Fiona Murphy
Providing care throughout end of life, into bereavement and beyond
The Swan model of care offers comprehensive support at every stage, writes Fiona Murphy
Doing things differently: advantages and disadvantages of web questionnaires
The use of questionnaires as a method of data collection in research is well established, with the benefits and drawbacks of using such a method extensively debated (Oppenheim 1992, McDowell and Newell 1996, Giuffre 1997, McKenna et al 2006). What is less evident in the literature is a consideration of the process of delivering questionnaires to large groups. The standard approach has been through the use of paper questionnaires, which are then delivered to the target population. However, the increased use of personal computers (PCs) means there is a newer alternative: the delivery of questionnaires using the internet.
Oral mucositis: a challenge for nurses
Oral mucositis is a serious complication of chemotherapy that can have a detrimental physical, psychological and medical effect on cancer patients. This article aims to explore this condition and the challenges faced by nurses in the care of patients affected by this complication.
Aspergillus infection control in caring for BMT patients
Many complications can occur following a bone marrow transplantation including that of opportunistic fungal infections such as aspergillus. This article discusses the care of a patient who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and subsequently received an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. A description of aspergillus infection and the interventions used to prevent and manage this complication are explored. Finally, the effectiveness of the care delivered is discussed along with the implications for future nursing practice.
The role of fatigue in multiple myeloma
The many facets of multiple myeloma, especially in the later stages of the illness, remain a great challenge for nurses. This article provides an overview of this cancer, including its presentation, clinical manifestations and nursing management. In particular, the symptom of fatigue will be discussed in terms of the implications for both patients and nursing care.
Teaching in practice
This article describes an action research project designed to develop a teaching programme which would enable students to bridge the theory-practice gap they experienced while on placement in a gynaecology unit.