Little is known about the subjective experience of older adults during hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the hospitalization process as perceived by older adults. This qualitative study explored hospitalization as perceived by eight White, middle-class, elderly patients in one large, western, acute care hospital. Thirty Initial codes were identified from qualitative interviews, participant observation, and medical records. Using constant comparative analyses, these initial codes were reevaluated and further condensed into seven categories. The categories comprise positive and negative perceptions, including numerous difficulties experienced by these hospitalized older patients. Findings of this study are compared to findings existing in the current literature. These findings may be useful in understanding the problems related to the hospitalization experience, identifying interventions that could minimize stressors, and facilitating this experience for older patients.
The findings of this study support case-based online learning as a successful method in the education of APNs. The evaluation of the online modules and the enthusiasm from students indicated success of this teaching/learning method. The majority of learners responded positively toward the online method of learning and included comments that indicated they enjoyed learning using this method, would like to have the site available at their practice locations for reference, and would like to have other courses designed and delivered in this manner. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND EDUCATION: The effectiveness and quality of the online instruction ultimately matter most to student satisfaction in online courses. The future of online education is dependent on well-structured, interactive, and substantive programs. Educators are challenged to continually assess and evaluate the changing learning needs of APNs.
An alcoholic's relapse to drinking is thought to be related to various interpersonal and intrapersonal factors. Drinking-Related Locus of Control (DRIE) scores among alcoholics, recovering alcoholics, and non-alcoholics were compared in this investigation. Each group consisted of 22 males similar in age and other socioeconomic factors. Results indicated significant differences among the three groups. The non-alcoholic group scored more internally than the alcoholic or recovering alcoholic groups; the recovering alcoholic group scored more internally than the alcoholic group. The findings suggest that assessment of the alcoholic's DRIE scores may be useful in planning and monitoring the treatment of this disease.
OBJECTIVE:To develop a participatory educational program implemented in faith communities that would increase discussion and signing of two types of advance directives-living will and durable power of attorney for health care decisions.
DESIGN:
MAIN RESULTS:Two hundred forty-eight (69%) of the congregants who started the program completed it. Of the program completers, 83 (33%) had a directive prior to the program and 140 (56%) had a directive after completion. One hundred eighty-six of the completers discussed directives with family members. Overall, 89 (36%) of the 248 program completers revised an existing directive or signed one for the first time. Age was positively related to having signed/revised a directive prior to the program. Fear that advance directives would be used to deny medical care was negatively related to signing both prior to the program and after program completion, and contributed to participants' reluctance to sign directives.
CONCLUSIONS:Educational programs implemented by parish nurses in faith communities can be effective in increasing rates of discussion, revision, and/or signing of advance directives.
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