Towards a Definition of Death Anxiety

There is currently no consensus about what the notion of death anxiety means. This commentary explores the complexity of death anxiety, asserts the distinction between anxiety and fear,and attempts a definition that encompasses the many facets associated with the term.

Understanding the Patient Experience Through the Power of Film: a Mixed Method Qualitative Research Project

Film is a highly attractive teaching instrument for the study of different terminal diseases, exploring bioethics (Beauchamp and Childress, 2009) and is a preferred medium over traditional lectures (Edmunds, 2013) to provide realistic examples for adult learners. It can tap into ethical issues; facilitate decision-making; and examine underlying issues such as euthanasia; assisted suicide; and professional responsibility. Contrast this with standard means of teaching, such as scenarios- although a useful pedagogic tool, these are limited because students must imagine the clinical scenario. Film can fill that imaginative gap (Volandes, 2007). It can be utilised as an active teaching strategy for a variety of topics in nursing (Edmunds, 2013) providing a unique way to promote active learning in nursing education (Herrman, 2006). The objectives of the study, aim to help pre registration student nurses from each year of study to engage with their role as health care professionals; provide open discussion and debate on how they view the personal experience of illness/disease/disability/death and to reflect on their role and provision of patient care. It is delivered in 3 tiers to provide a range of data for thematic analysis; 1) Film screening followed by a ‘5 minute reaction’ discussion and post screening questionnaire; 2) Pre screening guided activities for reflection and discussion; 3) Focus groups. This project meets identified aims from the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) by fostering creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning; facilitating and supporting the design and delivery of continuing education development programmes and activities; and demonstrates professionalism that staff and institutions bring to teaching. Preliminary feedback and themes will be presented.

Comparisons of Fungal Spore Distributions Using Air Sampling at Worcester, England (2006-2010)

This study determined annual and monthly fluctuations in concentration of 20 fungal genera. The selection of taxa was made based upon their high frequency in the air as well as their well-known allergenic properties. Air samples were collected using a spore trap of Hirst design at an urban site where the trap continuously worked throughout a 5-year survey. Weather data were acquired from a meteorological station co-located with the air sampler. Influence of several meteorological parameters was then examined to reveal species–environment interactions and the potential location of fungal spore sources within the urban area. The maximum monthly sum of mean daily spore concentration varied between genera, and the earliest peaks were recorded for Pleospora sp. in April and Ustilago sp. in June. However, the majority of investigated spore types occurred in the greatest concentrations between August and September. Out of the 20 studied taxa, the most dominant genus was Cladosporium sp., which exceeded an allergenic threshold of 3000 s m-3 40 times during very rainy years and twice as much during dry years. A Spearman’s rank test showed that statistically significant (p B 0.05) relationships between spore concentration and weather parameters were mainly rs B 0.50. Potential sources of spores at Worcester were likely to be localised outside the city area.