Treatment trajectories of individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer: an interpretative phenomenological study.

Rectal cancer affects almost every aspect of an individual's daily life. However, there are gaps in understanding the complete spectrum of experiences spanning from diagnosis to recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the treatment trajectories of individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer. Adopting an interpretative phenomenological approach, seven participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Study rigour was established following the four-dimension criteria of credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. Four prominent themes emerged from the participants' experiences of undergoing rectal cancer treatment: uncovering the inner battles; navigating the physical challenges; anchors of support and conquering the summit. These findings contribute to knowledge and practice by highlighting the importance of providing a comprehensive and individualised treatment plan for individuals that takes account of the physical and psycho-emotional implications of rectal cancer treatment.

How to undertake a scoping review.

RATIONALE AND KEY POINTS: Scoping reviews have become a popular approach for exploring what literature has been published on a particular field of interest. They can enable nurses to gain an overview of the contemporary evidence base relating to a practice area, treatment or specific patient demographic, for example. This article provides a concise guide for nurses planning to undertake a scoping review, explaining the various steps involved. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when undertaking a scoping review.• How you could use this information to educate nursing students and colleagues on the appropriate techniques and evidence base required for scoping the literature.

Developing self-awareness for effective nurse leadership.

Self-awareness is a crucial component of effective leadership. Leaders who are self-aware exhibit an understanding of their strengths and limitations, as well as an ability to manage their emotions and those of their team members. Heightened self-awareness and understanding of oneself and others can have benefits in terms of increasing confidence and enhancing communication. Moreover, nurse leaders and managers need self-awareness to identify their strengths and weaknesses, navigate complexities, foster positive relationships and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. This article defines self-awareness, discusses its importance for nurse leadership and identifies various tools and methods that nurses can use to develop their self-awareness.

How to design and deliver a small group teaching session.

RATIONALE AND KEY POINTS: Small group teaching sessions are commonly used in healthcare to deliver education, provide practice updates and support continuing professional development. Such sessions can provide opportunities for participants to acquire new knowledge, foster peer relationships, consolidate learning and develop skills. This article provides a step-by-step guide for nurses and other healthcare professionals on designing and delivering a small group teaching session. • A small group teaching session requires considered, detailed and methodical preparation. • When designing a small group teaching session, it is important to determine its aims, learning outcomes, group characteristics, location and timeframe. • A well-planned small teaching session includes learning activities that are constructively aligned to the aims and intended learning outcomes. • Assessing participant learning and addressing gaps in their understanding is essential during the delivery of small group teaching. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article could improve your practice when designing and delivering a small group teaching session. • How you could use this information to educate your colleagues on small group teaching methods.

Exploring the benefits of master's level education for patient care, nursing practice and career development.

Undertaking a master's degree has become an integral part of nurses' continuing professional development. However, there can be uncertainty among nurses about the requirements and expectations of this level of education, and about the benefits for patients and nurses. This article describes the main characteristics of master's degree programmes and the expectations of master's students. It also explores the literature on the benefits of a master's degree in relation to patient outcomes, nurses' clinical competence and professional autonomy and nurses' career development. The author considers the concepts of, and relationship between, critical thinking and critical reflection and how nurses' ability to apply these concepts in practice can be enhanced through undertaking master's level education.

Economic evaluation of a tertiary telepsychiatry service to an island.

The island of Jersey is located 160 km south of Britain and 23 km from northwest France. The island has well-established primary and secondary mental health services, but tertiary services have to be purchased from UK mainland service providers. A pilot study of telepsychiatry was conducted, using videoconferencing to access tertiary mental health services from the UK. During a six-month study period, five patient consultations and six specialist presentations were carried out. The total cost of using videoconferencing to deliver tertiary mental health services not ordinarily available in Jersey was 3483.06 pounds. The costs of using the traditional model instead would have been 12,975.00 pounds. The threshold at which videoconferencing became cheaper than travel was between five and six telemedicine episodes per year; the actual workload during the pilot study was 22 episodes per year. The study suggests that telemedicine is cost-effective for providing tertiary mental health services not ordinarily available in Jersey.

The use of videoconferencing to enhance tertiary mental health service provision to the island of Jersey.

A six-month trial of videoconferencing was undertaken between the States of Jersey Health and Social Services in the Channel Islands and the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust in England. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the effectiveness and benefits of obtaining specialist tertiary mental health services not normally available on the island of Jersey. During the six-month pilot project in 2001, five teleconsultations were conducted: two acute psychiatric assessments and three case reviews. In addition, six presentations using videoconferencing were held on forensic psychiatry (24 participants), affective disorders (12), psychosis (8), eating disorders (3), crisis disorders (12) and community specialist teams (12). Results using the Guy s Communication Questionnaire indicated high satisfaction levels from all participants. The project successfully raised the awareness of telemedicine and its potential in the delivery of mental health services in Jersey.