M.Cur. / The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome whilst being nursed in intensive care units, in order to set guidelines for nursing. The researcher made use of the phenomenological approach within the paradigm of qualitative research. The target population consisted of 70 patients of which seven complied with the selection criteria: In-depth interviews, which were taped, were conducted with the patients. Validity and reliability were ensured by using measures as stated by Woods and Catanzaro (1988). Data-analysis was executed by means of Giorgi's method (Omery,1983) and after clearance with an external decoder, it was categorized according to the patients' internal and external environment. The Nursing Theory for the Wholeperson had been used to this purpose. The conclusions of this study indicate that patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome in intensive care units experience deprivation of sleep, pain and fear. Limited communication and loss of autonomy create frustration. Patients become lonely and bored and have a need for constant support from their family and others. Consequent upon the conclusions the researcher developed nine guidelines for the nursing of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. These guidelines are in support of the functional approach of the researcher and may be considered an attempt to provide research findings that are applicable to the practice of nursing.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:3539 |
| Date | 05 September 2012 |
| Creators | Janse van Rensburg, Anna Catharina |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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