/library/oar/handle/123456789/64757 Sat, 07 Nov 2026 12:11:10 GMT 2026-11-07T12:11:10Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/66208 Title: Postoperative pain : the patients' perception Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the patients' views of pain and it's relief during the first three days following surgery. This study was carried out in 3 general surgical wards and the sample population consisted of 12 female patients. A descriptive non-experimental approach was chosen using structured interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis was undertaken. The results suggested that all the patients were in pain at some time during the first 3 postoperative days. Also the patients stated that the pain affected various activities of living including mobility, sleep and respiration. Furthermore, the majority of the patients commented that analgesia relieved most of the pain however this pain returned before another dose was administered. Suggestions are made for improvements to the present situation and for further research to be carried out. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/66208 1995-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/64993 Title: Pre-operative fasting : nurses and anaesthetists' views and practice Abstract: The amount of literature exploring pre-operative fasting from a medical viewpoint is substantial, yet little has been done from a nursing perspective. Therefore, this small-scale study using a descriptive research design was undertaken with the purpose of examining the management of pre-operative fasting in a Maltese general hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the six nursing officers of the general surgical wards and seven consultant anesthetists. Findings suggest that the nurses lack background knowledge on the reasons behind pre-operative fasting and the recommended pre-operative fasting period, both for solid foods as well as for fluids. Moreover, it appears that there is a knowledge-practice gap, especially with the anesthetists, with the result that patients undergo prolonged pre-operative fasting periods. Compounding the problem is the absence of an updated hospital policy on pre-operative fasting and delays in the commencement of surgery and operating theatre lists which give no approximate times of when patients are expected to go to theatre. As a result of the findings recommendations for local practice are suggested. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/64993 1995-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/64775 Title: Information giving to patients with a colostomy Abstract: The aim of this descriptive exploratory study attempts to explore the nurses' views and knowledge about the information they give to patients with a colostomy. Literature suggests that patients with a colostomy pass through the most difficult time to learn to live with a colostomy. These individuals have their own biophysical, psychological and sociocultural needs to be able to cope with the change in lifestyle (Devlin et al 1971, Elcoat 1988, Deeny & McCrea 1991). Providing information and education to these patients could allay anxieties, improve patients' recovery and rehabilitation (Boore 1978 in Cullinan, Wilson-Barnett 1980). Nurses who are constantly in contact with patients are in the ideal position to provide the necessary information to patients. This small scale research study obtained data on the knowledge and information given by nurses, by means of a self-administered questionnaire. A response rate of 13 nurses (81%) from 2 female surgical wards took part in the study. The qualitative data supported by the quantitative data revealed that nurses are the main providers of information on stoma care to patients. However, their knowledge and amount of information being given does not seem to be adequate for preparation of patient for discharge. Moreover it was found that nurses are in need of further education on stoma care. In addition the presence of a specialist nurse would enrich patient's rehabilitation programmes which would be highly beneficial for patients with a colostomy. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/64775 1995-01-01T00:00:00Z