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Item Identification of risk factors for ewe mortality during the pregnancy and lambing period in extensively managed flocks(BioMed Central Ltd, 2023-12-06) Flay KJ; Chen AS; Yang DA; Kenyon PR; Ridler ALBACKGROUND: Ewe mortality during pregnancy and lambing is an issue for sheep producers globally, resulting in reduced productivity and profitability, compromised ewe welfare, and poor consumer perception. Despite these negative consequences, there was little investigation into factors associated with ewe death during this time. Therefore, this study aimed to assess associations between ewe body condition score (BCS), weight, reproductive parameters, and risk of mortality during pregnancy and lambing. METHODS: Four cohorts from three commercial New Zealand farms participated, with 13,142 ewe lambs enrolled and followed over time. Data were collected for five consecutive lambings. Visits aligned with key on-farm management times, specifically: prior to breeding, at pregnancy diagnosis (PD), prior to lambing (set-stocking), and, at weaning of their lambs. At each visit, ewes were weighed, BCS assessed and reproductive status was recorded when relevant (litter size at PD and lactation status after lambing). Ewes that died or were culled were recorded, and any ewes that were absent from consecutive visits were presumed dead. Logistic regressions were developed to assess the relationship between weight and BCS at each visit, PD result (single or multiple-bearing) and lactation status (wet or dry) in each year, and, risk of mortality during the pregnancy and lambing period in each year. RESULTS: In the PD to weaning period, mortality incidence ranged from 6.3 to 6.9% for two-tooth (18-months-old at breeding) to mixed-age (54-months-old at breeding) ewes. For ewe lambs (7 to 8-months-old at breeding), mortality was 7.3% from set-stocking to weaning. Heavier ewe lambs at PD were less likely to die during lambing (OR: 0.978, p = 0.013), as were those with greater set-stocking BCS. In subsequent years, BCS was a predictor of ewe death, with odds of mortality greatest for ewes < BCS 2.5. Additionally, for poorer BCS ewes, increasing weight reduced risk of mortality, but there was no impact of increasing weight in greater BCS ewes. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified risk factors associated with ewe mortality during the pregnancy and lambing period. Flock owners can use these to either cull at-risk ewes or proactively intervene to reduce likelihood of mortality, thereby improving flock productivity, profitability and welfare.Item When and how to say goodbye: An analysis of Standard Operating Procedures that guide end-of-life decision-making for stranded cetaceans in Australasia(Elsevier Ltd, 2022-04) Boys RM; Beausoleil NJ; Betty EL; Stockin KAStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are tools used to ensure management best practice during emergency incidents including wildlife interventions, such as cetacean strandings. The compromised state of stranded cetaceans means humane end-of-life decisions may be considered, and SOPs frequently guide this process. This study evaluated SOPs for end-of-life decision-making and technically enacting euthanasia of stranded cetaceans across Australasia. The aim was to highlight similarities and differences in management and explore directions to improve stranded cetacean welfare. SOPs were requested from the eight government authorities across Australia and New Zealand. All SOPs were evaluated for decision-making criteria, yielding 29 parameters for the implementation of end-of-life decisions. Euthanasia and palliative care were options for end-of-life, with palliative care recommended when euthanasia was not feasible or presented human safety risks. Three euthanasia methods were recommended. Ballistics was recommended in seven SOPs, chemicals in five and explosives in three SOPs. Variability existed in the exact procedures and equipment recommended in all three methods. Additionally, only five SOPs provided criteria for verifying death, while only two recommended time-to-death be recorded, hindering evaluation of the welfare impacts of end-of-life decisions and euthanasia procedures. Our findings highlight the need for detailed guidance and consistency in end-of-life decisions and euthanasia techniques to ensure reliable welfare outcomes. Systematic, standardised data collection at euthanasia events across regions is required to facilitate assessment of welfare impacts and develop evidence-based recommendations. International collaboration is key to developing objective criteria necessary to ensure consistent guidance for end-of-life decisions.Item Crafting death : grief, stories, and materiality in Katikati Coffin Club : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Anthropology at Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2020) Russell, BronwynCoffin Clubs are a social phenomenon in Aotearoa New Zealand, where people gather for two main purposes: to talk about death and dying, and to build their own coffins. This latter, practical aspect is what sets Coffin Clubs apart from other death-related support groups. This research explores why people attend Katikati Coffin Club. My field work involved attending Katikati Coffin Club on a weekly basis for more than a year. While I was there, I helped build and decorate many coffins, including my own. Using participant-observation and ethnographic accounts from club members, my findings reveal the nuanced reasons people choose to attend Coffin Club, and why many continue to attend long after they have finished building their coffin. This research explores the practical element of Katikati Coffin Club through the lens of the anthropology of craftwork. I consider how the act of building a coffin facilitates conversations about death, dying and grief. I argue that building a coffin can be seen as a form of storytelling, and an acknowledgement of mortality. Finally, I suggest that Coffin Club provides an alternative to the coffins sold by the funeral industry, and is a way to take control of/personalise ‘death work’ (actively preparing for death, both practically and in more abstract, emotional ways). My findings assert that Coffin Club helps people talk about death and grief. It creates a space for people to share different practices relating to death work, and provides an opportunity to craft narratives. As club members tell their stories through crafting a coffin, they are also able to narrate their loss and grief. As they craft their coffin, they also craft the relationships and the social space around them. In performing a practical aspect of death work, Coffin Club members are working on grief and loss. Woodwork, death work and the work of grief, occurring simultaneously.Item One foot on the other side : changed orientations to death after a near-death experience : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2018) Lindsay, Nicole MilaOne of the most frequently reported changes after a near-death experience (NDE) is a dramatically reduced or eliminated fear of death. Although a relatively large body of literature has attested to the presence of this aftereffect, the exact nature of this transformation, and why NDEs trigger such changes, has remained speculative. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to comprehensively explore attitudes and beliefs about death following an NDE, with the aim of expanding existing knowledge in this area. Fifty-nine near-death experiencers (NDErs), 46 people who had experienced a life-threatening event but with no NDE, and 69 participants who had never come close to death, completed an online survey measuring attitudes and beliefs about their own personal death. Seventeen NDErs also took part in a series of semi-structured interviews to better determine how and why attitudes to death change after an NDE. Findings demonstrated NDErs have a significantly more positive orientation to death than others, particularly with respect to transpersonal fears, or what happens following the body’s physical demise. Attributions for change included reduced fear of pain and suffering at death, feeling that life (and death) has a purpose, relinquishing control over life, acceptance of death as a reality and increased belief in the continuation of consciousness. NDErs were significantly more likely than others to believe in some form of post-mortem continuation. Overall, results demonstrated the unique, subjective content of the NDE was integral to any changes, and that NDEs appear to affect beliefs and attitudes to death in a relatively specific and consistent manner. These findings are discussed in terms of their potential for death education and the treatment of death anxiety, particularly for those imminently facing their own death.Item An analysis of the trauma management system in a predominantly rural New Zealand setting : a preventable death study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Health Systems Management at Massey University(Massey University, 2000) Lockhart, Caroline AnneA one-year prospective study of all trauma deaths in the greater Manawatu region is reported on in this thesis. The aims of the study were to first, establish a database of the trauma deaths and second, to analyse trauma management systems within the region. A total of 56 cases satisfied the inclusion criteria for the 12-month study period. Deaths by category of trauma for the population were 31 (55.3%) road crash victims; 16 (28.5%) deaths due to suicide; five (8.9%) homicidal deaths; and, four deaths due to other causes, namely a fall, an electrocution, burns and one drowning following a head injury. Of these 36 (64%) were found by ambulance services to be 'in cardiac arrest' and five (8.9%) were 'not in cardiac arrest' but died later at the scene. One case died in transit and 14 cases (25%) died in hospital. Data on pre-incident factors such as alcohol, speed and safety practices showed that eight (24%) of the 31 motor vehicle related deaths had positive blood alcohol levels. Inappropriately high speed was an additional factor in three of these deaths as was the absence of safety equipment. Co-morbidity, where this existed, was also found to be a significant factor. Post-incident factors which influenced the fatal outcome of the incident included geographical location and ensuing access to the individual, the actual injuries sustained, and the provision of timely and appropriate treatment of injuries. An expert panel was convened to classify the deaths and evaluate the care provided by personnel in the trauma management system. The panel identified a number of pre-hospital and in-hospital deficiencies but determined that these deficiencies had no effect in terms of deaths. Of the twenty cases evaluated, eighteen deaths were classified as 'not preventable', one death was unable to be classified by the panel, and one death was classified 'possibly preventable'. If the trauma system in the greater Manawatu region had been flawless one life may have been saved - (5%) of the trauma death population. It is recommended that an efficacy study (encompassing both live and dead trauma victims) is conducted in the region to provide a more accurate perspective and evaluation of the trauma management system. The opportunity exists for further research to be conducted in an area with a similar geography and population distribution, also serviced by one second-level hospital, that does not currently have a regional trauma system in place.Item The having-been-ness and the being-in-the-world of twin survivors : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing at Massey University(Massey University, 1996) Glen, JennyThis study uses Heideggerian interpretive phenomenology to examine the experience of being a twin, then being a twin survivor in the world. Heidegger's terminology is selectively used to shape the interpretation of the twins' narratives. The phenomenological method focuses on participant descriptions of their everyday life; there are no conclusions and no scientific results. While there have been many scientific studies using twins as subjects, there seems to be very few published studies using twin narrative. Every participant wished to be part of this study because they felt that it might help others in similar situations. They described their life as a twin, their reaction to the death of their co-twin, and the intense loneliness that they have felt ever since. In describing their experiences, they have managed to portray a picture of twinship seldom made so explicit. The intense reliance on each other that results from living together closely since conception, has a particular impact on their being-in-the-world. Many of those interviewed felt that half of them had gone forever after the death of their twin, and struggled to develop their own sense of identity as a lone twin. As survivors, the participants now view the world differently, and although others may see them as a singleton, they will always remain a twin.Item Optimising the human experience : the lived world of nursing the families of people who die in intensive care : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing at Massey University(Massey University, 1997) Andrew, CatherineIntensive Care nurses share some of the most precious and poignant moments with people who have family members dying in ICU. This study explores the lifeworld of seven ICU nurses who describe their experiences working with these families. Data was gathered using unstructured, indepth, face-to-face interviews. These were tape-recorded and transcribed. The study uses a phenomenological approach informed by Heidegger and hermeneutics. Van Manen's methodological suggestions are followed to shape and focus the study, and provide guidelines for analysis of the data and the writing of the report. The findings reveal that ICU nurses recognise that this is a particularly tragic and difficult time in peoples' lives. The nurses are aware that the last hours or days with a dying relative may be vividly remembered for years to come. During this time nurses seek to optimise the human experience of the family members by making the time as positive, or best, as possible. This is achieved through strategies such as Being There, Supporting, Sharing, Involving, Interpreting and Advocating. These strategies are enabled by three domains: Nurse as Person, Nurse as Practitioner and Nurse as Colleague which describe a wider context to working effectively with families rather than merely looking at direct interactions between the nurse and the family. Optimising the Human Experience is proposed as the central essence or phenomenon of nursing the families of people who die in ICU.Item End-of-life care for elderly within aged residential care facilities : views and perceptions from their next-of-kin : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science with an Endorsement in Health Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu Campus, New Zealand(Massey University, 2015) Barnes, Hayley MareeBy 2051, the number of people aged 65 and over will account for 1.33 million of New Zealand’s population (Statistics New Zealand, 2006). This has created attention as to what current practices and facilities are available to this cohort of New Zealand’s population, and what more we can do to make sure we provide adequate services. Limited literature provides insight into what takes place within aged-residential care (ARC) facilities during end-of-life (EoL), especially within New Zealand, even though approximately 40% of those aged 85 and above in New Zealand do already die in ARC facilities (Gibb, 2014). This project investigates the experiences and perceptions of EoL care for elderly within ARC facilities, from the perspective of their next-of-kin (NoK)/family member. Eleven NoK/family members who experienced the passing of their elderly relative within an ARC facility, were recruited as participants. The study used a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews. The interviews were then transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis on Dedoose, a web-based application, to draw themes from the data. Questions were kept broad and open, so that participants would be able to relay their story as openly as possible without interruptions. The findings are presented under ten major themes which includes; the occurrence of a ‘crisis’ for their elderly relative, the responsibility and adjustment to the role of NoK, changes in the elderly relative’s personality, the effort and kindness experienced within the ARC facility, reflection of the conversations participants had with their elderly relative, the multi-dimensional effect of pain, the process of letting go and anticipatory grief, expectations of the ‘good death’, the influence family has on the experience of being the responsible NoK/family member, and the participants experience of grief while managing the funeral. The interpretation of the results highlighted the extended period that is considered to be EoL and its care within an ARC facility, as opposed to only the last few days before death. This research enables an insight of what entails EoL care within the environment of the ARC facility, as well as allowing the NoK/family member to share the story of their experience.Item Grief and social support : who do bereaved individuals utilise for support? : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Sciences in Psychology at Massey University(Massey University, 1993) Durbin, Michelle EdithThe present study aimed to investigate, using three theoretical perspectives of sociobiology, attachment and affiliation, who individuals go to for social support after the death of a close friend or relative. Based on the sociobiological literature it can be postulated that bereaved individuals will go to family for support. Attachment theory proposes that they will go to friends whereas affiliation theory suggests that people who have experienced a similar bereavement would be used for support. Based on the grief and social support research it was expected that bereaved individuals would go to a combination of supports and that female support givers would be used more than male supporters. It was also anticipated that bereaved females would use more supports than bereaved males. An added consideration was that bereaved individuals would use their partners for support. Thirty female and thirty male community based volunteers aged 20-70 were asked to complete a questionnaire at a time and place deemed appropriate for them. The questionnaire comprised items regarding demographics, and support from family, friends and people who have experienced a similar bereavement. The results revealed that bereaved individuals used a combination of support types but used more friend support after their bereavement than family or experienced person support. More female than male supports were used by both bereaved females and males. Bereaved females used significantly more supports than bereaved males. The majority of participants who had partners used them for their support. It was concluded that bereaved individuals used more informal social supports, such as friends and family, than formal supports. Friends, including partners, were most often used. Significant gender differences were found in who the bereaved people approached for support.Item Constructing and managing patient death : a narrative inquiry : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment for the requirement for the degree of Masters of Science in Psychology (endorsed in Health Psychology) at Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2015) Steyn, Wilmie-MinetteThis research inquiry has sought to explore how medical consultants construct and manage patient death. Previous research in this area has focused on the influence of patient death on nurses and medical students or on family members. However no research could be found that specifically investigated what the influence of patient death was on medical consultants nor on how medical consultants constructed and managed patient death. This thesis aims to break new ground by examining this topic. Twelve consultants across six different specialities: Emergency medicine, Anaesthetics, Intensive care, General surgery, Internal medicine and Paediatrics; volunteered to be interviewed for this research project. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and then analysed using narrative inquiry in order to gain insights into the influence of patient death on consultants and also how they understand and manage patient death. Findings are discussed in two parts. The first part focuses specifically on the values that consultants hold and how these values underpin their particular identity as consultants. The research shows that consultants value being responsible, having support from others, being rational decision-makers, being good communicators, however they also value keeping their emotions compartmentalised until they felt it appropriate to display them. Consultants used these values to build the identity of a good doctor as one who is ethical and compassionate. Furthermore, consultants used these values to help them project the protagonist position they held within their narratives. The second part explores how consultants construct and manage patient death; both in a broad sense and with reference to specific cases. These findings indicated that consultants consider death not only as a relentless force without discriminatory power, but also as a natural process. Viewing death in these ways allowed consultants to construct death in two ways, depending on whether the death was due to an acute or chronic condition. For patients who died in acute circumstances, the consultants constructed death as a lost battle. For patients who died following long term illness, death was constructed as a merciful end. The case examples emphasized that these two distinct constructions of death allow consultants to manage patient death. They were able to resolve their own internal conflicts of feeling that they should be able to save all patients versus the reality that it is not possible to save everyone. This research contributes to the limited research in this area and fills a gap in the literature by specifically looking at consultants, a group that has not previously been considered.