Articles - Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses' Association
1. Prevalence of undiagnosed urinary tract infections on admission to a rehabilitation unit.
By Matthews, Shaun; Barnard, Alan; McMillan, Renee; Spreadborough, Trish; Horton, Eleanor. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses' Association (JARNA). 01/12/2013, Vol. 16 Issue 3, p7-11. 5p.
Abstract: Through clinical observation nursing staff of an inpatient rehabilitation unit identified a link between incontinence and undiagnosed urinary tract infections (UTIs). Further, clinical observation and structured continence management led to the realisation that urinary incontinence often improved, or resolved completely, after treatment with antibiotics. In 2009 a small study found that 30% of admitted rehabilitation patients had an undiagnosed UTI, with the majority admitted post-orthopaedic fracture. We suspected that the frequent use of indwelling urinary catheters (IDCs) in the orthopaedic environment may have been a contributing factor. Therefore, a second, more thorough, study was commenced in 2010 and completed in 2011. Aim The aim of this study was to identify what proportion of patients were admitted to one rehabilitation unit with an undiagnosed UTI over a 12-month period. We wanted to identify and highlight the presence of known risk factors associated with UTI and determine whether urinary incontinence was associated with the presence of UTI.
2. Early hospital prediction of length of stay in a post-acute inpatient rehabilitation programme for traumatic brain injury. By Davenport, Angela; Foster, Allison M. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses' Association (JARNA). 01/12/2013, Vol. 16 Issue 3, p12-15. 4p
Abstract: Predicting the length of stay within rehabilitation for clients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been considered by international researchers. We were interested in applying one of these prediction models within our client group and analysing the variables within our own population when clients discharged earlier or exceeded their length of stay prediction. Our study found that the acute rehabilitation coordinator (ARC) team correctly predicted 63% of the client group which was studied, while 29% had a shorter length of stay than expected. All cases were reviewed and the rationale for extending or reducing their predicted length of stay was then analysed. Results were compared with data reported within the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].
3. Living with and understanding COPD: a review of individual perspectives.
By Brooke, Michelle. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses' Association (JARNA). 01/12/2013, Vol. 16 Issue 3, p16-21. 6p
Abstract: People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience breathlessness, physical and psychosocial consequences of their illness on a daily basis. In addition to these burdens, people with COPD often struggle to understand their diagnosis and prognosis as well as the causes of this disease. An important part of the management of COPD is participation in pulmonary rehabilitation. While the positive objective outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation are well documented, less well known is how participation in pulmonary rehabilitation can impact on the experience of living with COPD. The social environment and interactions which occur with both peers and health professionals during pulmonary rehabilitation have been identified by those with COPD as particularly important.
Articles - Advocacy
4. Demand grows for an official advocate for older people.
By Triggle, Nick. Nursing Older People. Nov 2013, Vol. 25 Issue 9, p8-9. 2p.
Abstract: The article offers the author's insights on the growing demand to establish an independent commissioner for older people in England. The report by independent research institute CentreForum think tank reveals that older people need an advocate to represent their rights. Older People's Commissioner for Wales Sarah Rochira mentions the unique challenges faced by older people
5. Patient Advocacy Organizations: Institutional Conflicts of Interest, Trust, and Trustworthiness.
By Rose, Susannah L. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics. Fall 2013, Vol. 41 Issue 3, p680-687. 8p
Abstract: Patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) advocate for increased research funding and policy changes and provide services to patients and their families. Given their credibility and political clout, PAOs are often successful in changing policies, increasing research funding, and increasing public awareness of medical conditions and the problems of their constituents.
6. Promoting compassionate care through learning journeys.
By Price, Bob. Nursing Standard. 7/31/2013, Vol. 27 Issue 48, p51-57. 7p.
Abstract: Nurses' ability to provide compassionate care has come under increasing scrutiny in the light of reports criticising shortfalls in care. In response to this concern, three possible learning journeys that may encourage compassionate care are discussed. The learning journeys address issues relating to the conceptualisation of care and related learning. This article is aimed at nurses with an interest in nurse education; who teach or mentor in practice and who wish to advocate changes within care relationships in practice.
7. Nurses advocating human rights commended.
Australian Nursing Journal. Jun 2013, Vol. 20 Issue 11, p14-15. 2p
Abstract: The article profiles Tom Carter, Elizabeth Hatch and Elizabeth Crock, three Australian nurses who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to human rights at the 2013 Human Rights and Nursing Awards at the International Centre of Nursing Ethics conference , which was held in Melbourne, Australia in May.
8. Genetics: advocating for the rights of all individuals to informed decision making and voluntary action.
By Goldsmith, Lesley; Skirton, Heather. Nursing Standard. 11/13/2013, Vol. 28 Issue 11, p37-41. 5p
Abstract: This is the fourth article in a series describing how nurses can develop their confidence and competence in genetics and genomics health care. The focus of this article is the right of the individual to make an informed choice, to be supported to make that choice and to do so in a voluntary manner. Nurses are well placed to support patients who may be considering genetic testing and are often responsible for gaining their consent for such investigations. It is essential that they provide balanced information in a way that the patient can understand and are able to explain the different options and possible outcomes of genetic tests, while considering the wider implications this may have on the patient's family.
Articles - Menopause
9. Lifestyle risk management - a qualitative analysis of women's descriptions of taking hormone therapy following surgically induced menopause.
By Crowe, Marie; Burrell, Beverly; Whitehead, Lisa. Journal of Advanced Nursing. Aug 2012, Vol. 68 Issue 8, p1814-1823. 10p
Abstract: This article is a report of a study that examined how women describe their decisions in relation to the use of menopausal hormone therapy following surgical menopause. Background. Women who have had a surgically induced menopause generally experience more intense menopausal symptoms than natural menopause and are regularly prescribed menopausal hormone therapy. Since 2002 the risks associated with this therapy have been widely reported. Method. This study is a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews between March and May 2009 with 30 participants who had experienced surgical menopause and were, or had in the past, taken menopausal hormone therapy.
10. Changes in Iron Measures over Menopause and Associations with Insulin Resistance.
By Kim, Catherine; Nan, Bin; Kong, Shengchun; Harlow, Siobhan
Journal of Women's Health. Aug 2012, Vol. 21 Issue 8, p872-877. 6p
Abstract: No longitudinal studies have examined how iron measures change over menopause. Our objectives were to examine iron measures in individual women at premenopause and at postmenopause and, secondarily, to determine if any changes contributed to insulin resistance. Methods: In a subset of participants ( n=70) in a longitudinal study of menopause, we measured ferritin, transferrin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) once in the premenopause and once in the postmenopause. We also examined associations between menopausal status and change in iron markers after adjustment for age at menopause, race/ethnicity, and waist circumference. In linear regression models, we examined associations between premenopause iron measures and changes in iron markers over menopause with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) changes over menopause, before and after adjustment for age at menopause, race/ethnicity, changes in waist circumference, C-reactive protein (CRP), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels
11. Menopause management: How you can do better.
By Dickson, Gretchen M. Journal of Family Practice. Mar 2012, Vol. 61 Issue 3, p138-145. 8p
Abstract: The article offers information on ways for women who experience menopausal symptoms to improve their quality of life. Furthermore, treatments for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, which include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antidepressants, and physical activity are discussed.
12. Type and Timing of Menopause and Later Life Mortality Among Women in the Iowa Established Populations for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly Cohort.
By Tom, Sarah E.; Cooper, Rachel; Wallace, Robert B.; Guralnik, Jack M.
Journal of Women's Health. Jan 2012, Vol. 21 Issue 1, p10-16. 7p
Abstract: The relationship between menopausal characteristics and later life mortality is unclear. We tested the hypotheses that women with surgical menopause would have increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with women with natural menopause, and that women with earlier ages at natural or surgical menopause would have greater all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than women with later ages at menopause. Methods: Women who participated in the Iowa cohort of the Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly ( n=1684) reported menopausal characteristics and potential confounding variables at baseline and were followed up for up to 24 years. Participants were aged 65 years or older at baseline and lived in rural areas. We used survival analysis to examine the relationships between menopausal characteristics and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality
Journal - Table Of Contents
13. From Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA), November 2013 - Volume 43 - Issue 11
MAGNET(R) PERSPECTIVES
13A. The Global Quest for Nursing Excellence
Managing Organizational Complexity
13B. WARD WARRIORS: The complex nature of nurse mobility
Strategic Leadership for Organizational Change
13C. Leaning In: Lessons for Leadership Career Development
Articles
13D. Structural Empowerment and the Nursing Practice Environment in Magnet® Organizations
13E. Retirement Financial Planning and the RN: An Integrative Literature Review
13F. California’s Nurse-to-Patient Ratios, Part 3: Eight Years Later, What Do We Know About Patient Level Outcomes?
13G. RN Workgroup Job Satisfaction and Patient Falls in Acute Care Hospital Units
13H. The Presence and Roles of Nurse Navigators in Acute Care Hospitals
13I. Residency Programs for New Nurse Graduates: How Widespread Are They and What Are the Primary Obstacles to Further Adoption?
13J. Meeting the Needs of New-Graduate Nurse Practitioners: A Model to Support Transition
13K. Evaluation of the Use of Bar-Code Medication Administration in Nursing Practice Using an Evidence-Based
New Zealand Legislation
14. Review of the Act and Code 2014
Health and Disability Commissioner Anthony Hill is currently undertaking the fourth review of the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 (the Act) and Code of Health and Disability Consumers' Rights (the Code). The Act requires the Commissioner to undertake reviews of both the Act and the Code, consider whether any amendments are necessary or desirable, and report the findings to the Minister of Health. The Commissioner sought comments from the public about whether the Act and Code should be amended and the operation of the Act and Code in general. Submissions closed on 5 February 2014.
The Commissioner's consultation document is available to download in PDF (925KB) and in Word (21KB).
http://www.hdc.org.nz/the-act--code/review-of-the-act-and-code-2014
Conferences
15. NZSSD STUDY DAYS (Nurses, Dietitians, Podiatrists, GPs, Registrars)
Date: May 6, 2014
Venue: Rydges Hotel, Queenstown
More information: http://wired.ivvy.com/event/AKB004/
16. NZ Society for the Study of Diabetes Conference 2014
Date: May 7 - 9, 2014
Venue: Rydges Hotel, Queenstown
More information: http://wired.ivvy.com/event/AKB003/
17. NZSSD - The Annual Scientific Meeting and Annual General Meeting
Date: 6-9 May 2014
Venue: Queenstown
More information: http://www.nzssd.org.nz/meetings.html
News - National
18. World study highlights NZ obesity rate
TVNZ - 5 February 2014
A World Health Organisation study of fast food purchases per capita has found that New Zealand is one of the worst, with a sharp increase in both fast food consumption and obesity rates. In a ranking of 25 countries, New Zealand had the fourth highest increase in terms of fast food purchases
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/world-study-highlights-nz-obesity-rate-5824050
19. Legal highs leave woman a rocking, crying mess
STUFF - 5 Feb 2014
Young Blenheim woman Anesha Stratton wakes up at least three times a night to smoke synthetic cannabis. The 19-year-old will be admitted to a detox centre in Christchurch next Friday, Valentine's Day, after realising that she can't give up legal highs on her own.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/9687652/Legal-highs-leave-woman-a-rocking-crying-mess
20. Legal highs sold in suburban street
Bay of Plenty Times - 7 Feb 2014
Legal highs are being sold in a residential street in Tauranga's Gate Pa. The residential-based retailer of the psychoactive substances says his customers, who include professionals and terminally ill cancer patients, prefer the discreet location and cause no nuisance to neighbours.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11198000
News - International
21. Cancer overtakes heart disease as biggest killer in Australia: World Health Organisation
The Age - February 4, 2014
It's a word we all fear, and every day more of us are forced to face it. And now the World Health Organisation has revealed that cancer has overtaken heart disease as the biggest killer in Australia and globally. Despite having access to some of the best healthcare in the world, experts say, Australia still faces many thousands of deaths each year from the disease.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/health/cancer-overtakes-heart-disease-as-biggest-killer-in-australia-world-health-organisation-20140204-31yob.html
22. Here’s an easy resolution: Remember to breathe (better)
The Calgary Herald January 3, 2014
Let’s face it. Most people find New Year’s Resolutions frustrating. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology reports that fewer than half of Americans even bother making them, and those who do report a dismal success rate of 8 per cent. Men and women are equally likely to make New Year’s vows, though females incline more toward weight loss while men list quitting smoking more than women do. Getting organized is also near the top of the list. Here’s an easy suggestion for a resolution: Improve your breathing. Since you have to inhale and exhale anyway, conscious breathing is not going to be time-consuming like going to the gym, it costs nothing, and it could pay off with significant health benefits
http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Here+easy+resolution+Remember+breathe+better/9338347/story.html