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Biomedical subjects

D M Fletcher

Publications and source records attributed to D M Fletcher.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Managing change.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1998

Mail-in questionnaire for monitoring nausea and vomiting in oncology outpatients.

A patient questionnaire designed to help pharmacists monitor nausea and vomiting in outpatients receiving cancer chemotherapy was studied. A 12-item questionnaire was designed by combining items from the Morrow Assessment of Nausea and Emesis (MANE) and the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE). Items included number of vomiting episodes, duration of nausea, number of antiemetics, severity of nausea and vomiting, impact on quality of life, and adverse effects. The questionnaire was printed on an addressed, postage-paid card. Over an eight-week period, outpatients in a hospital's oncology clinic were asked to complete the questionnaire at home during the three days after chemotherapy. Of 48 patients asked, 42 (88%) agreed to complete the questionnaire, and 36 (86%) of these patients mailed it back to the clinic. Of the respondents, 11 reported at least one episode of vomiting, and 22 reported nausea. Thirteen respondents logged nausea ratings of 3 or higher on a 7-point scale. Twenty respondents used antiemetics. Responses given by the patients in follow-up telephone interviews did not differ significantly from the responses collected with the questionnaire. More than 90% of patients who returned the questionnaire rated it as simple to complete. Pharmacists used the self-reports of nausea or vomiting in 7 (17%) of 42 cases to recommend alternative antiemetic regimens. A mail-in questionnaire for monitoring nausea and vomiting in outpatients undergoing chemotherapy was completed and returned by a high percentage of patients and was useful to clinic pharmacists.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Achieving Baby Friendly through a quality management approach.

In 1994, The Royal Women's Hospital became the first public hospital in Australia to achieve Accreditation to the UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. The 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, effectively created standards against which an organisation can be assessed on their ability to provide women with consistent advice, access to education and support. The application of the Continuous Quality Improvement cycle of Plan, Do, Check, Act, was successful in assisting maternity staff to assess their practice, implement improvements and evaluate against the 10 Steps. Ongoing monitoring ensures that the high standard is maintained by the hospital.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1992

Unconventional cancer treatments: professional, legal, and ethical issues.

A significant number of patients with cancer use or seriously consider using unconventional treatments. When patients or their families seek or use unproven treatment methods, the oncology nurse may face complex professional, legal, and ethical issues. This article addresses the possible reasons why patients and families may choose unconventional treatments. Oncology nurses are challenged to become aware of their many and varied nursing responsibilities. These responsibilities are examined in light of applicable codes and nursing practice standards, the clinical situation, and the values that are unique to each patient and family. Guidelines are offered for the oncology nurse to assist patients and families in choosing among treatment options.

Beneficence↗