Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.

The admission of an infant to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has the potential to produce significant stress for the mothers of these infants. Researchers suggest that this may contribute to difficulties with coping following discharge. Past research on this topic has been primarily focused on Caucasian women. Approximately 9% of the U.S. population is of Mexican heritage; therefore, this population is significantly underrepresented in the existing literature. For this reason, the purpose of this grounded theory study was to identify the basic social processes used by English-speaking mothers of Mexican heritage who have experienced the admission of an infant to the NICU. Maximum variation sampling was utilized to recruit 15 English-speaking mothers of Mexican heritage who were at least 18 years of age and had experienced the admission of an infant to the NICU. The women were recruited from various locations in San Antonio, Texas. Data collection was conducted through audio-taped, semi-structured individual interviews and transcribed field notes. Data analysis consisted of constant comparison, open coding of data, and theoretical coding. This investigation resulted in the substantive theory making sure my baby is cared for by being there for my baby. The process began with the unexpected event of having an infant in the NICU and played out in the context of opposing forces: trying to be the mother or making meaningful connections. The mothers developed strategies for managing this situation by balancing responsibilities, leaving part of me with my baby, and watching over. The process concluded with one of two consequences: bringing my baby home or losing my baby. The theory that emerged from this study offers insight for researchers, nurse educators, and neonatal nurses who provide care for English-speaking, Mexican-heritage mothers and their infants as well as for the care of all NICU mothers and their infants. / text

published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

Hospital-acquired, or nosocomial infections (HAIs) are the major source of mortality and morbidity for hospitalized patients. It is estimated that 7-10% patients developed HAIs during their hospital stays, with most patients got infected from intensive care units (ICU) [1,2]. Hand hygiene (HH) is recognized as the most easy and effective way to prevent HAIs. However, the observed hand hygiene compliance rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) have been regarded as unacceptably low, especially in ICU [3]. This literature review is to discuss the factors influencing the hand hygiene compliance among HCWs in ICU, in both the individual and institutional level, and suggest which factor was important in both levels. Recommendations in comprehensive approach on hand hygiene practices will also be included. / published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

Idag väntar många patienter på transplantation av ett eller flera organ. Med nuvarande lagstiftning identifieras inte alla potentiella organdonatorer och därför kan inte dessa organ tas tillvara. Regeringen har därför tillsatt en utredning om det kan bli aktuellt med organdonation efter hjärtdöd. Detta uttrycks internationellt som Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD). Denna studiens syfte var att beskriva intensivvårdssjuksköterskors uppfattningar, tankar och känslor, samt förbereddhet kring begreppet donation efter hjärtdöd. Sju intervjuer av intensivvårdssjuksköterskor på två sjukhus i västra Sverige genomfördes och data analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultatet presenteras som fyra kategorier: Upplevda farhågor och potentiella konsekvenser av DCD, Mötet med anhöriga, Tankar och känslor kring organisatoriska svårigheter och Tankar och känslor kring etiska dilemman. Slutsatser var att de intervjuade intensivvårdssjuksköterskorna ställde sig positiva till DCD och tidigare forskning visar att det kan vara en källa till ökning av organtillgång förutsatt att det är organisatoriskt genomförbart. / Today there are many patients on the waiting list to receive one or more organ transplants. With the current Swedish legislation not all potential organ donors are identified and therefore these organs are omitted as potential transplants. The government is in the process of investigating the possibility to implement organ donation after cardiac death, i.e. DCD. The aim of the study was to describe ICU nurses’ understanding, thoughts and emotions, as well as their preparations regards to DCD. Seven ICU nurses at two hospitals in western Sweden were interviewed and data were processed through qualitative content analysis. The results are presented as four categories: Perceived fears and potential consequences regarding DCD, the meeting with relatives, Thoughts and emotions regarding organizational difficulties and Thoughts and emotions regarding ethical dilemmas. Conclusions derived from the findings in the interviews with ICU nurses were a fully positive perception of DCD and that DCD could mean an increase in the amount of available organ donors given that legalisation and organisation processes are clear and possible to carry out.

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No description available.

Infants born prior to 37 weeks gestation are at risk for countless medical problems and developmental delays. In order to help minimize these delays and improve the child’s potential, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C, funds Early Intervention (EI) Services. These services may include speech, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or developmental therapy, among others. Purpose and Objective: While numerous studies show the benefits of EI therapies, little is known about barriers to EI participation, what the parents of these children who participate in EI think, or how to improve EI services. This study attempts to answer these questions. Methods: Surveys regarding EI were posted to three preemie parent organizations social media pages, and 140 surveys were returned. These surveys were analyzed for both quantitative and qualitative answers. Qualitative answers were coded and themes were garnered. Results: A total of 148 participants took the survey, and 76% had children that had participated or currently participate in EI. Of the parents who answered their child did not attend EI, most state there was no EI services near them, their child did not qualify, or the EI services were of poor quality. Of the EI parent surveys, most parents (73%) were happy with their child’s EI and their child’s progress, and would recommend EI to others. Most children had EI therapy at least weekly, and were referred to EI prior to leaving the NICU. Parents felt as though their child benefitted in nearly all domains. In addition to the benefits to their child, EI parents also felt as though therapy helped decrease their stress level, gave them a benchmark to measure their child’s progress and connected them with other professionals for their child. Some parents also provided recommendations to improve EI: decrease eligibility requirements, improve communication with parents, provide continuity of care, and create a bridge program for children three and up until they reach school age. Conclusions: With these suggestions, providers can help improve current EI services. Primary care providers should ensure children who are at risk for delays are referred, and EI services should improve communication with parents and enhance continuity of care.

No description available.

No description available.