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Biomedical subjects

M E Dewis

Publications and source records attributed to M E Dewis.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

An evaluation of a Canadian peer-driven injury prevention programme for high-risk adolescents.

The mortality and morbidity resulting from serious trauma in adolescence, particularly head and spinal cord injury, constitutes a health problem of major proportions. Although many community-based prevention programmes have been reported in this last decade, few of these describe an evaluation component. In this study, a school-based prevention programme was developed by a peer group and presented by them to high-risk adolescents. The study aimed to test the efficacy of this intervention compared to the delivery of a prevention presentation to a similar group by a health care professional and compared to a control group. Measures of health locus of control, self-efficacy and behavioural intent were supplemented by open-ended items related to risk-taking behaviour change. At post-test and at 4-month follow-up, there was little evidence in the quantitative measures to support the effectiveness of the intervention for reducing injury risk factors. More encouraging findings were seen in the qualitative data. Explanations for why the intervention did not result in the expected outcomes are offered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Partnership in education: working toward the baccalaureate degree as entry to nursing practice in Canada.

In the early 1980s Canadian professional nursing associations officially adopted the goal of baccalaureate entry to practice by the year 2000. In the ensuing years, nursing educators have explored a variety of means to work toward achieving this goal. This paper describes a collaborative model of baccalaureate programme delivery developed between a university school and a hospital-based diploma school in Vancouver, British Columbia. The paper documents the history of the collaboration and the organization of human and physical resources for implementation. The issues and challenges encountered in the transition, the strategies used to facilitate the process, and the benefits gained by each partner are discussed.

Communication↗
PubMed1992

Nurturing a valuable resource: family caregivers in multiple sclerosis.

UNLABELLED: Neuroscience nurses are most likely to encounter multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in outpatient clinic situations or during their usually brief admissions to acute care facilities. In the early stages of their disease, most people with MS are able to live normal lives in their own homes. Then disabilities (weakness, loss of control of limbs and of bowel and bladder function, sensory and visual impairment) become permanent, the possibility of remaining in the community is usually made feasible only by the presence of a family caregiver in the home. Although community care of persons with MS is socially and economically desirable, many literature sources discuss the "burden" of family caregiving. This study examined the impact of caregiving on 61 MS family caregivers in British Columbia. The report of the study will include information regarding the caregiver's physical and mental health, health behaviours, participation in and satisfaction with preferred activities, and financial resources. In spite of marked health deficits in all domains, most caregivers reported their desire to remain in the role. Study findings will be used to describe how health professionals such as neuroscience nurses can support caregivers even with limited contact. Areas in which specific improvements in community resources and public policy are needed will also be discussed. OBJECTIVES: 1. Describe deficits in well-being reported by this group of caregivers. 2. Describe nursing interventions that will support the family member in the caregiving role. 3. Identify potential changes in public policy and adjunctive services that could facilitate the caregiver's work.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) has only recently become recognized as an early and distressing manifestation of the disease in both sexes. Sexual problems appear to be a combination of direct neurological consequences, and of individual and partner reactions. This article reviews current knowledge about sexual dysfunction in MS. The major effects on sexual response (both organic and psychogenic) are discussed, as well as associated physical problems and implications regarding fertility, pregnancy and birth control. Guidelines for intervention by neuroscience nurses who work with MS individuals and their partners are addressed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Spinal cord injured adolescents and young adults: the meaning of body changes.

Spinal cord injury primarily affects those aged 15 to 29 years, and thus the injury occurs at a time when critical developmental tasks are being confronted. Not only may normal development be disrupted, but this age group may lack the life experience required to cope with the enormity of the multiple sequelae of the injury. The literature suggests that psychological adjustment to any disability is particularly difficult for adolescents and young adults, and that, as yet, psychosocial problems are minimally acknowledged in rehabilitation treatment programmes. This preliminary study of 15 young people with recent spinal cord injuries had two purposes: to describe the meaning of body changes from the perspective of the injured persons and to describe the strategies they used to respond to the changes. The researcher conducted intensive interviews with the participants. These interviews were transcribed verbatim, analysed and interpreted. It was found that the behaviours of the subjects focused on a concern with feeling normal and being valued, and the use of deliberate strategies that helped to engender positive feelings in this regard. Efforts to normalize were consistently seen in three areas: physical appearance and function, physical and emotional independence, and social skills and interpersonal relationships. The means used to maintain normalcy were ingenious and resourceful, and were, for the most part, developed by the subjects without direction from their caregivers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activities of Daily Living↗