Blog to visit

I just paid this blog a visit and found some interesting comments on generational issues AND some suggestions for change! Judy
http://www.onehealthpro.com/

E-Journal Club #6

Andrews, Tom RN, PhD, Waterman, Heather RN, PhD, “Packaging: a grounded theory of how to report physiological deterioration effectively”, Journal of Advanced Nursing, December 2005, 52(5), pp473-481.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this paper is to present a study of how ward-based staff use vital signs and the Early Warning Score to package physiological deterioration effectively to ensure successful referral to doctors.

Background: The literature tends to emphasize the identification of premonitory signs in predicting physiological deterioration. However, these signs lack sensitivity and specificity, and there is evidence that nurses rely on subjective and subtle indicators. The Early Warning Score was developed for the early detection of deterioration and has been widely implemented, with various modifications.

Method: The data reported here form part of a larger study investigating the practical problems faced by general ward staff in detecting physiological deterioration. During 2002, interviews and observations were carried out using a grounded theory approach, and a total of 44 participants were interviewed (30 nurses, 7 doctors and 7 healthcare support workers).

Findings: Participants reported that quantifiable evidence is the most effective means of referring patients to doctors, and the Early Warning Score achieves this by improving communication between professionals. Rather than reporting changes in individual vital signs, the Early Warning Score effectively packages them together, resulting in a much more convincing referral. It gives nurses a precise, concise and unambiguous means of communicating deterioration, and confidence in using medical language. Thus, nurses are empowered and doctors can focus quickly on identified problems.

Conclusion: The Early Warning Score leads to successful referral of patients by providing an agreed framework for assessment, increasing confidence in the use of medical language and empowering nurses. It is essential that nurses and nursing students are supported in its use and in developing confidence in using medical language by continued emphasis on physiology and pathophysiology in the nursing curriculum.

Julie's picks from the May literature

These are Julie's picks from the May crop of new articles dealing with EBN or Nursing Research.

1. Plach SK. Paulson-Conger M. Demystifying the research process with participatory learning: a taste of research. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development. 2007 Jan-Feb; 23(1): 45-8. (10 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009574921 NLM Unique Identifier: 17259821.

2. Harris K. Spinweber C. Dohergy M. Milligan L. Addy L. Hydo B. The integration of a nurse model to increase clinical excellence. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development. 2007 Jan-Feb; 23(1): 12-9. (12 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009511674 NLM Unique Identifier: 17259816

3. Catania K. Huang C. James P. Madison M. Moran M. Ohr M. Wound wise. PUPPI: the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Protocol Interventions. American Journal of Nursing. 2007 Apr; 107(4): 44-53. (24 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009566362 NLM Unique Identifier: 17413732.

4. Rheingans JI. A systematic review of nonpharmacologic adjunctive therapies for symptom management in children with cancer. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing. 2007 Mar-Apr; 24(2): 81-94. (49 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009523593 NLM Unique Identifier: 17332422

5. Levin RF. Feldman HR. The EBP controversy: misconception, misunderstanding, or myth. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice. 2006 Fall; 20(3): 183-6. (9 ref) AN: 2009285308 NLM Unique Identifier: 16986352

6. Shirey MR. Stress and coping in nurse managers: two decades of research. Nursing Economics. 2006 Jul-Aug; 24(4): 193-203, 211. (62 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009270153 NLM Unique Identifier: 16967890.

7. Vratny A. Shriver D. A conceptual model for growing evidence-based practice. Nursing Administration Quarterly. 2007 Apr-Jun; 31(2): 162-70. (57 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009553588 NLM Unique Identifier: 17413511.

8. Shaha M. Rabenschlag F. Burdensome situations in everyday nursing: an explorative qualitative action research on a medical ward. Nursing Administration Quarterly. 2007 Apr-Jun; 31(2): 134-45. (47 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009553584 NLM Unique Identifier: 17413507.

9. Schiemann D. Moers M. Expert standards in nursing as an instrument for evidence-based nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Care Quality. 2007 Apr-Jun; 22(2): 172-9. (11 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009552693 NLM Unique Identifier: 17353755.

10. Cooper CL. Nolt JD. Development of an evidence-based pediatric fall prevention program. Journal of Nursing Care Quality. 2007 Apr-Jun; 22(2): 107-12. (16 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009555080 NLM Unique Identifier: 17353745.

11. Fontenot HB. Transition and adaptation to adoptive motherhood. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing. 2007 Mar-Apr; 36(2): 175-82. (15 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009549935 NLM Unique Identifier: 17371522.

12. Ridley RT. Diagnosis and intervention for occiput posterior malposition. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing. 2007 Mar-Apr; 36(2): 135-43. (31 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009549928 NLM Unique Identifier: 17371514.

13. Muller-Staub M. Lavin MA. Needham I. van Achterberg T. Nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes -- application and impact on nursing practice: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2006 Dec; 56(5): 514-31. (92 ref) Burlew has some years. AN: 2009323396 NLM Unique Identifier: 17078827.

14. Freeman T. 'Best practice' in focus group research: making sense of different views. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2006 Dec; 56(5): 491-7. (24 ref) Burlew has some years. AN: 2009323394 NLM Unique Identifier: 17078825

15. Vaughn F. Wichowski H. Bosworth G. Does preoperative anxiety level predict postoperative pain? AORN Journal. 2007 Mar; 85(3): 589-94, 597-604. (20 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009540490 NLM Unique Identifier: 17352896.

16. Chi GC. The role of hope in patients with cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum. 2007 Mar; 34(2): 415-24. (45 ref) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009545021.

17. Vanderboom T. Does music reduce anxiety during invasive procedures with procedural sedation? An integrative research review. Journal of Radiology Nursing. 2007 Mar; 26(1): 15-22. (21 ref) AN: 2009541527.

18. Richards T. Johnson J. Sparks A. Emerson H. The effect of music therapy on patients' perception and manifestation of pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction. MEDSURG Nursing. 2007 Feb; 16(1): 7-15. (20 ref 2 bib) Burlew carries this journal AN: 2009539240.

E-Journal Club #5

Todd, Betsy MPH, RN, CIC, “Extensively Drug Resistant Tuberculosis”, AJN, Vol.107 (6), June 2007, pp. 29-31.

Abstract: Recent outbreaks highlight the need for improved prevention,

control, and surveillance programs.

I like the American Journal of Nursing because their articles are short, to the point and usually timely (as well as informative). This week’s article has all of these characteristics as well as some pretty impressive graphics if you visit the journal in person or on-line at the Burlew library’s web site “Burlew On-Line Journals”.

I found this an excellent article to supplement an understanding to the recent news report on a drug resistant tuberculosis patient who was flying a commercial plane internationally.

While the article addresses the history and need for control, how will that control be achieved? How are an individual’s rights and responsibilities balanced? It is enlightening to understand the prevalence of this type of TB.