ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Epidural analgesia alleviates pain during normal labour but women who undergo medical abortion procedures using epidural analgesia continue to express high pain levels. To understand this we assessed if patients undergoing medical abortions, treated with epidural analgesia, use their pain for psychological benefits. METHODS: This study comprised 105 patients over 13 weeks of gestational age diagnosed with foetal abnormalities after selecting a medical abortion procedure using epidural analgesia. Three questionnaires were handed-out: 1) 'Need for Affect', assessed the motivation to react to emotions; 2) 'Pain-Levels' 3) PANA- 'Positive Affect' (PA), 'Negative Affect' (NA) assessed emotions pre-abortion and post-abortion. RESULTS: Patients with a strong Need for Affect and high Pain-Levels expressed a stronger PA post-abortion (b = .69, se = .11, ß = .68, p < .001, 95%CI [.48,.90]). Patients with a strong NA pre-abortion and high Pain-Levels expressed a higher NA post-abortion (b = .48, se = .11, ß = .53, p < .001, 95%CI [.26, .70]). CONCLUSION: Patients with a strong Need for Affect who express a strong PA pre-abortion intensify their pain to fulfill their Need for Affect, which then helps recovery. Patients with a strong NA pre-abortion and high Pain-Levels indicate a less favourable outcome.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare self-perceived end-of-life (EOL) knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and practices of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses compared to oncology nurses. SAMPLE & SETTING: 126 Israeli nurses (79 oncology nurses and 47 ICU nurses) who were members of the Israel Association of Cardiology and Critical Care Nurses and the Israeli Oncology Nurses Organization. METHODS & VARIABLES: This cross-sectional study used an online survey to gather demographic information, clinical setting, and study measures (EOL knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and practices). RESULTS: Oncology nurses and ICU nurses showed moderate levels of self-perceived knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care; however, their self-reported behaviors were low. Oncology nurses scored slightly higher than ICU nurses on knowledge and attitudes but not behaviors, although the difference was not statistically significant. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Contrary to the current authors' expectations, oncology nurses and ICU nurses have similar levels of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding palliative care. Nurses in both settings need to be better trained and empowered to provide such care.
