https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57143 Wed, 27 May 2026 23:10:48 GMT 2026-05-27T23:10:48Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68310 Title: Nurses' and anaesthetists' knowledge and practice on pre-operative fluid fasting Abstract: The aim of this descriptive study was to establish the nurses' and anaesthetists' knowledge and practice with regards to pre-operative fluid fasting. Data was obtained through the use of a questionnaire, which was administered to a proportionate stratified random sample of 20 nurses and to 17 anaesthetists, who were selected using a simple random sampling design. The actual fluid fasting time of a quota sample of 40 elective surgical patients was also calculated. This study has indicated that both nurses and anaesthetists had an intermediate level of knowledge on this subject, and that the difference between their knowledge was not statistically significant. The results also suggested that no individualised planning of fasting time was being performed. The mean fluid fasting time was calculated to be 13.51 hours. Also, there was no statistical significance in the mean fluid fasting time of the patients on the different surgical wards. Another result showed that the majority of both nurses and anaesthetists acknowledged that there were difficulties in implementing the recommended fluid fasting time. As a result of this study, recommendations for both practice and research are suggested. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68310 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68123 Title: Midwives' knowledge of nutrition in pregnancy Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess midwives' knowledge of nutrition in pregnancy. The objectives were to identify midwives' knowledge of nutrients in pregnancy; the role of nutrients in pregnancy; the complications resulting from malnutrition in pregnancy and the role to promote healthy nutrition during pregnancy. The data was collected by means of a self-administered structured questionnaire which was distributed to 25 midwives of various midwifery qualifications from the different midwifery sites in one government hospital of Malta. Midwives' knowledge was found to be satisfactory in some aspects such as complications of malnutrition in pregnancy and lacking in other aspects, for example, in essential nutrients in the diet of a pregnant mother. The results indicate that midwives' knowledge of nutrition in pregnancy needs to be improved. Ongoing and post-graduate midwifery educational programmes should incorporate in depth nutritional instruction to include all aspects such as age, culture, beliefs and ethnic background. One of the main limitations is that statistical analysis to examine whether the different types of qualification (certificate, diploma and degree) in midwifery increase or decrease knowledge of nutrition in pregnancy was not possible due to small numbers. Educational programmes should be made available to as many midwives as possible and need to be well planned and evaluated to ensure their effectiveness. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68123 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67906 Title: Nurses' perceptions of family participation in the care of the acute older adult patient Abstract: A large number of hospital admissions consists of older adults and is continually increasing with the changing demography worldwide (Li et al 2001). With hospital stays getting shorter, elderly people are being discharged in the community in more frail health. Proper family participation during hospitalisation may improve the transition to family caregiving in the home and increase patient wellbeing (Moser et al, 1993). This study highlights nurses' perceptions on family participation in the care of the older adult patient. Data was collected by a questionnaire using a variety of open and close-ended questions. The sample comprised the total accessible population of nurses (N=23) in two medical wards allocated to the researcher by the Institute of Health Care. A response rate of 91 % was obtained. Definitions of family participation were not comprehensive enough. This may be due to the lack of a proper definition of the concept under study. Family members were often allowed to carry basic care tasks but more technical aspects remained at the preserve of nurses. Nurses may lack trust in family members or they do not feel knowledgeable enough on family care. Participants recognised the importance of family participation in discharge planning and decision-making. However, some nurses carried reservations about family members' knowledge and ability to participate in decision-making. Participants were aware that much more can be done from their side to enhance family participation. Nurses under study acknowledged that they should dedicate time to relatives. But heavy workloads, staff shortage, relatives' unavailability and unwillingness to participate limited the possibility of proper family participation. A number of recommendations were identified. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67906 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67625 Title: Nurses' views about the use of a wound assessment tool in wound care Abstract: The aim of this small-scale descriptive study was to explore nurses' views about the use of a wound assessment tool in wound care. Qualitative and Quantitative data was collected through self-administered questionnaires, which were administered to a convenient sample of 20 subjects. Response rate for this study was 95%. Anecdotally literature indicated that wound assessment is becoming very subjective and that no standard approach is available. Moreover, it was stated that wound assessment documentation is failing to report the actual condition of the wound and that nurses are neglecting documentation of care. Consequently, this study attempts to understand what nurses think about the use of a wound assessment tool and whether the use of wound assessment tool helps in overcoming the above-mentioned problems. Furthermore the study explored nurses' awareness of a wound assessment tool and whether they use it. Additionally subjects were asked about the factors inhibiting and enhancing the use of a wound assessment tool. A question about who should be responsible for wound care was also included as it was noted that it is a controversial issue in wound care. Results from the present study seemed to show that nurses in the study acknowledged that with the use of a wound assessment tool, documentation is improved and multidisciplinary communication is enhanced. Moreover, it was found that continuity of care is enhanced by means of a wound assessment tool. When asked about factors affecting the use of a wound assessment tool, the majority stated that knowledge and information during implementation of the tool are essential in promoting the use of the tool. Regarding who is responsible for wound care, 95% stated that it is a nursing responsibility. Similarly to other research on wound assessment tools, this study identified that wound assessment tools arc needed as they help in preparing better documentation of care, which enhances multidisciplinary communication, thus ensuring continuity of care. Moreover it was identified that implementation of a wound assessment tool is crucial, hence it should be encouraged. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67625 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z