Articles - Cultural Safety

1.  Challenges on the path to cultural safety in nursing education
By Arieli, D.; Friedman, V.J.; Hirschfeld, M.J.
International Nursing Review. Jun 2012, Vol. 59 Issue 2, p187-193. 7p
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify central challenges to be addressed in cultural safety education. Background: In recent years, the idea of cultural safety has received increased attention as a way of dealing with diversity in the nursing profession, especially in divided societies. The idea of cultural safety goes beyond recognizing and appreciating difference, to an attempt to grappling with deeper issues like inequality, conflict and histories of oppression

2.  A critical lens on culture in nursing practice
By  Bourque Bearskin, R. Lisa.
Nursing Ethics. Jul 2011, Vol. 18 Issue 4, p548-559. 12p
Abstract: Increasing evidence demonstrates that the Aboriginal population experience greater health disparities and receive a lower quality of health care services. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) code of ethics states that nurses are required to incorporate culture into all domains of their nursing practice and ethical care. The aim of this article is to examine the concepts of cultural competency and cultural safety by way of relational ethics. To address these disparities in health care, cultural competency training programs are being widely advised. Recent research into cultural safety has not only recognized the importance of culture in nursing practice and organizational structures, but also extended the concepts to the culture of the client.

3. The effectiveness of culturally appropriate interventions to manage or prevent chronic disease in culturally and linguistically diverse communities: a systematic literature review.
By  Henderson, Saras; Kendall, Elizabeth; See, Laurenne.
Health & Social Care in the Community. May 2011, Vol. 19 Issue 3, p225-249. 25p

4. Culture theorizing past and present: trends and challenges
By  Vandenberg, Helen E. R.
Nursing Philosophy. Oct2010, Vol. 11 Issue 4, p238-249. 12p
Abstract: Over the past several decades, nurses have been increasingly theorizing about the relationships between culture, health, and nursing practice. This culture theorizing has changed over time and has recently been subject to much critical examination. The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges impeding nurses' ability to build theory about the relationships between culture and health. Through a historical overview, I argue that continued support for the essentialist view of culture can maintain a limited view of complex race relations. I also argue that attempts to apply culture theory, without knowledge of important historical, political, and economic factors, has often resulted in oversimplified versions of what was originally intended.

5. Cultural safety and the socioethical nurse.
By  Woods, Martin.
Nursing Ethics. 11/01/2010, Vol. 17 Issue 6, p715-725. 11p.
Abstract: This article explores the social and ethical elements of cultural safety and combines them in a model of culturally safe practice that should be of interest and relevance for nurses, nurse educators and nurse ethicists in other cultures. To achieve this, the article briefly reviews and critiques the main underpinnings of the concept from its origins and development in New Zealand, describes its sociocultural and sociopolitical elements, and provides an in-depth exploration of the key socioethical elements. Finally, a model is presented to illustrate the strong connection between the social and ethical components of cultural safety that combine to produce culturally safe practice through the activities of a ‘socioethical’ nurse

6. Supporting Indian nurses migrating to New Zealand: a literature review.
By Woodbridge, M.; Bland, M.
International Nursing Review. Mar 2010, Vol. 57 Issue 1, p40-48. 9p.
Abstract: The issues around nursing migration and its effects have been discussed in many forums, but there is evidence of a gap in understanding the issues around acculturation and socialization. This selected literature review sought to identify the significant factors that impact on migrating nurses becoming competent and confident registered nurses in the New Zealand practice environment.

Articles – Alzheimers

7. Sacred Relationships, Strengthened by Community, Can Help People with Mild or Early-Stage Alzheimer's.
By  McGee, Jocelyn Shealy; Myers, Dennis.
Generations. Spring 2014, Vol. 38 Issue 1, p61-67. 7p.
Abstract: People with mild or early-stage Alzheimer's disease consider sacred relationships to be at the heart of adjusting to and coping with this disease. Spiritual advisors and the community must play an active role in preserving this relationship in people with Alzheimer's. This article explores findings on the importance of sacred relationships from the perspective of 28 people with mild Alzheimer's.

8. Successes and Failures for Drugs in Late-Stage Development for Alzheimer’s Disease.
By  Berk, Camryn; Sabbagh, Marwan N.
Drugs & Aging. 2013, Vol. 30 Issue 10, p783-792. 10p.
Abstract: To date, symptomatic medications prevail as the mainstay of treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There have been tremendous investments made to increase the numbers of drugs approved and the targets engaged, in an effort to alter the disease course or pathophysiology of AD. Unfortunately, almost all studies have not met expectations and no new drug (beyond medical foods) has been approved for the treatment of AD in the last decade. This review is a comparison of novel AD therapies in the late phases of clinical testing, including recent high-profile clinical failures, and agents in development with relatively unexplored mechanisms of action, with a focus on their potential as therapeutic agents and their proposed advantages over the treatments currently in use

9. Mild Physical Impairment Predicts Future Diagnosis of Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type.
By Wilkins, Consuelo H.; Roe, Catherine M.; Morris, John C.; Galvin, James E.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Jul 2013, Vol. 61 Issue 7, p1055-1059. 5p
Abstract: To determine whether mildly impaired physical function (based on performance-based assessment) is associated with development of dementia of the Alzheimer's type ( DAT) in cognitively normal older adults. Design Longitudinal, observational study with yearly assessments of physical and cognitive function. Mean follow-up was 5 years. Setting Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Participants Four hundred thirty-five cognitively normal adults aged 60 and older participating in longitudinal studies of aging

10. Blood biomarkers as diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease.
By  Herkert, Matthias. MLO: Medical Laboratory Observer.
Jul 2013, Vol. 45 Issue 7, p54-59. 3p.
Abstract: The article reports on the consideration of blood biomarkers as a tool for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It says that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have showed 91% accuracy in the identification of AD from healthy controls. It adds that the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD can be achieved through the combination and biomarker analysis, imaging techniques, and neuropsychological assessment

Articles – Alcoholism

11. Stress, Epigenetics, and Alcoholism
By  Moonat, Sachin; Pandey, Subhash C.
Alcohol Research: Current Reviews. 2012, Vol. 34 Issue 4, p495-505. 11p
Abstract: Acute and chronic stressors have been associated with alterations in mood and increased anxiety that may eventually result in the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Stress and associated disorders, including anxiety, are key factors in the development of alcoholism because alcohol consumption can temporarily reduce the drinker's dysphoria. One molecule that may help mediate the relationship between stress and alcohol consumption is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that regulates the structure and function of the sites where two nerve cells interact and exchange nerve signals (i.e., synapses) and which is involved in numerous physiological processes.

12. The risks associated with alcohol use and alcoholism
By: Rehm, Jürgen. Alcohol Research & Health. 2011, Vol. 34 Issue 2, p135-143. 9p
Abstract: Alcohol consumption, particularly heavier drinking, is an important risk factor for many health problems and, thus, is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. In fact, alcohol is a necessary underlying cause for more than 30 conditions and a contributing factor to many more. The most common disease categories that are entirely or partly caused by alcohol consumption include infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, neuropsychiatric diseases (including alcohol use disorders), cardiovascular disease, liver and pancreas disease, and unintentional and intentional injury. 

13. Understanding alcoholism
By Massouras, Anthony. Practice Nurse. 6/29/2007, Vol. 33 Issue 12, p27-29. 3p.
Abstract: The article focuses on the problem of alcoholism. It describes the key role practice nurses can play in identifying people who are drinking at unsafe levels and helping them to improve their health. Two stages to treatment of patients dependent on alcohol include detoxification and prevention of relapse. It stresses the need to get rid of the stigma associated with alcoholism in Great Britain and to broaden the understanding of alcohol dependence.

14. Alcohol reduction starts here
By Dermody, Emma. Nursing Standard. 6/25/2014, Vol. 28 Issue 43, p24-25. 2p
Abstract: Nurse Emma Dermody explains how to identify and help patients in hospital with alcohol problems.

Journal – Table of Contents

15. From Neonatal, Paediatric and  Child Health Nursing, July 2014, Volume 17 Number 2

15A. Developing a culture of nursing research in neonatal clinical care in Western Australia
15B. The voice of the adolescent: perceptions of general practice and accessing other health care services
15C. Management of atopic dermatitis in children: Evaluation of parents’ self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-reported task performance using the Child Eczema Management Questionnaire
15D. RESUS4KIDS: Teaching paediatric resuscitation to nurses in New South Wales
15E. Psychological and educational interventions for atopic eczema in children

Health Protection Agency – New Research

16. Alcohol and older people. A descriptive analysis of changes in alcohol use in older New Zealanders from 2004 to 2009
The objective of this report is to examine the changes in alcohol use in New Zealand for older men and women aged 60 years and over, and the association of these changes with socio-economic and deprivation factors, living arrangements and chronic health conditions. The report uses data from the Statistics New Zealand Survey of Family Income and Employment (SoFIE) and the SoFIE-Health sub-study, covering the period from 2002 to 2010.

Download this report:
http://www.hpa.org.nz/research-library/research-publications/alcohol-and-older-people-a-descriptive-analysis-of-changes-in-alcohol-use-in-older-new-Zealanders

17. Evaluation of the 'Don't Let the Sun Get Under Your Skin' campaign
4 Jul 2014
The sun safety programme of HPA launched a campaign, ‘Don’t Let the Sun Get Under Your Skin’ (UYS), to promote sun-safe knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among young New Zealanders. Two of the main campaign activities include events that feature the use of an ultraviolet (UV) camera to show young people the damage they have on their face from sun exposure and an UYS Facebook page. An evaluation of the UYS campaign was undertaken to explore any possible impact on the target audiences and to help guide the strategic direction of the youth sun safety programme

Download this report:
http://www.hpa.org.nz/research-library/research-publications/evaluation-of-the-dont-let-the-sun-get-under-your-skin-campaign-0

News – National

18. Editorial: Te reo Maori (in English)
Stuff - 21/07/2014
OPINION: The Maori language is a unique New Zealand treasure. Learning the language opens a window on the broader Maori culture, to the benefit of Maori and Pakeha alike.
Click here for Maori version

Te reo is more relevant in 21st century New Zealand than, for example, the traditional French language that previous generations of New Zealanders have learned. While Asian languages are in the ascendance, the value of learning them is largely to do with trade and the wider world. But language is more than about money. It is about identity, and as New Zealanders we need to embrace something that is already here
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/editorials/10289799/Editorial-Te-reo-Maori-in-English

19. Confidentiality and the unpublished electoral roll Charles Mabbett
15 July 2014
Did you know that not everyone has to have their details published on the electoral roll? This makes sense if you and your family members could face a personal risk if your information was accessible to people who may want to cause you harm. The Electoral Act, under section 115, says the Electoral Commission may include you on the unpublished roll if it would be prejudicial to your personal safety, or your family, to have your details on the printed roll. It particularly applies to those of you who have a protection or restraining order against someone who knows you. It also includes members of the Police and their families
http://www.privacy.org.nz/blog/electoral-roll/

20. Some nurses unwilling to wash uniforms
ODT – 17/7/2014
Some emergency department nurses fought a change that has them laundering their uniforms, Dunedin Hospital ED specialist John Chambers says. Nurses in ED now wear the board's new uniform, rather than scrubs, and it is not laundered by the Southern District Health Board
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/309610/some-nurses-unwilling-wash-uniforms

21. How gardens could help heal dementia
NZ Herald - Thursday Jul 17, 2014
Green spaces helped care home residents relax, researchers say.Gardens in care homes could be crucial in helping to stimulate memories for dementia sufferers, scientists have found. Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School found green spaces helped care home residents relax, and reduced agitation for those with dementia.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11294337

22. Minister backs cuts to maternity units
Stuff - 17/07/2014
Health Minister Tony Ryall has backed the Waikato District Health Board's decision to cut funding to the Morrinsville and Te Awamutu maternity units. Declining birth rates at the two rural birthing centres have been used as justification for their closure. In a visit to Te Kuiti Hospital, Ryall was told about several rural health projects underway in the Waikato and the desperate need to provide "health [services] closer to home" - an idea he later agreed with
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/10275558/Minister-backs-cuts-to-maternity-units