstruction, free-flap transfer, skin grafting, A-V access). The system is biologically and technically equivalent to or superior to the needle-and-suture technique. Avoidance of intimal or mucosal penetration or intraluminal foreign body is associated with prompt wound healing and the reconstitution of tubular integrity. The system is readily adaptable for endoscopic surgical reconstructions, providing the surgeon with enhanced reconstructive abilities.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1991

Primary systemic therapy for breast cancer.

The use of primary systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of 'operable' breast cancer evolved from the need to improve the outlook of patients with disease that is locally advanced but apparently without metastases. Trials are now showing that this can also be a worthwhile approach to the treatment of primary breast cancer in the elderly.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Nurses' perceptions of their problem-solving ability.

A problem-solving approach to nursing practice has been advocated in the nursing literature for some time. However, the extent to which nurses perceive themselves as capable problem solvers or improve their problem-solving ability during their nursing education is not generally known. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between nurses' perceptions of their problem-solving ability and their course of study. The Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI) was developed by Heppner and colleagues (1982) to assess attitudes towards and perceptions of problem-solving behaviour. The instrument provides a global appraisal of oneself as a problem solver and assesses perceptions of problem-solving ability. In this study, data were collected from 67 pre and post-registration nursing students in two phases; during their course and on completion of their course. Data from each phase were compared to identify changes in perception of problem-solving behaviour over time. While there was no overall improvement in perceptions of problem-solving ability by phase 2, confidence in problem solving had improved significantly (P less than 0.01). There were improvements according to age, experience, and course being undertaken for the likelihood of approaching rather than avoiding problems, and having personal control over problem solving.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

The use of videotape programs to teach interpersonal skills.

Interpersonal skills training evolved rapidly in recent years as teachers began to exploit the distinct advantages of "live" and simulated presentations in videotapes and films as teaching aids. At the same time, psychologists and psychiatrists started to define the basic aspects of interpersonal relations. Many used prepared scripts to produce videotape programs that modeled human interactions. While clinical experience and formal studies clarified some characteristics of effective visual training programs, the impact of dramatic and technical elements in these productions was not fully explored. In the present paper, the authors review the nature of interpersonal skills and the current status of visual aids for teaching human relations and show how videotape productions with characters, a story line, and action sequences can enhance learning. The experience of producing a series of videotapes about prehospital emergency care is used as a paradigm for discussing how theatrical techniques, applied through discrete production steps, can reinforce training goals and appeal to a wide range of students with diverse learning styles.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Coping with schizophrenia: what does the spouse need to know?

The increasing dependence on community-based care for individuals with major mental health disorders such as schizophrenia has led to concern about the physical, emotional and social effects on the family, however the nature and extent of these effects, particularly for spouses/partners, are not generally known. This paper presents descriptive findings from a pilot study designed to explore the phenomenon of caregiving from the perspective of partners living with a schizophrenia sufferer. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with 14 participants, 12 of whom were still living with their partner. The interviews were tape recorded and subsequently transcribed for thematic analysis with The Ethnograph software. While a number of significant themes were identified, this paper focuses on partners' understanding of schizophrenia and other information needs. It concludes that psychiatric nurses have a significant role to play in educating family members about the illness and its long term consequences.

Adaptation, Psychological↗