In the literature there is increasing awareness of the psychological consequences of early miscarriage for women. However, there is little on the feelings, needs and experiences of men whose partner has had an early miscarriage. This paper aims to describe the experience of early miscarriage from a male perspective using a phenomenological approach. Seven categories related to the experience of early miscarriage are discussed: Feelings, Loss, Characteristics and differences between men and women, Staff action and attitudes, What to do?, Coping and time. Based on an awareness of the needs of both partners, it is suggested that nurses have a key role to play in delivering effective interventions after early miscarriage.

No abstract

Background Cannabis use is becoming more accepted in mainstream society. In this paper, we use Zinberg’s classic theoretical framework of drug, set, and setting to elucidate how older adult cannabis users managed health, social and legal risks in a context of normalized cannabis use. Methods We present selected findings from our qualitative study of Baby Boomer (born 1946–1964) cannabis users in the San Francisco Bay Area. Data collection consisted of a recorded, in-depth life history interview followed by a questionnaire and health survey. Qualitative interviews were analyzed to discover the factors of cannabis harm reduction from the users’ perspectives. Results Interviewees made harm reduction choices based on preferred cannabis derivatives and routes of administration, as well as why, when, where, and with whom to use. Most interviewees minimized cannabis-related harms so they could maintain social functioning in their everyday lives. Responsible and controlled use was described as moderation of quantity and frequency of cannabis used, using in appropriate settings, and respect for non-users. Users contributed to the normalization of cannabis use through normification. Conclusion Participants followed rituals or cultural practices, characterized by sanctions that helped define “normal” or “acceptable” cannabis use. Users contributed to cannabis normalization through their harm reduction methods. These cultural practices may prove to be more effective than formal legal prohibitions in reducing cannabis-related harms. Findings also suggest that users with access to a regulated market (medical cannabis dispensaries) were better equipped to practice harm reduction. More research is needed on both cannabis culture and alternative routes of administration as harm reduction methods.

Vacuum-assisted closure, used alone or before other surgical treatment strategies, is an acceptable treatment modality for infections in cardiac surgery with reasonable morbidity, mortality, and cost.

Cannabis substitution can be an effective harm reduction method for those who are unable or unwilling to stop using drugs completely. More research is needed on cannabis as a safer alternative.

Institutional barriers to accessing formal support, such as the inability to meet religious and cultural needs, must be addressed if Bangladeshi carers are to be provided with services which are acceptable to them. Primary care providers, including community nurses and health visitors, need to work in partnership with the Bangladeshi community if services are to be acceptable and appropriate for meeting the needs of these hidden carers.

No abstract

Aim To develop a substantive theoretical explanation of how mentors make sense of their experiences where nursing students are on the borderline of achievement of competence in clinical practice. Background The reluctance of Registered Nurse mentors to fail nursing students in clinical practice despite concerns about competence remains a contemporary issue in international healthcare education. Mentors’ assessment decisions have considerable impact for a variety of key stakeholders, not least for students in these circumstances. Design Grounded theory qualitative study. Methods Phase one involved 20 individual semi‐structured interviews with nurse mentors in one United Kingdom National Health Service Health Board (July–October 2009). Phase two included eight individual semi‐structured interviews and seven focus groups with mentors and practice educators (n = 38) in four further Health Boards (June 2011–February 2012). Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding consistent with grounded theory method. Findings Three categories ‘the conundrum of practice competence,’ ‘the intensity of nurturing hopefulness,’ and ‘managing assessment impasse,’ led to the study's substantive theoretical explanation – ‘Seeking authorization: Establishing collective accountability for mentorship.’ This demonstrates how mentors are dependent on key sources of support and feedback to validate their assessment decision‐making, notwithstanding substantial personal, professional and organizational pressures. Conclusion We conclude that management of borderline assessment situations is considerably developed by recognition of the authorizing effects of a wider community of assessors. Consequently, we identify the personal, professional and organizational implications involved in the preparation, support and regulation of mentors specifically during borderline assessment circumstances.