Biomedical subjects

Kristine Martin-McDonald

Publications and source records attributed to Kristine Martin-McDonald.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Australian consumers' expectations for expanded nursing roles in general practice--choice not gatekeeping.

While research has focussed on the current and potential role of the practice nurse (PN) in Australia, the acceptability of this role by consumers has not been investigated. In 2002, two independent studies were carried out into consumer perceptions of PNs. A disscussion between the two groups of researchers at the inaugural National Pratice Nurse Conference in 2003, identifiied significant similarities in the findings of the tese studies. This article reports the combined findings as they relate to consumer's desire for access to the health practitioner of their choice, and their concern that PNs may assume a Gatekeeping role. These perceptions may have significant impact on the acceptance of PNs across Australia.

Australia↗

PubMed2003

Being dialysis-dependent: a qualitative perspective.

technology of renal dialysis offers a way in which life can be sustained, so it is not surprising that the complex, diverse and evolving iatrogenic aspects of dialysis-dependency continue to be researched. However, there has been a tendency to take for granted the human process of making sense of the intrusiveness of dialysis. This study was designed to explore the meanings of dialysis-dependency. The study sample was 10 participants: five female, five male; five on peritoneal dialysis, five on haemodialysis; whose ages ranged from 22 to 68 years. Using a narrative methodology the following methods were used: in-depth interviews, narrative and thematic analysis, fieldwork/notes from five renal units, participant validation, and journal reflections. A thematic analysis revealed the continuum themes of Freedom-Restrictions, Being Normal-Being Visible, Control-Acquiesce, Hope-Despair and Support-Abandon. The themes portrayed as continuums serve to remind health care professionals that those with chronic illnesses strive to make sense of what is happening to them. Variations within each of these themes can occur daily, weekly or monthly. Acceptance may never be reached or may be tentative. Some clients will strive for control and freedom to choose for themselves, others will acquiesce to the overwhelming changes wrought in their lives. Thus, health care professionals might consider placing the personal meanings of those who are dialysis-dependent to the fore, being sensitive to the sufferings wrought by the regime, which treats but does not cure, which sustains life but does not heal.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Experiences of regional and rural people with cancer being treated with radiotherapy in a metropolitan centre.

This paper explores the issues related to rural people with cancer whose choice of radiotherapy treatment necessitated travel and accommodation in a metropolitan centre. Semi-structured interviews with 46 participants, from the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, were conducted and the data thematically analysed. The specific themes identified were: being away from loved ones, maintaining responsibilities whilst undergoing treatment, emotional stress, burden on significant others, choice about radiotherapy as a treatment, travel and accommodation, and financial burden. This study supports the need for a radiotherapy centre in the location of Toowoomba as a way of providing some equity and access to such treatment for the rural people of Queensland.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2002

Initiation into a dialysis-dependent life: an examination of rites of passage.

The purpose of this article is to explore the conceptual and empirical application of the rites of passage model in contemporary health care for those who are dialysis dependent. This study used a collective case study design and narrative methodology. A purposive sample yielded 10 participants who were receiving dialysis. Prolonged observation and immersion in the culture of dialysis dependency occurred in the settings of the participants' home and renal units in Queensland, Australia. In-depth interviews and narrative analysis were used. The criteria of reflexivity, voice, and verisimilitude established the rigor of the study. The findings illuminated the three stages of rites of passage (ROP), separation, liminality, and reincorporation, with each stage evident in the participants' stories. Commencing dialysis is an initiation that delineates the transition from one social status to another. It is argued that there is a metaphoric usefulness of the application of the ROP model that might influence the quality of care to dialysis initiates.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Dialysis-dependency: the reformulated or remnant person.

Being dependent on dialysis is a potentially overwhelming experience where life as previously known is permanently altered. A dialysis-dependent individual may reformulate their identify or perceive that they are a remnant of their former self. This paper will explore and expand Morse and Penrod's (1999) model as a useful way to understand how a person might reconstruct their identify. Grounded in a narrative methodology, interviews of those on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis were thematically analysed. It was found that dialysis dependency brings an acknowledgment of a lost past, an inescapable present and an unknowable future, filtered through hope and despair. Nurses need to understand the suffering, wrought by such a struggle, to facilitate the positive re-envisioning of those who are dialysis dependent.

Adaptation, Psychological↗