Journal of Holistic Nursing recent issues

Editorial: The Role of the Essay

Cowling, W. R. — 2008-08-28

A Pilot Study of the Experience of Participating in a Therapeutic Touch Practice Group

Moore, T., Ting, B., Rossiter-Thornton, M. — 2008-08-28

This pilot study explored the experience of participating in a Therapeutic Touch^TM practice group. A qualitative descriptive-exploratory method was used, involving 12 members of practice groups in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. Analysis of the data using an extraction-synthesis process yielded four themes: (a) learning with others through sharing and hands-on experience is valued; (b) connecting with a network of supportive relationships that sustain self and Therapeutic Touch practice; (c) comfort–discomfort arising with self, others, or ideas; and (d) meaningful changes emerge while experiencing group energy and Therapeutic Touch. The findings expand current knowledge about the positive aspects of participating in practice groups and provide a beginning understanding of member discomfort, which had not been previously reported. This knowledge will be useful to Therapeutic Touch organizations, practice group leaders, and group members. It will also guide health care agencies and practitioners of other healing modalities who may be considering establishing practice groups.

Commentary on "A Pilot Study of the Experience of Participating in a Therapeutic Touch Practice Group"

Butcher, H. K. — 2008-08-28

How Family, Community, and Work Structured High Blood Pressure Accounts: From African Americans in Washington State

Boutain, D. M., Spigner, C. — 2008-08-28

High blood pressure is one of the most often researched, yet least understood health disparities among African Americans. This descriptive, critical discourse analysis examined how family and community demographics and paid and unpaid work structured participants' accounts of high blood pressure experiences in Washington State. Thirty-seven urban-dwelling African American women (n = 17) and men (n = 20) in Washington State enrolled in the study from 2000-2001. Reports about stress, concerns, worry, loneliness, and paid and unpaid work were given in semi-structured interviews. Analysis results are embedded within three major themes: (a) Aware, But Not Informed, (b) Negotiating Self, Kin and Community Health, and (c) Distant Lives, Distant Love. Knowledge of life factors influencing African Americans' high blood pressure appraisals will help develop context-specific health programs focused on their concerns.

Commentary on "How Family, Community, and Work Structured High Blood Pressure Accounts: From African Americans in Washington State"

Taylor, J. Y. — 2008-08-28

Influence of Intestinal Stoma on Spiritual Quality of Life of U.S. Veterans

2008-08-28

Purpose: To examine spiritual quality of life (QOL) of veterans with intestinal ostomies. Design: Mixed-method cross-sectional. Methods: Male veterans with total scores in the upper (n = 59) and lower (n = 61) quartiles of the City of Hope Quality-of-Life–Ostomy survey provided spiritual QOL data. Analyses included chi-square and analysis of variance with significance set at p < .05. Content analysis was used to explicate narratives and focus groups. Results: The high spiritual QOL group was more likely to be married, older, and report more years since surgery (each p < .0001). Upper quartile participants had more favorable scores for several spiritual QOL domains (all p < .0001). Qualitative comments reflected high or low total QOL scores. Conclusions: Spiritual QOL is influenced by an intestinal stoma. Qualitative comments lend insight into the meaning of spirituality items. Findings can assist in the provision of holistic care in this population.

Commentary on "Influence of Intestinal Stoma on Spiritual Quality of Life of U.S. Veterans"

Engebretson, J. — 2008-08-28

Continuing Education Opportunity: Influence of Intestinal Stoma on Spiritual Quality of Life of U.S. Veterans

2008-08-28

Hypericum and Nurses: A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Efficacy of St. John's Wort in the Treatment of Depression

Carpenter, C., Crigger, N., Kugler, R., Loya, A. — 2008-08-28

Purpose: Many patients look to complementary and alternative medicine for a herbal solution to depression. This literature review summarizes recently published research on the treatment of depression using St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Conclusions: The compounds in St. John's wort herbal preparations are more effective than placebo and, in several studies, more effective than common antidepressant medications in treating minor depression. However, the efficacy of St. John's wort for treating major depression, cyclothymia, or bipolar disorder is less evident. Although some studies are promising in the treatment of these major disorders, research support is lacking, and it is a controversial aspect of Hypericum therapy. Practice implications: As with any herbal treatment, risks from adverse reactions and drug interactions exist. Providers have an ethical and legal obligation to stay current in knowledge and to provide useful, accurate information to patients.

Commentary and Plant Perspective on "Hypericum and Nurses: A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Efficacy of St. John's Wort in the Treatment of Depression"

Libster, M. M. — 2008-08-28

Considerations to Implement Holistic Groups With the Elderly

Puskar, K. R., Brar, L., Stark, K. H. — 2008-08-28

The group modality is a viable holistic treatment consideration for the elderly, given the steady increase in the elderly population, the presence of various psychiatric and/or medical conditions in this cohort, and cost concerns. The holistic nurse and group leader share similar role definitions of being a facilitator in the healing process. They embrace the concept that the person and group are greater than the sum of the parts. Using a group modality can increase the number of people served by one nurse, thereby making it cost-effective. Incorporating the holistic mind–body–spirit approach addresses the Healthy People 2010 goal of increasing the quality of life. Tips on conducting groups with the elderly are reviewed, including types of groups, setting, goals, composition, duration, and frequency. Theme-centered groups are discussed from a holistic perspective. Yalom's 11 therapeutic factors that account for group functions are explained, along with other group concepts that reflect holistic nursing concepts.

Scholarship: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Jacono, B., Jacono, J. — 2008-08-28

Purpose: This article examines scholarship as a holistic process of self-discovery. Methods: By using their own work as an exemplar, the authors illustrate how the scholarly projects they completed (whether consciously planned or not) helped them to evolve as individuals and scholars. They also demonstrate how those they chose by instinct might have helped them give more valuable service, than those they consciously planned. Findings: They conclude that the scholarly journey affirms the indivisible nature of the scholar/person, and suggest reasons this idea might prove particularly useful to nursing currently.

All That Holds: A Story of Healing

Repede, E. — 2008-08-28

Stories convey meaning and open us to the deep mystery of compassion. Stories are methodological tools in the aesthetic domain of nursing, paratelic ways of knowing that carry us beyond logic to a higher order of understanding. Through stories we are connected to each other and to ourselves. The purpose of this article is to tell the story of Valerie and her journey into healing through metastatic breast cancer. Holistic nursing as a process is contextually illuminated by creating a story within a story. This is an aesthetic work woven together from Valerie's narrative, an interview with her mother after Valerie's death, and from the author's own impressions. Literary quotations are used to highlight different sections of the story with metaphors that speak to the nature of healing. It is hoped that this story will open the reader to his or her own unique understanding of the meaning of healing.

Editorial: On Spirituality and Holism

Cowling, W. R. — 2008-06-06

Mystical Experience in the Context of Health Care

Witte, A. S., van der Wal, D. M., Steyn, H. C. — 2008-06-06

Eighteen participants in a rural Appalachian community were interviewed to learn about their mystical experiences in the context of health care. Semistructured interviews addressed factors initiating mystical experience and essential qualities of mystical experience. Nursing process and the nurse's response were examined. Data were analyzed using the immersion/crystallization method and concept mapping. Mystical experience was conceptualized as a process incorporating initiation, occurrence, maturation, and integration of mystical experience. Essential qualities included sensory–motor perception, interaction with the supernatural, interaction with family members, conviction of reality, cognition, dynamic tension and emotional intensity. Nursing interventions included listening and support. Subjective nursing responses included tension, intimacy and empathy, sense of awe, autonomic responses, and appreciation of the mystical in everyday life. Various stressors are associated with mystical experience. Patients having mystical experiences may benefit from nursing support.

Commentary on "Mystical Experience in the Context of Health Care"

Butcher, H. K. — 2008-06-06

Response to "Commentary on 'Mystical Experience in the Context of Health Care'"

Witte, A. S. — 2008-06-06

Religious Activities of Inpatients and Their Family Visitors in Taiwan

Tzeng, H.-M., Yin, C.-Y. — 2008-06-06

Purpose: The purpose was to investigate the contributing factors of practicing religious activities (prayer and attending religious services) that help in overcoming the health problems that had led to the current hospitalization. These activities may be a proxy measure for religious coping with health problems. Design: An exploratory survey study was used. Methods: A convenience sample was determined. Data were collected in 2005 in the inpatient wards of a Taiwanese hospital (n = 1,031 patients and family visitors). Binary logistic regression analyses were used. Findings: Of the participants, 75% offered prayer to their god(s) for help and 57.4% attended a church/temple service. Being a patient and having a longer hospital stay contributed to the increased probability of offering prayer and attending religious services. Conclusions: Prayer and religious service attendance were practiced by the majority of those hospitalized patients and their family. Enriching our understanding of the religious needs of the patients and their family should be continued.

Commentary on "Religious Activities of Inpatients and Their Family Visitors in Taiwan"

Taliaferro, D. H. — 2008-06-06

A Spiritually Based Group Intervention for Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Feasibility Study

Bormann, J. E., Thorp, S., Wetherell, J. L., Golshan, S. — 2008-06-06

Purpose: To assess the feasibility, effect sizes, and satisfaction of mantram repetition—the spiritual practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase throughout the day—for managing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. Design: A two group (intervention vs. control) by two time (pre- and postintervention) experimental design was used. Methods: Veterans were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 14) or delayed-treatment control (n = 15). Measures were PTSD symptoms, psychological distress, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. Findings: Thirty-three male veterans were enrolled, and 29 (88%) completed the study. Large effect sizes were found for reducing PTSD symptom severity (d = –.72), psychological distress (d = –.73) and increasing quality of life (d = –.70). Conclusions: A spiritual program was found to be feasible for veterans with PTSD. They reported moderate to high satisfaction. Effect sizes show promise for symptom improvement but more research is needed.

Commentary on "A Spiritually Based Group Intervention for Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Feasability Study"

Wind Wardell, D. — 2008-06-06

Biopsychosocial Benefits of Spirituality in Adults Aging With HIV: Implications for Nursing Practice and Research

Vance, D. E., Struzick, T. C., Raper, J. L. — 2008-06-06

More than 100,000 adults above the age of 50 have been diagnosed with HIV in the United States. It is important to understand how to promote successful aging in this growing population. With the positive effects of spirituality on biopsychosocial functioning in aging, HIV, and chronic diseases, accessing the strengths associated with spirituality may facilitate successful aging in adults surviving to older ages. The inherent nature of the nurse–patient relationship means nurses are in a key position to actively listen, assess spiritual needs, and make clinical referrals. In providing holistic care to patients, nurse scientists are encouraged to study and address the spiritual needs in this growing population.

Commentary on "Biopsychosocial Benefits of Spirituality in Adults Aging With HIV: Implications for Nursing Practice and Research": New Challenges for Providing Spiritual Care in Aging Patients With HIV

Hines, M. E. — 2008-06-06

Biobehavioral Measures in a Critical-Care Healing Environment

Mellott, K. G., Sharp, P. B., Anderson, L. M. — 2008-06-06

Critical-care settings have an opportunity to create healing environments (HEs). For the last decade, achieving this goal has been the task of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Today, several models used in these settings embrace synergistic care, healing therapies for patients, and the development of organizational models to improve the HEs for nurses themselves. Creating the HE is not impossible; however, researching the patient's experience within it is complex. This complexity requires researchers to consider biological, behavioral, and social variables on the unit. This article will describe biological and behavioral measures that may be used to examine the critically ill patient's response to an HE. Limitations of these measures are considerable. Future researchers will need to consider a multiplistic approach to the study of this construct.

Continuing Education Opportunity

2008-06-06

Nursing Students' Perceptions of a Holistic Nursing Conference: Empowerment, Self-Care, and Application to Practice

Christiaens, G., Abegglen, J., Rowley, A. — 2008-06-06

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to describe nursing students' perceptions of their experiences at the 2007 annual conference of the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), and identify benefits of professional conference attendance as an educational strategy for undergraduate nursing students. Method: Sixteen nursing students attended the 2007 AHNA annual conference and made daily journal entries about their perceptions of the conference. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, researchers analyzed their journal entries for recurring themes. Findings: Themes suggested that nursing students gained knowledge about holistic nursing and felt empowered through personal interactions with national holistic nursing leaders. They felt motivated to incorporate holistic nursing principles into practice and self-care. In addition, they expressed an appreciation for the importance of lifelong learning and maintaining clinical competency through attendance at a professional conference. Implications for Education: Nursing students' attendance at a holistic nursing professional conference is a useful educational strategy that has many benefits.

Children's Wishes: Holistic Revelations in Art

Ewing, B. — 2008-06-06

Expressions of children who have life-threatening illnesses are revealed in their art that provides a way for adults to know how they are experiencing their world. The language of children is unsophisticated; however, they speak meaningfully through their drawings. Children use symbols and images to represent elements in circumstances they are trying to understand. The purpose of this article is to show how the drawings of children with life-threatening illnesses who had special wishes fulfilled reveal meaning that translates into holistic practices.

Editorial: Gratitude and New Beginnings

Cowling, W. R. — 2008-03-10

Spiritual Care Perspectives of Danish Registered Nurses

Christensen, K. H., Turner, d. S. — 2008-03-10

A Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was selected to explicate the essence of spiritual care with six registered nurses working within hospital settings. Findings revealed that deep knowing of the patient was essential before registered nurses would engage in spiritual care. Furthermore, spirituality was understood as a private matter, with chaplains being seen as the most appropriate providers of such care. These findings suggest that within the culture of Danish nursing, a mandate to incorporate spiritual care into everyday nursing practice may be somewhat problematic.

Commentary on "Spiritual Care Perspectives of Danish Registered Nurses": Spiritual Care as Nursing Care

Reed, P. G. — 2008-03-10

The Internal Process of Therapeutic Touch

Coppa, D. — 2008-03-10

Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a complementary healing modality used by health care providers to reduce anxiety, accelerate relaxation, decrease pain, and enhance immunity. Research studies report outcomes of TT treatments, but few describe the specific process. This qualitative research study was conducted to describe the nature of the core process of TT in adults and full term infants as practiced by five professional nurses, each treating one adult and one infant. Analysis of data obtained from interviews and focused participant observations was conducted. Findings provide empirical data to depict an overall process divided into three phases: (a) preparation, (b) treatment, and (c) termination, that adheres to the standard process as described by Krieger. It expands on the description of each phase, including two new subcomponents, orienting and disengagement, not previously seen in the literature. Lastly, the study describes the modification of the TT process with infants compared to adults.

Commentary on "The Internal Process of Therapeutic Touch"

France, N. E. M. — 2008-03-10

Herb and Supplement Use Among the Retail Population of an Independent, Urban Herb Store

Archer, E. L., Boyle, D. K. — 2008-03-10

The prevalence of herbal medicine use among American adults is well documented. Because of the possible herb–drug interactions, health care providers need to be aware of herb and supplement use by their patients. This descriptive pilot study (N = 35) was designed to explore the demographics, beliefs, concurrent pharmaceutical use with herbs and supplements and their primary sources of information, and reporting of use to health care providers by customers at a retail specialty "herb" store. Results revealed that 62.5% of study participants who used herbs regularly also used pharmaceuticals. Among those who used herbs and supplements with pharmaceuticals, only 33% reported that they "always" tell their care provider about them. Forty-one percent reported that they receive most of their information about herbs and supplements from retail staff, but only 3% of participants reported that their primary source of information was a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Findings provide direction for future study.

Commentary on "Herb and Supplement Use Among the Retail Population of an Independent, Urban Herb Store"

Herron, D. G. — 2008-03-10

"Continuing Education Opportunity: Herb and Supplement Use Among the Retail Population of an Independent, Urban Herb Store"

2008-03-10

The Influence of Positive Experiences on Depression and Quality of Life in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Phillips, L. J., Stuifbergen, A. K. — 2008-03-10

Purpose: This correlational study determined the extent to which positive, rather than negative, experiences influence depressive symptoms and quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method: Data collected during the 7th year of an ongoing longitudinal study of quality of life in community-dwelling persons with MS were used for this analysis. Findings: Higher number of positive experiences was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, less functional limitations, and better quality of life. Using hierarchical multiple regression, age, education, functional limitations, and positive experiences accounted for 21.7% of the variance in depressive symptoms, and functional limitations, positive experiences, and depressive symptoms explained 58% of the variance in quality of life. Conclusions: Higher number of positive experiences predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms, even while taking disease-related functional limitations into account. Incorporating positive experiences into daily life may improve quality of life, even when battling depression and substantial limitations in functioning.

Commentary on "The Influence of Positive Experiences on Depression and Quality of Life in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis"

Rossen, E. K. — 2008-03-10

The Use of Puppetry for Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Among Mi'Kmaq Youth

Jacono, J., Jacono, B. — 2008-03-10

Purpose: North American aboriginal youth have been shown to exhibit some of the highest suicide rates in the world. In this article, the authors examine the main factors related to suicide among aboriginal youth and ways to redress what many consider the most important factor. Main Factor: While many factors contribute to suicide plans, the literature would suggest "discontinuity" with heritage to have a particularly negative impact that needs priority redress. Strategy: A group of Mi'Kmaq elders and an interdisciplinary group of academicians blended traditional Mi'Kmaq knowledge and Western Science knowledge to develop a strategy to address such discontinuity. It involved using puppets made from natural forest materials to promote culture, language, and history. This article describes the strategy, its rationale, as well as its relevance for, and application to, holistic nursing.

FEMA Nurses Face "Mission Impossible": Remembering Katrina

Miller, M.J., Dowd, T. — 2008-03-10

Dowd, a faculty member, is a strong proponent for nurses sharing their stories. Miller's story about her volunteer experience was so compelling that Dowd challenged her to share it with the nursing community. This story is a demonstration of how a nurse can bring leadership, sensitive interpersonal skills, and a sense of humor to help forge a cohesive and outward looking temporary community. Nurses naturally interact from a paradigm of care and comfort. Miller makes this interaction explicit. The outcome of the journey was a memorable lived experience that brought caring, healing, and comfort to a situation of devastation. It is hoped this nursing story will inspire the reader to try a similar new role or to tell their story.

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: Associate Editor Introduction

Barbato Gaydos, H. L. — 2008-03-10

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: Section Introduction

Gramling, K. L. — 2008-03-10

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: Frances's Story of Nursing Art: The Most Wonderful Person in the World

Gramling, K. L. — 2008-03-10

This story is the second in a series constructed from a study designed to describe how the art of nursing was perceived and understood by patients during a critical illness. Two in-depth interviews were conducted during the recovery phase of this person's illness to answer the question "When is nursing (considered) art?" The initial lead-in to the discussion was, "Tell me a story about a nursing situation that really stood out in your mind—one that was significant and meaningful," and, "What was the experience like for you?" The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, condensed into a short story, and shared with the participant. The researcher also composed a "response" to the person's story that personally expressed what the story triggered for her. Undergraduate students were invited to reflect and respond to the "aesthetic face" of nursing from the perspective of a person who was nursed while critically ill. Two examples of student response are included.

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: Nurse: Technician and Artist: "Frances's Story": Student Response

Marques, N. T. — 2008-03-10

In this response to research reported by Dr. Gramling, the author of this response likens the art of nursing to a masterpiece drawn with the inner talents and gifts of nurses. Frances, a patient interviewed by Dr. Gramling, explains her experience of being carefully watched and feeling safe when a nurse pays close attention to her. The author has learned to define the art of nursing through the abstract concepts of the fine arts and asserts that the line between technician and artist is blurred. The poem written by Dr. Gramling in response to Frances reinforces the author's reading of how nursing becomes art.

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: Nursing Is an Art: "Frances's Story": Student Response

Batti, L. — 2008-03-10

In this response to research, the author likens the art of nursing to a work of art: abstract with blurred lines but lots of opportunity for interpretation. Frances, a patient interviewed by Dr. Kathryn Gramling as part of her research into patients' perception of nursing care, along with her family, felt comforted by her nurse, who devoted some of his own time to ensuring that Frances understood the procedure she needed and spent time meeting her need for human contact. The author experienced something similar during a hospital stay: She too had a nurse who spent time and gave comfort. The result is that the author understands the art of nursing as it relates to an extra effort to be human and demonstrate empathy. The poem written by Dr. Gramling in response to Frances confirms the patient's view of the art of nursing.

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: Justine's Story of Nursing Art: The Presentation of Nursing

Gramling, K. L. — 2008-03-10

This patient's story was constructed from a study designed to describe how the art of nursing was perceived and understood by patients during a critical illness. Two in-depth interviews were conducted during the recovery phase of this person's illness to answer the question, "When is nursing (considered) art?" The initial lead-in to the discussion was, "Tell me a story about a nursing situation that really stood out in your mind—one that was significant and meaningful." The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, condensed into a short story and shared with the participant. The researcher, also, composed a response to the person's story that personally expressed what the story triggered for her. Undergraduate nursing students were invited to reflect and respond to the "aesthetic face" of nursing from the perspective of a person who was nursed while critically ill. An example of a student response is included.

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: "Justine's Story" and the Art of Nursing

Baker, P. — 2008-03-10

The author of this response to Dr. Kathryn Gramling's research on the art of nursing as perceived by patients agrees with patient Justine's assessment of the art. The author believes that the expression of a nurse's personality during the caring process creates the art. Justine saw all her nurses, even the brusque one, as performing in a caring way, each according to his/her own personality. The author believes this definition of the art of nursing is valid.

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: Frank's Story of Nursing Art: Ask Me Who I Am

Gramling, K. L. — 2008-03-10

This patient's story was constructed from a study designed to describe how the art of nursing was perceived and understood by patients during a critical illness. Two in-depth interviews were conducted during the recovery phase of this person's illness to answer the question "When is nursing (considered) art?" The initial lead-in to the discussion was, "Tell me a story about a nursing situation that really stood out in your mind—one that was significant and meaningful." The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, condensed into a short story, and shared with the participant. The researcher, also, composed a response to the person's story that personally expressed what the story triggered for her. Undergraduate nursing students were invited to reflect and respond to the "aesthetic face" of nursing from the perspective of a person who was nursed while critically ill. An example of a student response is included.

Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: The Art of Nursing: "Frank's Story": Student Response

Eydenberg, K. — 2008-03-10

The author of this article explores her definition of the art of nursing through a response to an interview by Dr. Kathryn Gramling with a patient named Frank. She determines that nursing, although it also requires technical skill and a strong knowledge base, becomes art when the practitioner adopts the caring skills of compassion, touching, and empathy. The poem Dr. Gramling wrote in response to her contact with Frank reinforces the definition created by the author. When some patients enter a hospital, they experience certain feelings, such as fear, uncertainty, and helplessness. They are placed in a strange setting and are not in the best of health, but each patient deals with sickness differently. Some may act frightened, while others may act impatient and uncooperative. Often, it is a nurse's duty to help ease a patient through this difficult transition. The way a nurse does this makes all the difference to a patient's stay at the hospital. A nurse's impact on the patient can affect the patient either positively or negatively. A nurse must go above and beyond the technical part of nursing in order to make nursing an art.

Editorial: What Makes a Manuscript Holistic?

Cowling, W. R. — 2007-11-20

Pandimensional Field Pattern Changes in Healers and Healees: Experiencing Therapeutic Touch

Smith, D. W., Broida, J. P. — 2007-11-20

Rogers's Science of Unitary Human Beings framed this study of pandimensional pattern changes in healers and healees paired for an 8-week series of Therapeutic Touch (TT) sessions. Comparison of healee patterns before and after 141 TT sessions supported the hypotheses that healees would manifest decreased pulse and blood pressure, and reduced pain and stress (p < .05). Duration of TT sessions was not preset but determined by healers according to energy cues. TT time was not related to pattern changes, consistent with the clinical practice of TT and the atemporal nature of Rogers's conceptual framework. Healers and healees showed parallel changes after the TT series. Participants manifested greater spirituality (p <.05). Although increases in three of the four dimensions of power were significant (p <.05), changes in power measured as a whole were not. Contrary to expectations, manifestations of diversity were decreased in healers and healees.

Commentary on "Pandimensional Field Pattern Changes in Healers and Healees: Experiencing Therapeutic Touch"

Smith, M. C. — 2007-11-20

Finding Peace (Kwam Sa-ngob Jai): A Buddhist Way to Live With HIV

Ross, R., Sawatphanit, W., Suwansujarid, T. — 2007-11-20

Purpose: This study examines the Buddhist beliefs and practices of Thai HIV-positive postpartum women as ways to live with their infection. Method: Seven HIV-positive postpartum, Buddhist, Thai women were interviewed. Principles of hermeneutic phenomenology guided the study. Findings: All women in the study practiced spiritual activities based on their understanding of three central Buddhist beliefs: karma, the Five Precepts, and the Four Noble Truths. These beliefs played a major role in helping them to deal with their infection. Meditating, praying, and doing good deeds are examples of spiritual activities they practiced. All participants maintained that their beliefs and practices allowed them to feel peaceful and that their ultimate goal in life is to find peace (Kwam Sa-ngob Jai). Implications: Understanding patients' spiritual beliefs and practices can help nurses to positively promote better nurse—patient relationships. Nurses should encourage patients' spiritual practices as being grounded in their belief system.

Commentary on "Finding Peace (Kwam Sa-ngob Jai): A Buddhist Way to Live With HIV"

Birx, E. — 2007-11-20

Breast Biopsy and Distress: Feasibility of Testing a Reiki Intervention

Potter, P. J. — 2007-11-20

Purpose: The purpose of this randomized pilot was to determine feasibility of testing Reiki, a complementary therapy intervention, for women undergoing breast biopsy (BB). Background: Increasingly women face the possibility of BB, the definitive test for breast cancer. Psychological distress associated with BB includes anxiety and depression. Reiki was proposed as an intervention to decrease anxiety and promote relaxation. Method: Thirty-two women scheduled for BB were randomized to Reiki intervention versus conventional care control. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using self-report questionnaires. Findings: Analysis found no significant mean differences between groups over time. Comparably low baseline anxiety levels (possible selection bias) decreased naturally with time allowing little room for observing treatment effect. Conclusions: Reiki, when administered in the naturalistic setting of a complementary therapy office, did not suggest evidence of efficacy. An intervention offered within the bounds of the conventional care setting may be more feasible for addressing BB distress.

Commentary on "Breast Biopsy and Distress: Feasibility of Testing a Reiki Intervention"

Purnell, M. J. — 2007-11-20

Spirituality in Nursing and Health-Related Literature: A Concept Analysis

Sessanna, L., Finnell, D., Jezewski, M. A. — 2007-11-20

Spirituality has become an increasingly popular concept among the nursing and health-related literature. The purpose for conducting this concept analysis, guided by Walker and Avant's methodology, was to (a) examine how spirituality has been used within the current body of nursing and health-related literature, (b) clarify the meaning of spirituality by discovering what this concept's current critical attributes/characteristics are, and (c) propose a definition of spirituality based on the concept analysis findings. A total of 90 references were reviewed, including 73 nursing and health-related references. Concept analysis findings revealed that spirituality was defined within four main themes in the nursing and health-related literature: (a) spirituality as religious systems of beliefs and values (spirituality = religion); (b) spirituality as life meaning, purpose, and connection with others; (c) spirituality as nonreligious systems of beliefs and values; and (d) spirituality as metaphysical or transcendental phenomena.

Commentary on "Spirituality in Nursing and Health-Related Literature: A Concept Analysis"

Burkhardt, M. A. — 2007-11-20

The Suitability of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Chronic Hepatitis C

Koerbel, L. S., Zucker, D. M. — 2007-11-20

As incidence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in the United States increases, management of physical and psychological symptoms over the long term becomes crucial. Research has shown meditation to be a valuable tool in reducing such symptoms for various chronic illnesses. In particular, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program offers curriculum that has been shown to influence both physiology and perception of disease states. Although there has been no direct research to date on the effectiveness of the MBSR program for CHC, several studies have shown significant findings affecting other chronic conditions, including heart disease, fibromyalgia, and HIV. The purpose of this literature review is to examine recent research, summarize findings, and indicate appropriate inclusion of MBSR as a primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment option in conjunction with biomedical care for those diagnosed with CHC. Thusly, nurses can better inform their clients with this condition.

Continuing Education Opportunity: The Suitability of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Chronic Hepatitis

2007-11-20

A Novel Theory for Nursing Education: Holistic Comfort

Goodwin, M., Sener, I., Steiner, S. H. — 2007-11-20

This article discusses how aspects of a holistic comfort theory were adapted to create a taxonomic structure to apply its concepts to a fast-track nursing education program. The principles of learner-centered education were combined with comfort theory to develop strategies that appear to have produced positive influences on the attributes and contexts of comfort within the learning community. With emphasis on balanced academic exposure to the art of comfort as well as the rigorous science of nursing, students and teachers developed a mutually rewarding learning partnership. The resulting grid, adapted from Kolcaba's taxonomic structure, exposes educators and students to the application of holistic comfort theory. It is anticipated that this adaptation may assist students to transform into professional nurses who are comfortable and comforting in their roles and who are committed to the goal of lifelong learning.

Erratum

2007-11-20