https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57103 2026-04-04T22:19:01Z 2026-04-04T22:19:01Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68293 2021-02-02T08:46:57Z 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Coping with breast cancer Abstract: A study about 32 newly diagnosed patients with Breast Cancer was conducted over a period of 3 months. These patients had a variety of surgical procedures namely, mastectomy, lumpectomy or biopsy of the breast. The patients were offered a variety of treatments, which included Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, or Tamoxifen tablets. The study was divided into two parts. The first part sought to identify the psychological responses to the diagnosis of breast cancer and the reaction of the patients to mastectomy. The second part of the study sought to identify psychological responses of the patients to the different treatment modalities. Although the number of patients was small, there was some indication at patients who had a mastectomy showed a higher depression score on average in certain age groups. There was also a very clear indication that the group of patients who had aggressive treatment, had a higher depression score when compared to the other two groups of patients. There was also a clear indication that patients encounter problems in the initial phase of illness. A ne was felt that a form of "coping" programme would be initiated to help these patients adapt and readjust life, Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING

1992-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67457 2021-01-20T10:19:42Z 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Stress inducing factors in pre-operative cardiac surgery Abstract: This study investigated the various factors that induce stress in the pre-operative days before cardiac surgery. In order to investigate this period of time, a retrospective analysis was chosen as the tool of research. The data was obtained from feedback of patients who underwent cardiac surgery during 1990. The analysis found that the pre-operative days are stressful to the patient and various factors contributed to this. Factors included the too early date of admission and the lack of an information booklet about cardiac surgery and the Cardio Thoracic Unit. In addition, communication skills were found to be not satisfactory . Much can be done to promote a better preparation of this particular area of care. The patients need to be kept well informed about their hospitalization and about their impending surgery. Both the medical and nursing staff can contribute in this aspect of care. The contribution of Intensive Care nurses and Theatre nurses is also of great help. All these methods should pose a better preparation for the patient who is to undergo cardiac surgery in a few days' time. The research should also increase our understanding of the meaning of stress before surgery in relation to nursing care. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING

1992-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67306 2021-01-18T10:38:29Z 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effect of communication on the quality of life of renal transplant recipients Abstract: This descriptive exploratory Study with 20 Renal Transplant Recipients employed a semi-structured interview based on (P.A.I.S.) Psycho-Social Adjustment to Illness Scale (Morrow,et.al., 1978) to investigate whether the Recipients are given ENOUGH information pre and post Transplantation. 15 Recipients, (75%) of the Sample, felt that they were neither given enough Information about their Health nor on Sexual Physiology post Transplantation. 16 Recipients, (80%), were not given Information on how to detect early signs of Rejection. Several Consequences were detected on their Quality of Life as a result of Lack of Knowledge. Free comments, not elicited by questions, revealed their eagerness for more Information. It is suggested that Written Information, backed up by Seminars at the Follow-Up Visit post Transplantation, will enhance their Quality of life. This Study demonstrates that the establishment of a Specialist Transplant Coordinator and the foundation of a Renal Transplant Association in Malta will provide a valuable way of giving information. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING

1992-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67083 2021-01-13T10:30:50Z 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessing patients in the accident and emergency department Abstract: This study evaluated; the 'assessment of patients' at the Emergency Department - Gozo General Hospital and what could be done to improve it. In order to investigate this unique situation, Action Research was chosen as the tool of research. A Model of Action Research was adapted and the study developed into 'Three Stages' and a 'General Plan for Action'. The analysis found that the Emergency Department was being exposed to a situation where serious or fatal mistakes could occur because assessment being carried out was not satisfactory. Hence it needs improvement urgently. Two main problems were identified, first, that the nurses, the doctors and the hospital administration see the assessment of the patients on arrival at the Emergency Department as the doctor's responsibility not the nurse's. Secondly the limitations posed by the layout of the building to set up a triage area. On the other hand the willingness and eagerness showed by the nurses, doctors and the hospital administration to improve the situation offers a good atmosphere to work in with a good chance to succeed. This chance of success will be enhanced if the three year program, outlined in the 'General Plan for Action', is followed to introduce gradually the Nursing Triage System. Limitations of the study were that the major step that of implementation has yet to be carried out and that some relevant information had to be left out due to ethical issues. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING

1992-01-01T00:00:00Z