Informatics Publishing Limited

B. Thangapappa ¹, E. Devakirubai ¹

Affiliations
1 Sacred Heart Nursing College, Madurai, IN

Abstract

This article reviews the use of mirror therapy for treating many neurological disorders like phantom limb pain, chronic regional pain syndrome and stroke paralysis. Mirror visual feed back activates the mirror neurons to unlearn the learned paralysis / learned pain. This simple, non invasive, cost effective modality replaced the way we approach damage to the brain. This noteworthy modality will flood the faith and hope among amputees and stroke survivors.

Keywords

Mirror Therapy, Mirror Neurons, Phantom Limb Pain, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, Stroke Paralysis.

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E. Devakirubai ¹, Juliet Sylvia ¹, Lynn Antoinette Bentick ¹

Affiliations
1 Sacred Heart Nursing College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Background: All nurse educators unanimously agree that clinical competence is essential to fulfil the role of a professional nurse. Nursing student's perspectives on their clinical experience would provide greater insight in promoting a positive clinical learning environment. So the current aimed to explore the perspectives of nursing students regarding effective clinical learning environment.

Methods: Three focus group interviews were conducted among 15 students who were selected purposely from second, third and fourth year Nursing students. A qualitative data analysis technique was followed to arrive at the final themes.

Results: Six themes emerged from the qualitative analysis and they were 'inadequate clinical facilities', ' anxiety towards clinical experience', 'attitude of nursing staff towards students learning', 'theory-practice gap', 'lack of mentors' and 'professional role ambiguity' which hindered their effective clinical learning.

Conclusion: The study finding highlights the obstacles encountered by the students in clinical areas. This necessitates the nurse educators to re-examine and to use innovative clinical teaching strategies to promote an effective learning environment.

Keywords

Effective Clinical Learning Environment, Nursing Students , Perspectives).

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E. Devakirubai ¹, Angela Gnanadurai ²

Affiliations
1 Sacred Heart Nursing College, Madurai, IN
2 CSI College of Nursing, Karakonam, IN

Abstract

Globally and in India the number of terminally ill patients has increased sharply due to increase in the incidence of Non Communicable Diseases. Quality palliative care is an important concern for the health care professionals. There are many ethical issues revolving End-of-life care. One such controversial issue is euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS). Views on euthanasia differ from religion to religion. There are many arguments for and against euthanasia. Very few countries in the world have legalized euthanasia, PAS or both. India has become a step closer in legalizing passive euthanasia through the recent honorable Supreme Court judgment in the Aruna Shaunbag Case. The role of a physician in euthanasia or PAS is already a well-known fact. Even though nurses role in this is still unclear, few nurse clinicians / researchers have already stressed the important role nurse's play in assessing and assisting with euthanasia and PAS.

Keywords

Terminally Ill Patients, Euthanasia, PAS, India, Nurse’s Role.

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E. Devakirubai ¹, Angela Gnanadurai ²

Affiliations
1 Sacred Heart Nursing College, Madurai, IN
2 CSI College of Nursing, Karakonam, IN

Abstract

Providing excellent care for a dying patient is something all patients deserve. Institute of Medicine Committee defined good death as one that is in accord with patient's and family's wishes. End-Of-Life care preferences of the terminally ill patients vary with culture which is reported by various researchers around the globe.

AIM: To explore the end-of-life care preferences among the terminally ill patients from a selected setting of Tamil Nadu, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive exploratory design was adopted. For this pilot study, 10 terminally ill patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire on End-of-Life Care Preferences in a selected hospice.

RESULTS: EOL being a naïve concept in India, interestingly 30% had communicated their EOL wishes to family members. Terminally ill patients valued sense of dignity more than controlling pain through medications if it muddled them. Nearly 60% of patients did not prefer life prolonging treatment if they did not have hope of recovery. An overwhelming majority of patients preferred home for EOL care and death. All the patients preferred that their spiritual beliefs be considered for EOL care. Majority wanted to remain autonomous in their decision making when they are capable and 60% preferred health care professionals to make the decisions when they are incapacitated. Majority preferred to fill a living will or an advanced directive. 9 out of 10 patients agreed for euthanasia or physician assisted suicide to be legally available.

CONCLUSION: Designing EOL care pathways based on EOL care preference which differs from culture to culture will ensure quality EOL care. Continuous and sustained effort to improve EOL research will definitely be a stepping stone for quality EOL care in India.

Keywords

Good Death, End-of Life Care Preferences, Terminally Ill Patients, Culture.

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