Lawrence Whyte
No time for silence: speaking up is the only way to stop abuse of patients
Allegations of mistreatment at Edenfield Centre remind us of the responsibility we all have
Quality of life measures in a high security environment
In 1995, Rampton Hospital was designated as the national centre for people with learning disabilities requiring secure care. Since then, the nursing research unit at Rampton Hospital has examined quality of care and patient satisfaction with some of this client group (Fisher 1994, Robinson 1996, Robinson and Reed 1996). This article reports the findings of an exploratory study to measure the quality of life for people with learning disabilities based on a study carried out at the Elwyn Community Learning Disability Unit in the United States
Polish and British nurses’ responses to patient need
This research study explored the differences between the responses of a cohort of British nurses and a cohort of Polish nurses to a patient’s expression of need. Using a vignette to elicit the responses, the study showed that the cohorts gave similar responses in terms of cheering the patient up, offering explanation and showing warmth. Differences were demonstrated in relation to collecting information, giving advice and suggestions, and referring the patient to the doctor. Both cohorts, however, rarely gave responses which demonstrated empathy. The authors conclude that better training in therapeutic communication is needed.