Articles
1. Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients
Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p10
Abstract: The article reports on the publication of the guidelines for field triage of injured patients by the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC), a public resource for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, in the U.S. The guidelines are published online and can be accessed at the NGC Web site, located at www.guideline.gov. The guidelines served as recommendation of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage and aim to help emergency medical services providers in correctly identifying patients.
2. Educational Tool Available for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention
Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p10
Abstract: The article reports on the release of the educational tools about catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention by the Patient Safety Authority (PAS), an independent agency that analyzes and evaluates serious incidents in hospitals, in the U.S. CAUTI is considered as one the most commonly-acquired infections in the U.S. but can be prevented. Health care facilities aim to implement prevention practices and PSA recommends changes in health care practices and procedures.
3. Prepublication Versions of 2010 National Patient Safety Goals Available
Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p10
Abstract: The article reports on the revision of the 2010 National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations in the U.S. The revision was done in response to the concerns that the resources need to comply with the safety goals. Details of the revision are available on the Commission's Web site.
4. Spanish-Language Resources for Consumers
Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p10
Abstract: The article evaluates the Web site Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Spanish Language, located at www.ahrq.gov/consumer/espanoix.htm.
5. Extending the tradition of giving thanks: Recognizing the health benefits of gratitude
by Alspach, Grif. Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p12-18
Abstract: The article discusses the health benefits of gratitude. Studies show that conveying thanks in a simple and straightforward manner reflect psychological, social and physical gains that promote psychological health. It presents the nature, origin and definitions of gratitude. Psychological benefits include optimism while social benefits may include reciprocal kindness in the form of helping others.
6. AACN's Healthy Work Environment Standards and an Empowering Nurse Advancement System
by Vollers, Dawn et al. Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p20-27
Abstract: The article focuses on the Work Environment Standards and the Empowering Nurse Advancement System of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACCN) in the U.S. It notes that both play an important role in the delivery of utmost patient care by nurses and provide opportunities for them. It adds that nurse advancement systems generate positive outcomes that are important to the people in the health care profession.
7. Edgar Allan Poe, "The Pit and the Pendulum," and Ventricular Assist Devices
by Zambroski, Cheryl Hoyt et al. Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p29-39
Abstract: The article provides a comparison between patients using ventricular assist devices (VADs) with the narrator in the story "The Pit and the Pendulum," written by American writer Edgar Allan Poe. It states that the story's narrator shares the same feelings with patients using VADs. It notes that the comparison fails to give nurses an easy understanding of patients' use of the device. It adds that the analogy can be an informative tool that may help nurses in patient care.
8. Patient-Ventilator Dyssynchrony Clinical Significance and Implications for Practice
by Mellott, Karen G et al. Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p41-55
Abstract: The article explores the clinical significance and importance for practice of patient-ventilator dyssynchrony (PVD). It notes that dyssynchrony becomes an option because mechanical ventilators lack responsiveness that are required for the interaction with patients' conditions. PVD is said to prolong mechanical ventilation and hospital stay that critically ill patients underappreciate. Sedation is considered a method of increasing patients' anxiety and to reduce PVD.
9. Enhancing Outcomes in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit by Implementing Daily Goals Tools
by Siegele, Peggy. Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p58-70
Abstract: The article discusses the enhancement of patient safety and outcomes in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) by employing the Daily Goals Tool with the purpose of increasing communication and teamwork. The author describes the impact of the quality improvement tool and notes that successful teamwork needs a strategic communication to achieve common goals for patient care. She reveals that the tool has the ability to boost communication between the medical team and the patient's family.
10. Case Study
Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p64-65
Abstract: The article presents a case study of a 66-year-old pedestrian woman who was hit by a car. Her medical history showed a coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She underwent thoracotomy due to massive hemothorax wherein part her lungs was resected. She was sedated with morphine and midzolam, and her respiratory status was managed by a pressure-control ventilation. She was not given anticoagulants due to venous thrombosis and her vascular systems deteriorated, leading to her death.
11.CCN Fast Facts: Outcomes in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit by Implementing Daily Goal Tools
by Siegele, Peggy. Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p70
Abstract: The article discusses how a surgical intensive care unit can enhance patient outcomes by implementing daily goals. According to the author, using Daily Goals Tools (DGT) can result in simplified complex tasks, improved teamwork, and shared decision making. DGT provides for a daily review of major aspects of care and a framework for evidence-based practices.
12. Bolus Cardiac Output and Accuracy in Therapeutic Hypothermia
by Wavra, Teresa A & Bader, Mary Kay. Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p71-73
Abstract: The article provides an answer to a question on what is the required temperature difference in measuring cardiac output using thermodilution method.
13. Fostering Moral Agency in New Intensive Care Unit Nurses
by Jurchak, Martha & Pennington, Mary. Critical Care Nurse, Dec 2009, Vol 29 Issue 6: p80-79
Abstract: The article discusses the promotion of moral agency on intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. It notes that nurse interns' orientation program is focused on the technical skill and knowledge to prepare them in responding to ethical issues in ICUs. Nurses who are not prepared to respond to critical situations may experience moral distress, or knowing the right thing to do but fail to act on it. It presents the objectives for the development of an intervention to address moral distress issues.
Journals - Table of Contents
14. From New Zealand Health and Hospital, March-April 2010
AROUND THE NATION
14A. New regional trauma system to help save lives; Consultation on redevelopment of Christchurch Hospital underway
14B. CDHB to provide Chief Executive services to the West Coast; New theatre means more orthopaedic surgeries; Child Health Services - South Island Health Service planning; Sharing test results for better patient care; Waikato Hospital pharmacy service takes over Tokoroa; Thames birthing Unit back on track; Diabetes, immunisation in the spotlight on hospital TVs; Breastfeeding support for mothers and babies recognised; State-of-the-art fluoroscopy unit in Tauranga
14C. Rise in premature births spawns national charity to support families with sick babies; QE Trust receives generous donation
14D. Regions put emergency training exercises into practice
COMMUNITY
14E. $27 million extra for disability equipment and modifications; Cancer screening saves lives
14F. South Island Southern Cross members now able to choose private radiation therapy; Working together to see eligible women screened; care chemist launches 4.2 Card Campaign to cut Kiwi blood pressure; Enable NZ poised to deliver ACC savings; Closure of Dobson Medical Clinic; Ethnic groups projected to grow; Age Concern visitor service gets funding increase; 2009 Problem gambling service user data
PEOPLE
14G. New Southern DHB roles announced [Errol Millar; Paul Menzies; Stuart McLauchlan]; Shared CE for Canterbury and West Coast DHBs; Three new Waikato Hospital appointments [John Bonning; Shameem Safih; Mark Spittal; Kevin Harris]; One of world's most experienced heart surgeons now at Waikato hospital [Adam El Gamel]; Researched Medicines Industry elects new board members [Sean Evans; Chris Hourigan; Stuart Knight; Nicholas Leach]
MANAGEMENT
14H. Utilisation and costs of aged residential care (ARC) facilities in Canterbury
NOTICEBOARD
14I. Maori Health Provider Development Scheme applications open for 2010/11 funding round; Medibank announces acquisition of McKesson Asia-Pacific; WONS May Day charity ball
IT - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
14J. Waikato DHB Conficker attack resulted in global fix; iSOFT boosts telehealth strategy with Medic4all partnership
PHARMACEUTICALS
14K. Paradex and Capadex will be withdrawn from New Zealand market on 1 August 2010; Locally developed UV dosimeter badges prove useful in range of studies
RESEARCH
14L. Crohn's disease costly to health system and sufferers; Waikato Chlamydia report to inform national management; Death toll from family violence underlines importance of efforts to address it; Waikato-wide study shows head injuries more common than anticipated; Ice cream to cure side effects
14M. PRA International extends operations into New Zealand; Good home heating cuts school absences for children with asthma; Auckland Medical School looks into why some people live long into old age
EDUCATION
14N. New School of Public Health; New nursing qualification announced
PUBLICATIONS
14O. Government launches plan to improve health for Pacific people; Healthcast Report says NZ health system on right track; 'Know your numbers' patient heart forecast tool launching; Opportunity for Waikato youth to have say about changing health care; New health standards published [Pharmacy services standard; Medical devices and health care products sterilisation]; An urgent call for healthy urban planning
15. From nursing.aust, Summer 2009/2010, Vol 10, No 4
15A. Let's talk (Tracey Osmond, Chief Executive)
15B. Not for the faint-hearted [nursing is not a career for the faint-hearted, according to Adjunct Associate Professor Joy Vickerstaff]
15C. Mental health nursing in the Pilbara: "How many jobs can offer you that?"
15D. Graduation at Gundagai: A collaborative venture
15E. Advanced diplomas for Enrolled Nurses
15F. "Still learning every day" [Meritxell Rodriguez-Anton provides insight into the work of a Spanish neurological nurse]
15G. The Australasian Nurses' Journal: A journey through the past
15H. Now taking April enrolments for DE subjects
15I. The College of Nursing welcomes new Members and Fellows
15J. The College of Nursing course calendar February to June 2010
15K. Haiti: Diary of a disaster
15L. Library News [College librarian Graham Spooner was a delegate at the 10th International Congress on Medical Librarianship]
15M. "These shoes are killing me!"[Removal of bunions]
15N. The nurse on the cover: Pearl Lottie Trayhurn
Conferences, Training, Seminars
16. Join us - Navigating the Journey
19th Hospice NZ Palliative Care Conference
Date: 9-11 November 2010,
Venue: Wellington, New Zealand
More information: http://www.hospice.org.nz/cms_display.php?sn=118&st=1
17. 3rd annual clinical governance for the New Zealand Heath Sector
Date: 20th & 21st July 2010
Venue: Rydges, Auckland
More information: www.conferenz.co.nz
News – National
18. Budget will lock economy into 'fiscal straitjacket'
New Zealand Herald - Tuesday May 11, 2010
Wayne Swan says the Budget to be delivered today is part of an effort to build a post-financial crisis economy. Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan will tonight unveil a Budget he says will strap the economy into a fiscal straitjacket, resisting the temptation to buy votes for this year's election. With the Government going into freefall in the opinion polls and a firestorm enveloping the leadership of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Swan will cap spending growth at 2 per cent after inflation, and pay for new outlays with savings elsewhere.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10644097
News - International
19. Management of misconduct lacking in Department of Health
Media Statement - 22 April 2010
The Department of Health cannot effectively prevent, identify or deal with misconduct risks, including misconduct associated with restricted drugs, according to a Corruption and Crime Commission report tabled in the Parliament today. The report Misconduct Handling Procedures in the Western Australian Public Sector: WA Health said the Department is not adequately managing misconduct and this poses a risk to patient safety and costs taxpayers money.
http://www.ccc.wa.gov.au/media_statements.php?id=197
20. CORRUPTION AND CRIME COMMISSION
MISCONDUCT HANDLING PROCEDURES IN THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SECTOR: WA HEALTH
TABLED IN THE PARLIAMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ON 22 April 2010
http://www.ccc.wa.gov.au/files/pubs/CCC%20Health%20Complete.pdf