BSc (Hons) Nursing

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/7259

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A comparative-descriptive enquiry of postnatal depression in immigrant and refugee women within NHS Lothian.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Aim: The aim of the proposed research is to gain an in-depth understanding of the views of immigrant and refugee women's experiences of postnatal care within NHS Lothian. Background: About every one in ten mothers develop postnatal depression. For immigrant and refugee women the prevalence is proposed to be higher. This is due to predisposing risk factors that increase their chances of developing postnatal depression. Due to the increasing diversity within Scotland and the lack of research based on the topic within this country, it is important that we ensure that the right care and support is available. Methods: Participants are to be sampled using non-probability, purposive sampling. Information letters shall be sent to health visitor and family based centres to recruit participants. For this phenomenological study, the use of unstructured, face to face, interviews will be the method of data collection. Conclusion: Practical and cultural barriers determine whether a women seeks help for their postnatal depression. Stigmatisation surrounding postnatal depression is a problem than affects not only immigrant and refugee women but also the average population. Awareness for healthcare professionals needs to be increased in order to provide the help and support that women with postnatal depression require.
A phenomenological exploration of sexual health and wellbeing and perceptions of care and support following colorectal stoma forming surgery: the lived experiences of males within Scotland.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Aims: The aim of this research proposal is to highlight from a review the literature, what is known regarding sexual health and wellbeing following ostomy formation from the perspectives of those who have undergone colorectal stoma forming surgery. A review of the literature revealed bold conclusions have made in some instances which declare the implication to be far more detrimental for women in terms of sexual health and wellbeing, nonetheless research detailing the lived experiences of men is sparingly limited. No empirical studies were found to have been conducted exclusively within Scotland and so the study seeks to address this. Care and support was discovered to play a significant role in the recovery and adjustment process and this is something which the research will focus upon. Methods: A research methodology has been designed to promote a culture which strives at its crux to deliver holistic and person-centred care. The research proposal outlines a methodological approach to conducting a qualitative study of hermeneutic phenomenological design. One-to-one semi-structured open-ended interviews from ten participants shall inform data collection and it is hope that empirical rich and raw information can be gained. Data analysis shall follow a six stage process, conducted by a team of researchers. Conclusions: It is hope that the findings of the study will illuminate interpretations of lived experience specific to sexual health and wellbeing following ostomy formation for males within Scotland. The study aims to provide in-depth understanding and insight which can hep inform to provision of better support and care in the future.
A Qualitative Study Exploring the Phenomenon of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults in the Context of Emergency Nursing Practice.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
The aim of this dissertation is to understand how nurses in the emergency department report their experiences of the phenomenon of loneliness and social isolation in older adults during acute hospital admissions. From the searching and appraisal of the literature, three themes emerged in relation to loneliness and isolation; health care utilisation, socio-demographic factors, and relationship to health. The aim of the proposed qualitative research is to gain a greater understanding into the perceptions and experiences of caring for older adults who experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. The proposed research will be carried out across the two emergency departments within NHS Lothian. Through semi-structured interviews, the subject area will be explored in great detail. Interviews will be conducted with nursing staff from the two departments. The findings from the study will add to the existing knowledge base, and potentially influence future research in nursing practice.
A retrospective, exploratory descriptive study looking at the perceptions of people who have survived cardiopulmonary resuscitation towards family presence during resuscitation.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
The purpose of this research proposal is to explore the perceptions of people who have survived a cardiopulmonary resuscitation towards family presence during resuscitation. By carrying out an extensive literature review this gap in the literature has been identified. The study will work to establish patients understanding of the term family witnessed resuscitation, retrospectively explore the thoughts, feelings and opinions of patients in relation to family witnessed resuscitation and attempt to gain a clearer understanding of the emotional and psychological effects that family witnessed resuscitation has on patients who have been involved in such events. Approximately 12-15 participants will be invited to partake in an unstructured interview which in which they will recall their experience of family witnessed resuscitation allowing qualitative data to be gathered. This study will then use an exploratory-descriptive design to present the findings back. It is hoped the results of this research will then be used to help create clearer, more holistic guidelines for clinical areas which will advise best practice and inform staff of how to facilitate this.
An exploration into nurses' awareness of the effects of negative communication styles on the person-centred care provided to older people in a hospital and longterm care setting.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
The impact of different communication styles used towards older persons is a current issue both within and outside of healthcare settings. The use of negative communication styles can influence an older person's behaviour, causing them to become agitated or aggressive, or minimising the levels of personal dignity which they feel. With the proportion of older people in the population steadily increasing, the impact of negative communication styles with older people is a growing concern for those in the healthcare profession. The literature review will show that this issue has been highlighted in a range of studies. Effective and focused communication is accepted as making a vital contribution towards the best quality of person-centred care. It is therefore important for professional care staff to be aware of both the worth of effective communication and the risks arising from negative communication styles. The purpose of this research proposal is to explore nurses' awareness of the negative communication styles used towards the older person. This study aims to establish whether or not nurses are able to identify between the positive and negative aspects of communication, for example patronising and controlling language. The study will also allow exploration into more effective ways of communication with the older person, considering how person-centred care can be enhanced. Data will be collected during two focus groups with nurses, after the showing of simulated vignettes illustrating the use of negative communication. It is expected that by carrying out this research study, the findings will offer an additional source of qualitative information for nurses and other healthcare professionals to refer to and help inform their future practice.
An exploration of Nurses' role in End of Life decision making - a phenomenological enquiry.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
Aim: The aim of this research proposal is to explore the perceptions of Nurses regarding their participation and role in end of life decision making, as well as any barriers to this care. Background: Nurses are seen to be the profession who spend the greatest amount of time with patients to ensure their physical, psychological and spiritual needs are met. However, international literature has identified that nurses feel excluded in the decision making process regarding end of life care. For example: the decision to withdraw nutrition and hydration and completing DNACPR orders. Instead, advocacy arose as the most common role of Nurses' in EOL decisions, as barriers such as hierarchical processes, poor communication and lack of time impeded their ability to participate further. Methodology: This proposal will utilize an exploratory, phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews with 8-12 registered Nurses from a general, medical ward in the East of Scotland. This will allow for deep explorations of the thoughts, feelings and perceptions of nurses regarding their role in decision making. The data will then be analysed and presented through thematic analysis. Conclusion: The aim of this study is not to criticize or affect national policies on end of life care. Instead, it will allow insight into current EOL Nursing practice with an aim to encourage reflection among Nurses to ensure they provide evidence based, person centred care that will allow patients to have a voice to be heard in decisions regarding their final care.
An exploratory study of how nurses understand and experience caring for alcohol dependent patients in an acute medical ward.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Alcohol dependency is a growing problem in Scotland. It is a complex condition associated with a number of detrimental health outcomes, consequently causing an increase in the number of patients in hospital who are alcohol dependent. Despite this, assessment and management of alcohol problems in hospital is frequently poor. There is limited research exploring nurse's experiences of caring for this patient population within the acute ward setting, particularly across Scotland and the rest of the UK. This research project proposes to explore how nurses understand and experience caring for alcohol dependent patients in an acute medical ward. The key objectives within this are to (1) explore the thoughts, opinions and perceptions nurses have towards caring for alcohol dependent patients, (2) explore factors which facilitate and impede nursing care of alcohol dependent patients and (3) aid further research to improve overall care of alcohol dependent patients. This proposed research study will use a qualitative research design using principles of hermeneutic phenomenology. A purposive sampling strategy will be utilised with aspects of convenience. The data will be collected through semi structured interviews and analysed using Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. The results of this proposal aim to contribute to nursing practice by aiding further research on the area as well as guiding recommendations for practice and education in order to improve overall care for patients with alcohol dependency.
An exploratory study to identify if exposure to caring for people with learning disabilities can alter initial perceptions and feelings of pre-registration, general nursing students.
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Background: People with learning disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to have health issues than the rest of the general population (MENCAP 2016). Despite their heavy reliance on health services, health inequalities are present for this group (Lacey and Ouvry 2003). The literature shows that they encounter discrimination and poor care in the health care environment. This can result in affecting their quality of life and some cases have even resulted in unnecessary deaths (McArthur et al. 2015). It is essential to face these injustices, especially since 1.5 million make up the UK population (MENCAP 2016). The perceptions and feelings towards this group can affect the care provided and a lack of training and skill for working with this population is apparent (McConkey et al 2002, Thornton 1999).The evidence from the literature suggests that this educational requirement is needed and identified by nursing staff (Webber at al. 2008). However, there is little evidence to suggest as to what will be done to address this demand to improve these educational needs Aims: The proposed study is to identify if exposure to caring for people with learning disabilities can alter initial perceptions and feelings of pre-registration, general nursing students. The aims are to discover if exposure to caring for this group can alter these initial perceptions and feelings; to explore the initial feelings and perceptions of general student nurses when caring for people with learning disabilities; to gain an understanding of how current education training prepares student nurses for caring for this group and to identify if exposure to this care has an impact on the future practice of student nurses. Methods: This study will adopt a qualitative exploratory-descriptive approach using audio recorded focus groups and semi-structured online logs. A combination of purposive and nonprobability sampling will be used to recruit general student nurses from a large city in Scotland. The data collected will be over a three-week period and analysed using thematic analysis.
Are Individuals who are living with aphasia as a result of a stroke satisfied with the quality of their communication?
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Background: Whilst the incidence of stroke is increasing, the mortality rate is decreasing. This highlights that individuals are more likely to live through a stroke than in previous years. With this, comes the increased incidence of individuals living with long term side effects as a result - one of the main examples of such side effects is aphasia. Aphasia is a disorder which affects an individual's ability to read, speak, write or understand language. Current guidelines state that individuals with aphasia should be provided with adequate support regarding their communication requirements. Furthermore, this is reinforced in the Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) code of conduct and the person centered practice framework. Aims: This research will be conducted in order to establish whether or not individuals who are living with aphasia are satisfied or dissatisfied with their quality of communication following a stroke. Ascertaining this will allow the requirement for further research to be identified. Such research will establish a way in which communication quality could be improved for individuals living with aphasia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with each participant in their homes with the aid of an experienced speech and language therapist. Augmentative communication will be employed in order to aid the participants in the form of Talking Mats. Blank notebooks will be given to each participant in order for them to record any thoughts and feelings they may have following their discharge from hospital when they are settling back in to their home lives. These notebooks will be adapted with emoji stickers as an aid for individuals who cannot write the words in themselves.
Are nurses aware of the gender and sex based differences affecting women in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?
(2019)
Background In Scotland, coronary heart disease (CHD) kills nearly twice as many women as breast cancer (British Heart Foundation (BHF), 2017) yet there is no media campaign in existence for female coronary care in the United Kingdom (UK) which matches the scale of the Wear It Pink (2019) campaign for breast cancer awareness. CHD often leads onto a condition known as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ACS is a term which describes a spectrum of symptoms that indicate myocardial infarction (MI) or unstable angina (UA). Detection of ACS in women is complex and incorporates physiological and gender and societal based stigmas. Aims The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding into the experiences of nurses who care for female patients with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of ACS, with a view to establishing areas where patient care and support for nurses can be improved, as well as increased awareness of the presentation of ACS in women. Methods 10 nurses who work in cardiology will be recruited for the purposes of this study. Participatory Action Research (PAR) is the chosen research design, therefore collaborative working between researcher and participants will be present. A focus group will be deployed in the first cycle of PAR in order to allow the participants to identify areas from the literature review that they deem important to their practice and to nursing care. Subsequent cycles of PAR will be informed based on the data collection and the findings in the first cycle. Positive change and participant empowerment are the main goals the researcher hopes to achieve through the use of PAR.
Barriers to implementing effective dehydration management in persons with dementia: A phenomenological study
(2019)
The purpose of this research is to explore the barriers nurses experience when implementing effective dehydration management in persons with dementia. This study will explore the approaches and methods currently used in practice to improve hydration care for people living with dementia. It will pay particular attention to the perceptions and experiences of registered nurses regarding the barriers they face providing hydration care. A qualitative inductive approach, drawing on phenomenological theory, will be used to address the aims of this study. Over the course of a two month period, ten registered nurses from two geriatric medical wards will be provided with the opportunity to take part in this research. Those who wish to participate will be interviewed to gain in depth data on their perceptions and experiences of the barriers to managing dehydration in persons living with dementia. Data will be analysed using phenomenological principles to produce rich descriptions and interpretations of participating nurse’s experiences. It is hoped that by carrying out this study the findings will be an informative source of evidence for nurses and other health care professionals seeking to improve their practice of hydration care. It will demonstrate a way of enhancing person-centred hydration care for persons living with dementia while allowing nurses to address the barriers identified in the research to ensure the provision of evidence based care.
Can Aftercare Following an Attempted Suicide Decrease the Risk of Deliberate Self-Harm Repetition?
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
Background In Scotland, an estimated 68 individuals under the age of 25 attended accident and emergency (A&E) at least in the once three months prior to committing suicide between 2010 and 2012 (ISD 2014). Nurses and other healthcare professionals working in A&E departments have an important role in maintaining the wellbeing of deliberate self-harm (DSH) patients. A&E departments are in the frontline of treating a large number of DSH patients, they play an important role in suicide prevention and also in preventing repetition (Bridge et al. 2012; Ting et al. 2012). Given that A&E departments are often the initial step in the care for young adults presenting with DSH, it is essential aftercare is offered as a possible solution to prevent repetition. Aims This research proposal aims to examine the support and aftercare given to young adults presenting to accident and emergency after attempted suicide. The intention would be to establish the levels of aftercare offered to young adults and discover whether a link exists between the absence of aftercare and increased DSH repetition rates. Methods The study would be conducted using an interpretive qualitative approach and an inductive research design. The method of data collection would consist of semistructured interviews, comprising of open questions, to gain an insight into the experiences of young adults who have deliberately self harmed. The results would be used to discover if young people receive aftercare and if this reduces the likelihood of repetition. It is hoped the proposed study would raise awareness of the importance of aftercare for those presenting with DSH.
Clinical nursing staff effect on baccalaureate nursing students’ learning experience during practice placement: a person-centred inquiry.
(2021)
Background: Practice placements are essential in nursing students learning and development, enabling them to make theoretical and practical links and develop confidence and competence in preparation for formal registration. Clinical nursing staff play a key role in teaching and supporting students to achieve this. However, it has been reported that some students feel clinical nursing staff neglect these professional and person-centred roles and responsibilities, which hinders students learning and negatively impacts their preparedness for practice. It is important to understand nursing students’ perspectives, to better inform and enhance the implementation of person-centred nursing pedagogy and nursing practice. This will help to create more positive and enabling learning experiences for students during practice placement and ultimately, help better prepare them for registration. Aim: To explore how clinical nursing staff effect baccalaureate nursing students’ learning experience, during practice placement. Design: An Interpretive Phenomenological study with person-centred theory. Methods: Unstructured interviews with 3rd and 4 h year baccalaureate nursing students from Queen Margaret University, in Scotland. With the students consent, the interviews are recorded and transcribed. Findings are analysed using the phenomenological concepts of essences.
Developing Support for Young People Experiencing Appearance Changes throughout Cancer Treatment: An Experience-Based Co-Design Project.
(Queen Margaret University, 2017)
A young person undergoing cancer treatment may experience significant appearance changes that negatively affect their psychosocial wellbeing, social interaction and self-confidence. This dissertation provides a background to the challenges experienced by young people undergoing cancer treatment, presents a literature review that critically discusses the evidence base, identifies gaps in the literature and informs the development of a research proposal. The overarching purpose of this phase one project is to improve the experiences of young people attending a cancer centre by facilitating a participatory approach to a person-centred innovation. The collaborative project, which involves young people and healthcare professionals, will focus on enhancing support with appearance changes and ensures young peoples' voices are heard to inform the development of services. This project draws on the theoretical and philosophical background of participatory action research, critical theory, social constructionism and person-centred principles. The project will use an Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) methodology to prioritise care improvements and develop sustainable solutions that can be implemented into nursing care. This research proposal also critically discusses the limitations of the project, implications for future practice and identifies a plan for dissemination of the findings to enhance person-centred care approaches that address young peoples' needs throughout cancer treatment.
Do adult smokers who are resistant to a period of compulsory smoking abstinence experience higher stress levels during an elective orthopaedic admission than those who are accepting of it?
(Queen Margaret University, 2015)
Background Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death with recent figures indicating that over 13,000 deaths each year in Scotland are attributable to smoking (ScotPHO 2012). Cigarette smoke is a known carcinogen causing a multitude of diseases not just for the smoker themselves but for those around them. In 2006 the Scottish Government responded to the high mortality rate by implementing new laws that strictly prohibit smoking inside any public premises to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke (Smoking, health and social care (Scotland) Act 2005). Hospitals are required to have smoke-free policies in place and in Scotland this year these laws are set to extend to encompass the entire grounds in addition to buildings, further restricting smokers. No research has been conducted in Scotland on what impact being resistant to smoke-free policies has on the individual, during a period of hospital-generated smoking abstinence. Aims This study would be conducted to identify if individuals who are resistant to a period of compulsory abstinence are represented in a population accessing elective orthopaedic services. Furthermore, how the stress levels of those resistant compare to the accepting group will be assessed, with the intention of determining if a relationship can be inferred between resistance to a period of compulsory abstinence and stress levels. Methods This is a prospective correlational survey study. It would utilise accidental and quota sampling methods to attain an achieved sample from an elective orthopaedic population in a large Edinburgh hospital. Data collection would be conducted using a series of questionnaires, the results of which would be statistically analysed using descriptive statistics. Further analysis by inferential statistics would be conducted using Analysis of variance statistical test. This seminal research would provide findings on the topic that has thus far not been studied in Scotland. The findings will establish if a relationship between resistance towards compulsory smoking abstinence exists and will be a platform for experimental research into the nature of this relationship. This will help develop a knowledge base in this area to inform nursing practice and policy.
Do palliative care nurses experience an emotional impact from the utilization of continuous deep sedation on terminally ill patients?
(2021)
Background: Continuous sedation is a therapy used in end-of-life care, to manage refractory symptoms that a patient may experience in the last days or hours of their life. Palliative sedation is intended to relieve the burden of intolerable suffering from patients who are dying. It provides this relieve by bringing a state of unconsciousness to the patient. Nurses play an important role in the utilization of palliative sedation, however, little is known about their experiences of being involved with this practice. Aim: The aim of this research proposal is to explore if palliative care nurses experience an emotional impact from the utilization of continuous deep sedation on terminally ill patients in the United Kingdom. Design: An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach has been used for this study. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 10 palliative care nurses who have provided continuous deep sedation to a patient in the past, who work at the chosen location for the study, an NHS Hospice in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Interviews will be recorded, and transcribed giving participants consent. To analyze collected data, an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach will be used. Relevance to nursing theory and practice: The emotional well-being of healthcare professionals is extremely important for them as a person and for their ability to care for patients. This study may provide insight into if or how palliative sedation may impact the emotional health of nurses who are involved in this practice. Depending on the findings, strategies and measures may be developed in this area of care, to support nurse's emotional health, therefore impacting and improving person-centred care practice.
Do Scottish Coronary Care Unit nurses have negative perceptions towards monitor alarms and therefore showing signs of becoming alarm fatigued?
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Background Alarm fatigue occurs when healthcare staff are exposed to a large number of monitor alarms causing them to become desensitised and increasing their reaction time to the monitor alarms (Horkan, 2014). This therefore has a negative affect on the safety of the patients. Alarm fatigue stems from the fact that 85-95% of monitor alarms do not need clinical intervention or are not truly representative of a change in a patient's condition (The Joint Commission, 2013). Nursing staff therefore begin to lose trust in the monitoring systems and do not respond to the monitor alarm appropriately. Some nursing staff have admitted using dangerous interventions in a bid to try reduce the number of alarms such as lowering alarm volumes, setting alarm limits outside appropriate ranges and disabling alarms (Korniewicz et al, 2008). These interventions can have devastating consequences for the patient, with 80 patients dying due to an alarm related incident in America between 2009 and 2012 (The Joint Commission, 2013). Aims From reviewing the literature it has been established that there have been no studies carried out on alarm fatigue in Scotland on Coronary Care Unit (CCU) nurses. Therefore, the study's aim is to establish whether Scottish CCU nurses have negative perceptions towards monitor alarms and therefore, showing signs of becoming alarm fatigued. The study will also establish whether Scottish CCU nurses have an understanding of the term alarm fatigue. Method A quantitative descriptive survey design will be used to achieve the research aims. A multi-stage cluster sampling approach will be used to create the sample. The sample will be made up of Scottish CCU nurses with more than six months of experience working in a CCU. A self-administered online questionnaire will be used as the data collection tool. The data collected on the perceptions Scottish CCU nurses have towards monitor would assess whether nurses are showing signs of becoming alarm fatigued. The data will be analysed using descriptive statistics including percentages displayed in pie charts.
Does stigma affect how Scottish acute care nurses provide care for people with a diagnosis of depression?
(Queen Margaret University, 2016)
Background Depression is a mental illness that can host many different damaging symptoms affecting 350 million people across the world and is a main contributor to disability (WHO 2015). Depression can lower a person's mood and change the way they think to such an extent that they can struggle to function and complete tasks that they once enjoyed (Wasserman 2011). Many people who suffer with depression do not seek professional help; this is due to the fear of social stigma and feelings of shame (Rusch et al 2013). Stigmatising behaviour can not only be identified socially but from staff within the hospital setting (Waterworth et al 2015). In order to reduce the reluctance of people to seek professional help for depression more needs to be done to reduce the negative social stigma of depression. Aims This research proposal aims to discover if stigma of depression impacts the care nurses provide within the acute setting by establishing in what ways people receiving care may have been aware of this stigma. This explorative research proposal is the first phase of a wider study, aiming to use the information collected to generate a new understanding of how to reduce stigma to create nursing theory that will improve the standards of care provided to patients with a diagnosis of depression. Methods This explorative study would be conducted using an inductive phenomenological approach. Qualitative semi-structured interviews would be used to gather the thoughts, feelings and perceptions of 8-10 participants on their experiences of stigmatising behaviour within an acute ward setting. The findings would be used to generate a new understanding of how stigma possibly held by acute care nurses can impact the care they provide. The findings of this study would hopefully aid further research in the attempt to reduce the stigma of depression.
Does witnessing or participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation affect student nurses?
(2019)
The purpose of this research proposal is to explore the affect that witnessing or participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has on student nurses. This study will explore what student nurses experiences of witnessing or participating in CPR are and, more specifically, will uncover the amount and types of support that these students have received after their experiences with CPR and the effect that the support had on them. Being a student nurse is demanding, students are expected to work both full time clinical placement hours and keep up with university assignments and exams. To then be faced with the further strain of witnessing an event that could be traumatic for a student for, quite possibly, the first time the stress that students find themselves under can become too much. This is why providing student nurses with enough support to get through these experiences is vital for preventing student nurses from dropping out of the course or becoming emotionally distressed. Over the course of two months the opportunity to participate in this study will be offered to all third and fourth year students at a small university in Scotland. Of these students it is hoped that ten will participate in the study. Those who are willing to participate in the study will be invited to an interview, where the research team aims to gain qualitative data regarding their experiences, feelings and thoughts. The findings of this study aim to uncover if students are receiving adequate support within clinical placements and how much the support that they do receive influences their emotions and ability to continue on the course. It is hoped that the findings of this research will offer information to both universities and clinical placement areas regarding the amount of support student nurses need after witnessing or participating in CPR. Furthermore this information should ensure that students are being offered this support from their clinical placement areas or universities after CPR.
Exercising the funny bone? Exploring the role of Humour in the Emergency Department: An Ethnographic study
(2019)
Aim: A review of literature and a research proposal explores the use of humour within the Emergency Department (ED) relating to the nurse- patient relationship. Method: Through critical analysis five research papers were selected for review. A critical appraisal tool (CASP) was used to analyse the research methods against the findings. These findings were grouped together into five overarching themes. The research proposal aims to explore the use of humour within the ED in the nurse - patient relationship. An ethnographic methodology was chosen and methods for data collection are observations and interviews of nurses and patients in one ED in Scotland. Video footage of resus will also be requested as data and the program “24 hours in A&E” will be used to gain a perspective of the ED culture. Thematic and discourse analyses will be used to analyse raw data. Results and Conclusion Themes which emerged from the literature review were: The use of humour in healthcare, why is humour used, patient initiated humour, the therapeutic use of humour and when humour is not used. The literature highlights humour is present in healthcare. Nurses and patients both comment on its use and benefits. Humour was used as a coping mechanism by patients, to mask concerns and to help destress nurses. Nurses stated they found humour to be more present in males than females and discuss humour affecting professionalism. Literature also comments on humour not being used when patients are in pain or in a life-threatening situation. This highlights a gap in research relating to the use of humour in the ED. There was a lack of observational research, and patient perspective interviews. It is hoped that the research proposal will lead to the research being undertaken with the aim of increasing evidence-based care relating to the use of humour and result in person-centredness. The research results will be disseminated into an article and presented in a poster and perhaps at a conference. Key Words: Humour, Humor, Nursing, Emergency Department, Research Proposal, Ethnography, Person-centred care.