https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57207 2026-04-11T14:17:17Z 2026-04-11T14:17:17Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131962 2025-02-14T07:57:07Z 1996-04-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Nurses' perceptions of patient allocation as a system of organisation of nursing care Abstract: Nursing care delivery in Malta is undergoing rapid changes in an effort to move away from task allocation towards a patient allocation system of care. Thus, the way nurses perceive their new roles is salient since the way nursing staff are organised may influence the type of care patients receive (Thomas & Bond 1990). The present small scale explorative study is an attempt to explore nurses' perceptions of patient allocation as a system of organisation of nursing care. A convenience sample of 20 registered nurses consisting of l 0 males and l 0 females from 7 surgical wards excluding baccalaureate, diploma and certified nurses was used. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire based on 4 components from a classification system for nurses' work methods (Bowman et al 1991) was completed by all respondents achieving a l 00% response rate. Findings revealed that although nurses lacked continuing education, nurses' perceptions on patient allocation ranged from primary nursing, team nursing, holistic nursing, adequate nurse-patient ratio to task allocation. Moreover, the majority (14) identified patient allocation as allocation or assignment of a nurse/s to a number or a group of patients. Furthermore, several factors were identified which seem to hinder patient allocation such as staff shortage, mismanagement of nurses and lack of resources, overcrowding of patients on the wards, inadequate patient dependency mix and decreased information on the ward which creates isolation for nursing staff. The study suggests that patient allocation system of care is part of various modalities of care and although it attempts to shift nursing care delivery from task-centred towards patient centred care, task allocation can still remain concealed (Reed 1988). Consequently the organisation of nursing care delivery continues to pose a constant challenge for all times, thus further research is required.

1996-04-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/89712 2022-02-24T06:27:32Z 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Back pain as an occupational hazard Abstract: Back pain has been the occupational hazard particularly selected for this project in view of its relatively high prevalence within the nursing profession. A research study was conducted at seven units, situated within three separate hospitals, to elicit information on the cause and degree of back pain/injury in the nursing profession in Malta. The cause of the problem was considered by examining existing workplace factors and nurses' knowledge on safe handling. A questionnaire was distributed to all 72 nurses working on the mentioned units, and this was completed and returned by two thirds of them. ·Non-participant observation of two nurses from each unit was also undertaken to find out about the techniques used for manual transferring of patients. The study revealed that lifting and handling of patients is by far the factor most commonly associated to the occurrence of back trouble. This study is only considered to have touched on the subject of back pain in nurses, and its limitations necessitate caution in drawing conclusions. Nonetheless, it can provide a stepping stone to more elaborate and extensive future research on the problem of back pain in the Maltese nursing workforce. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING

1992-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/88882 2022-02-15T07:15:21Z 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An exploration of student nurses' attitudes towards communication with elderly patients on acute medical wards Abstract: This study was carried out to explore student nurses' attitudes towards communication with elderly patients in acute medical wards. The reviewed literature indicated that communication with the elderly on acute medical wards is affected by the ward culture including task orientation of care and qualified nurses' attitudes towards care of the elderly. In addition student nurses' communication has been found to be influenced by 'work' values on medical wards. However there appeared to be a gap in the literature regarding student nurses' opinion on this issue. In order to study this issue a descriptive exploratory approach was used utilising a questionnaire incorporating a profile of an elderly patient on an acute medical ward. This collected qualitative and quantitative data from a convenience sample of 22 diploma nursing students. The findings indicated that the participants generally held positive attitudes towards communicating with elderly patients on acute medical ward and were largely satisfied with their education on nurse communication. However they frequently identified constraints to interaction with elderly patients on medical wards such as the theory practice gap, task orientation of care and qualified nurses' attitudes. Findings were discussed and recommendations made to improve care of the elderly on medical wards through communication. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING

1996-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68283 2021-02-02T08:44:02Z 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An assessment of nurses' knowledge regarding patient lifting and handling techniques Abstract: Patient lifting and handling techniques are basic nursing skills. These are practised in order to mobilise patients who may, otherwise, suffer from numerous complications. Lifting techniques can be done either manually, or by using lifting resources, such as hoists. However, if mismanaged or practised incorrectly, these techniques can have several consequences. Nurses may suffer from back pain or back injury, whereas patients may suffer from pressure sores or dislocations. Therefore, nurses should know and practise correctly the principles and the guidelines which need to be followed for practising any lifting technique. Thus, it was decided to assess registered nurses' knowledge regarding patient lifting and handling techniques. During the month of January of 1996, a questionnaire was distributed amongst all the registered nurses working at an elderly care hospital. Seventeen registered nurses were asked to participate in the research study. Fifteen respondents returned the questionnaire. The most important findings reflected that although most of the registered nurses do a patient handling assessment, this is usually done incorrectly. Moreover, the Drawsheet Method and the Drag Lift are the lifting techniques used most frequently, even though are not the ones which are mostly recommended by the literature. Furthermore, although the respondents were aware of the consequences of mismanaged patient lifting techniques, lifting devices were not used even if available. However, when considering that the respondents have acquired their knowledge from experience and routine work only, one may justify such practices. It is therefore recommended that in-service training should be provided in order to increase registered nurses' academic and professional knowledge regarding patient lifting and handling techniques. This improved knowledge and skills may ultimately lead to improved and safer patient care. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING

1996-01-01T00:00:00Z