https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57401 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:38:55 GMT 2026-04-08T23:38:55Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68125 Title: Endotracheal suctioning in the Intensive Care Unit : an observational study of nurses' practice Abstract: The aim of this research project was to examine the technique, adopted by qualified nurses working in the ITU of a large general hospital, during the performance of endotracheal suctioning on mechanically ventilated patients. It also sought to determine whether closed or open-suctioning is used more commonly, to examine whether nurses assess the need for suctioning before carrying it out and whether the nurses' practice of endotracheal suctioning conform with research-based recommendations. · The study included a convenient sample of ten qualified registered nurses with more than two years experience in ITU. A descriptive non-experimental approach was used, using a non-participant observational method. A checklist was used to collect data. The results suggested that local nurses employ correct techniques which conform with research-based recommendations in the way they perform suctioning, such as the length of time suctioning is carried out for and the size of catheter used. The nurses however, do not conform to research-based recommendations with regards to infection control measures, which are an integral part of the suctioning technique, and are especially weak in handwashing. It is therefore recommended that nurses receive further education on those aspects of care where their performance was not satisfactory. Further education is required in the general principles of infection control. Further research is also recommended, including the use of self-report methods (questionnaires or interviews) besides observation, in order to identify the reasons behind the nurses' action, as the present study could only provide possible suggestions. The study is also recommended on a larger scale, and studies including staff with less years of experience and observing the same nurse carrying out the procedure more than once are recommended. Controlled experiments are also recommended to assess whether education has a positive effect on performance. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68125 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67080 Title: Nurses' attitudes towards children dying from cancer Abstract: The diagnosis of malignancy comes as a profound shock for the affected child, the parents and the health care team. Although the cure rate for childhood cancer has increased dramatically over the last two decades, children still die from cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes that nurses hold towards children dying from cancer, and to identify any measures of support that enhances coping in such situations. This study was carried out at St. Luke's Hospital on the two medical paediatric wards. A descriptive non-experimental research design was chosen. The sample consisted of twelve nurses and data was collected through structured interviews. Interpretation of the nurses' responses was mainly performed through content analysis. The data revealed that the nurses under study held mixed attitudes towards children dying from cancer. These attitudes arise from the fact that caring for these children is complex, stressful, demanding and an emotionally difficult nursing challenge. It emerged that the majority of nurses do not have any means of support to help them adopt coping strategies to deal with the stresses of paediatric oncology. Factors which could have led to these results were identified and approp1iate recommendations were discussed. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67080 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65369 Title: Investigating the nature and extent of health education given in paediatric medical wards to parents of asthmatic children Abstract: Research has shown that the prevalence of asthma is increasing worldwide. Various studies along the years focused on the importance of health education given to parents and their asthmatic children (Blessing Moore 1996, Bernard -Bonin et al 1995). The purpose of the study is ta investigate the nature and extent of health education given in paediatric medical wards to parents of asthmatic children. In order to address the aims and objectives of this study, an exploratory, descriptive research design was utilised using structured interviews to collect data. Data gathered from the respondents, 8 mothers and 2 fathers having their child hospitalised for asthma revealed that only a minority of the respondents were given education about asthma. A very significant finding was that education was reported to be given by the doctor and the medical consultant while the nurse was not mentioned. Although respondents reported to have benefited from this education they still indicated a need for more education to be given. Suggestions are made for improvement in the present situation and for further research to be carried out. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65369 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57556 Title: Perceptions of breast awareness Abstract: Perceptions of Breast Awareness The concept of breast-care awareness is a recent term, and differs from breast self-examination. The research-based literature on breast self-examination is abundant, but there seem to be no research studies exploring breast awareness. Therefore, a small-scale study using a descriptive research design was undertaken with the purpose of examining what women know, how they perceive and what they understand about breast-care awareness, and if they would comply with this preventive behaviour. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to twenty-seven females enrolled in their first-year as student nurses. The findings suggest that nursing students have some knowledge both of risk factors, and of what breast-care awareness implies and how it is practiced. Information was mostly sought from the media, friends or relatives and health professionals. Moreover, it appears that there is a knowledge-practice gap, especially between how these students perceived and understood breast-care awareness and the degree to which it was practised. As a result of the findings, recommendation for local practice are suggested. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57556 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z