Here are my picks from the nursing literature published over the last few months. Staff at St. Joseph Hospital or Children's Hospital of Orange County may be able to access some of the full text articles through the Burlew Medical Library.
1. An evidence-based practice primer for infusion nurses. Bays CL; Hermann CP; Journal of Infusion Nursing, 2010 Jul-Aug; 33 (4): 220-5. Abstract: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the process of using current, best evidence to guide nursing care and improve patient outcomes. This article discusses the differences between research and EBP, reviews the process of EBP, and applies EBP guidelines to central catheter infections, a clinical problem relevant to infusion nursing.
2. Involving students in the real world of evidence-based practice. Putnam JM; Journal of Nursing Education, 2010 Jul; 49 (7): 423-4.
3. Promoting evidence-based practice and translational research. Barnsteiner JH; Reeder VC; Palma WH; Preston AM; Walton MK; Nursing Administration Quarterly, 2010 Jul-Sep; 34 (3): 217-25. Abstract: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an evolutionary step in the nursing model of excellence in professional practice at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. A healthcare culture focused on excellence and world-class patient care requires that nursing research and EBP are integrated into the professional practice model and nursing care delivery. To achieve this, it requires the development of staff expertise, time allocation for staff to participate in scholarly activities, resources that support EBP and research, and expert consultants in EBP and nursing translational research. This article describes the systems and structures in place to provide staff with resources in order to translate research and deliver EBP and the multiple initiatives in disseminating evidence to the point of care.
4. Engaged nurses lead way to improved outcomes via technology. Simpson RL; Nursing Administration Quarterly, 2010 Jul-Sep; 34 (3): 268-73. Abstract: Coupling evidence-based practice with technology enables nursing leaders and their staffs to engage with new vigor and passion as they integrate better practices from the nursing literature into what happens at the patient bedside. The degree to which nurses and their leaders engage positively, or negatively, affects organization's health-from the unit to the boardroom. Nurse executives now have available to them the tools needed to measure, improve, and sustain a culture of engagement in their organizations.
5. Meeting Magnet® Research and Evidence-Based Practice Expectations Through Hospital-Based Research Centers. Ingersoll GL; Witzel PA; Berry C; Qualls B; Nursing Economic$, 2010 Jul-Aug; 28 (4): 226-36.
6. Responding to agitation in people with dementia. Dewing J; Nursing Older People, 2010 Jul; 22 (6): 18-25. Abstract: Although medication and physical restraint have traditionally been used to treat agitated behaviours, there is growing evidence that holistic approaches can be beneficial, says Jan Dewing.
7. The limitations of evidenced-based practice.Baumann SL; Nursing Science Quarterly, 2010 Jul; 23 (3): 226-30.
8. Building research capacity in the nursing workforce: the design and evaluation of the nurse researcher role. Chan R; Gardner G; Webster J; Geary A; Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2010 Jun-Aug; 27 (4): 62-9. Abstract: Objectives The Nurse Researcher Project (NRP) was initiated to support development of a nursing research and evidence based practice culture in Cancer Care Services (CCS) in a large tertiary hospital in Australia. The position was established and evaluated to inform future directions in the organisation. Background The demand for quality cancer care has been expanding over the past decades. Nurses are well placed to make an impact on improving health outcomes of people affected by cancer. At the same time, there is a robust body of literature documenting the barriers to undertaking and utilising research by and for nurses and nursing. A number of strategies have been implemented to address these barriers including a range of staff researcher positions but there is scant attention to evaluating the outcomes of these strategies. The role of nurse researcher has been documented in the literature with the aim to provide support to nurses in the clinical setting. There is, to date, little information in relation to the design, implementation and evaluation of this role. Design The Donabedian's model of program evaluation was used to implement and evaluate this initiative. Methods The 'NRP' outlined the steps needed to implement the nurse researcher role in a clinical setting. The steps involved the design of the role, planning for the support system for the role, and evaluation of outcomes of the role over two years. Discussion This paper proposes an innovative and feasible model to support clinical nursing research which would be relevant to a range of service areas. Conclusion Nurse researchers are able to play a crucial role in advancing nursing knowledge and facilitating evidence based practice, especially when placed to support a specialised team of nurses at a service level. This role can be implemented through appropriate planning of the position, building a support system and incorporating an evaluation plan. Database:
9. Critical appraisal of the evidence: Part II digging deeper--examining the "keeper" studies. Fineout-Overholt E; Melnyk BM; Stillwell SB; Williamson KM; American Journal of Nursing, 2010 Sep; 110 (9): 41-8.
10. An Evidence-based Clinical Guideline for Initial Management of Behavioral Emergencies. White A; JEN: Journal of Emergency Nursing, 2010 Sep; 36 (5): 450-4.
11. New evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for neonatal pain. Advances in Neonatal Care, 2010 Aug; 10 (4): 171.
12. Hypothyroidism: an evidence-based approach to a complex disorder. Kapustin JF; Nurse Practitioner, 2010 Aug; 35 (8): 44-53 Abstract: Approximately 11 million people are affected with hypothyroidism every year in the United States. Because signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism often mimic other comorbid conditions, making an accurate diagnosis can be difficult.
