The Neurological Foundation

Articles - Surgical Gloves

1. Surgical gloves should be changed after an A hour and a half.
Nursing Standard. 6/3/2009, Vol. 23 Issue 39, p17-17. (1/2p.)
Abstract: The article reports that researchers have found an increased rate of microperforation in surgical gloves that are worn more than 90 minutes. The author explains that glove material must remain intact to adequately protect patients and staff from the transmission of infection. The rate of microperforation was not influenced by the use of hand cream.

2. Sterile versus non-sterile glove use and aseptic technique
By Flores, Ashley. Nursing Standard. 10/15/2008, Vol. 23 Issue 6, p35-39. (5p.)
Abstract: There is evidence indicating that improvements in infection control practice can reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infection. This article explores the evidence base for glove use and aseptic technique. There is a lack of evidence regarding the influence of sterile versus clean gloves in clinical care. Therefore in practice, clean and aseptic techniques are often used interchangeably. Nurses must learn to select clean or aseptic technique, and therefore clean or sterile gloves, using a risk assessment protocol. Regular audits of aseptic technique and education are needed to improve care.[ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] .

3. Appropriate glove use in the prevention of cross-infection. (cover story).
By Flores, Ashley. Nursing Standard. 5/9/2007, Vol. 21 Issue 35, p45-48. (4p.)
Abstract: This article aims to promote evidence-based practice in glove use and infection control. Evidence indicates that improvements in infection control practice can reduce the incidence of healthcare- associated infection and exposure to communicable disease among healthcare workers. The correct use of gloves is vital in the healthcare environment. Gloves should be worn for invasive procedures, any contact with sterile sites, non-intact skin, mucous membranes and exposure to blood, body fluids and sharp or contaminated instruments. They should be worn only once, for one aspect of care and one patient, disposed of as clinical waste, and the hands decontaminated after removal.[ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] .

Articles - Neurology

4. Care of patients with neurological conditions: the impact of a Generic Neurology Nursing Service development on patients and their carers
By Kirton, Jennifer A; Jack, Barbara A; O'Brien, Mary R; Roe, Brenda. Journal of Clinical Nursing. Jan 2012, Vol. 21 Issue 1/2, p207-215. 9p
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore patients and carers views and experiences of the impact of the Generic Neurology Nursing Service. Background. Neurological conditions are a major cause of disability and are estimated to affect up to one billion people worldwide. It is clear that this number is set to rise as the world's population is ageing. Although there are established disease specific neurological specialist nursing services that have been reported as benefitting patients and carers, not all neurological patients are captured in these services. To address this deficit and to provide a rapidly accessible service the Generic Neurology Service was established.

5. Neurology
By Davenport, Richard. Pulse. 10/5/2011, Vol. 71 Issue 32, p30-31
Abstract: The article discusses the key issues that general practitioners (GP) face when referring patients with neurological disorders. It emphasizes that some conditions that are over-referred are tingling, numbness of arms and hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ulnar nerve entrapment. It stresses that transient ischemic attack (TIA) and sudden-onset headache need immediate attention from GP. It asserts that conditions such as diplopia and dysarthria can benefit from a watch-and-wait approach..

6. What's new in Neurology
By Williamson, Jane. Pulse. 6/22/2011, Vol. 71 Issue 23, p26-27
Abstract: The article focuses on findings of several neurological studies. A study conducted by King's College London researchers in England discovers an increase in mortality in epilepsy patients. The British National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) issues a new guidance on transient loss of consciousness (TLoC). A study from Denmark discovers the safeness of new antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy..

7. ICF in neurology: Functioning and disability in patients with migraine, myasthenia gravis and Parkinson's disease
By: LEONARDI, MATILDE; MEUCCI, PAOLO; AJOVALASIT, DANIELA; et al. Disability & Rehabilitation. 2009 Supplement 1, Vol. 31, pS88-S99. 12p
Abstract: To report and compare functional features of patients with migraine, myasthenia gravis (MG) and Parkinson's disease (PD) with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
Method. Adult patients with migraine, MG and PD were enrolled and the ICF checklist administered. Count-based indexes were calculated for each ICF chapter and domain. Indexes were compared across conditions by means of ANOVA; relationships between ICF domains were evaluated using Spearman's correlation; group based on disability status were defined through cluster analysis and compared with disease groups using ?2 test. Finally, most prevalent ICF categories were identified.  Conclusions. Our study provided a description of functioning and disability domains in migraine, MG and PD and enabled to report the impact of EF in determining the actual disability experience.

Articles - Nursing & Health Sciences [Journal]

8. Disasters: Getting prepared and educated
By Turale, Sue. Nursing & Health Sciences. Mar 2012, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p1-1. (1p)
Abstract: The author reflects on disaster preparedness across the globe. She suggests that health professionals need to make greater efforts to be educated about and better prepared for action during and after disasters, and/or work to educate others. She argues that knowledge and preparation for disasters should occur at all levels of health care, including among medical students, who can contribute to relief in disaster activities if they are taught how to..

9. Evaluation of process-oriented supervision of student nurses: A Swedish case study
By Lindquist, Ingegerd; Johansson, Ingrid; Severinsson, Elisabeth. Nursing & Health Sciences. Mar 2012, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p2-7. (6p)
Abstract: The value of supervision that is provided to student nurses during their education is high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the organizational changes in an educational program for Swedish student nurses, focusing on the content and quality of process-oriented supervision. The research question was: Do the organizational changes pertaining to the student nurses' supervision (its reduced frequency and mandatory nature) influence its content and quality and, if so, in which ways? The data were collected by focus group discussions and were analyzed by a qualitative content analysis. Three themes emerged: difficulties with the new organization, the content and learning outcomes of supervision, and the nurse supervisors' intentions. Supervision is recommended in order to achieve the goal of nursing education and to ensure that student nurses gain an understanding of their experiences, thus equipping them with the professional skills and competence that are required to meet patients' needs.[ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

10. Role of psychological empowerment in the reduction of burnout in Canadian healthcare workers
By Boudrias, Jean-Sébastien; Morin, Alexandre J. S.; Brodeur, Marie-Michèle. Nursing & Health Sciences. Mar 2012, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p8-17. 10p
Abstract: In this study, we investigated the role of psychological empowerment as a protective factor for burnout among workers exposed to work-related stressors (e.g. daily hassles, overload, job changes). A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted, with a convenience sample of 401 healthcare workers. Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to test main and moderating effects of empowerment cognitions. Results revealed partial support for the hypotheses. Only the job meaningfulness cognition exerts a beneficent main effect on all burnout symptoms beyond the effect of stressors. Some moderating effects differing according to burnout dimensions were also found. Most interestingly, high levels of empowerment cognitions accentuate the effect of change-related resources in the reduction of emotional exhaustion. Because psychological empowerment has beneficial effects, organizations could rely on different strategies to enhance it.[ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] .

11. Weight management issues and strategies for people with high cardiovascular risk undertaking an Australian weight loss program: A focus group study
By Gallagher, Robyn; Kirkness, Ann; Armari, Elizabeth; Davidson, Patricia M. Nursing & Health Sciences. Mar 2012, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p18-24.(7p)
Abstract: Obesity is particularly hazardous for people with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and existing cardiovascular disease, although few studies investigate experiences and perceptions of weight loss in this population. This study provides an understanding of participants' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of managing multiple risk factors and/or existing cardiovascular disease of participants who were undertaking a weight loss program.

12. Qualitative observation in a clinical setting: Challenges at end of life
By Bloomer, Melissa J.; Cross, Wendy; Endacott, Ruth; O'Connor, Margaret; Moss, Cheryle. Nursing & Health Sciences. Mar 2012, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p25-31.(7p.)
Abstract: This paper explores the methodological challenges associated with undertaking qualitative observation in the clinical setting at end of life. The authors reflect on their experiences of using non-participant observation to explore the nursing care delivered to dying patients in acute hospital wards. The challenges of observation as a method, clearly defining the participant group and involving vulnerable populations, such as the dying patients and their families, will be discussed. Consideration is also given to defining and working within the observational field, the researchers' dual roles, cost versus benefit, impact of culture, religion and ethnicity, and the determination of research limits/boundaries, with reflections from the authors' own experiences used to exemplify the issues.[ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] .

13. Nurse preparedness for the non-communicable disease escalation in Thailand: A cross-sectional survey of nurses
By Kaufman, Nicholas D.; Rajataramya, Benjaporn; Tanomsingh, Saengchom; Ronis, David L.; Potempa, Kathleen. Nursing & Health Sciences. Mar 2012, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p32-37. (6p)
Abstract: Chronic diseases are now the largest cause of mortality in Thailand, and form an increasingly large portion of the healthcare landscape. In the Thai health system, many patients with chronic conditions receive care and disease management services from nurses, yet specialized training in chronic diseases is not currently part of standard nursing degree programs. Given the evolving epidemiology of the Thailand population, we questioned whether practicing nurses remain confident in their knowledge and skills in chronic disease management. Factors, such as geographic location, education level, continuing education experience, and hospital size, were found to significantly affect nurse self-efficacy levels; nurses highly prioritized additional training in heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases, followed by hypertension, cancer, and diabetes.[ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] .

Journal - Table of Contents

14. From Contemporary Nurse, Volume 44 Issue 1, 2013
14A. Editorial: Ethical sensitivity: Shaping the everyday work environment
14B. Risk factors associated with lymphoedema among Chinese women after breast cancer surgery
14C. Psychometric properties of a mainland Chinese version of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) among postpartum women in China
14D. Redesigning nursing tutorials for ESL students: A pilot study
14E. School based youth health nurses and a true health promotion approach: The Ottawa what?
14F. Opinion Piece: Human connectedness in nursing: A case study
14G. Health care with marginalised populations 
14H. Editorial: Sexuality and sexual health: Nurses’ crucial role
14I. Culturally and linguistically diverse older adults relocating to residential aged care
14J. The primary health care service experiences and needs of homeless youth: A narrative synthesis of current evidence
14K. A job description for the effective self-management of a long-term condition: Experiences of living with difficult asthma
14L. Caring for vulnerable children: Challenges of mothering in the Australian foster care system
14M  Perspectives on provider behaviors: A qualitative study of sexual and gender minorities
14N. Factors influencing the life satisfaction in the older Korean women living alone
14O. Marginalised mothers: Lesbian women negotiating heteronormative healthcare services

Conferences

15. Ageing and Spirituality one-day conference
The Selwyn Centre for Ageing and Spirituality
Date: 6 Sept, 2013
Venue: Tamaki Campus, University of Auckland
More information: http://www.selwyncare.org.nz/10/the-selwyn-
centre-for-ageing-and-spirituality

16. Annual Scientific Meeting 2014
Australia & New Zealand Gastric & Oesophageal Surgery Association (ANZGOSA)
Australia & New Zealand Hepatic, Pancreatic & Biliary Association (ANZHPBA)
Date: 1-3 October 2014
Venue: Queenstown
More information: http://queenstown2014.com/anzhpba_and_anzgosa_2014

17. First National Rectal Cancer Summit
Hosted by the New Zealand Society for Oncology
Date: 9 August 2013
Venue: Te Papa, Wellington
More information: http://www.nzsoncology.org.nz/national_rectal_cancer_summit_
2013

News - National

18. Alcohol 'akin to asbestos in cancer stakes' - expert
TVNZ - Monday July 01, 2013 
New Zealand's excessive drinking culture is causing cancers with abysmally low survival rates, oncology experts say. The Cancer Society of New Zealand says Kiwis are only now sobering up to the link between alcohol and cancer, just as we did more than 30 years ago with smoking and lung cancer
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/alcohol-akin-asbestos-in-cancer-
stakes-expert-5482923

19. Tips to ditch the 'winter blues'
TVNZ - Monday July 01, 2013
With cold air blasting outside in many parts of the country and the dark nights seemingly endless, some people are beginning to catch the 'winter blues'. Many of us feel more tired and less positive in the winter months, with a lack of sunshine and cold weather putting us off venturing outside when it is much easier to curl up on the couch in front of the fire or with a cosy blanket
http://tvnz.co.nz/lifestyle-news/tips-ditch-winter-blues-5483190

20. Ethanol akin to asbestos in cancer stakes
The Press - 1 July 2013
New Zealand's excessive drinking culture is causing cancers with abysmally low survival rates, oncology experts say. The Cancer Society of New Zealand says Kiwis are only now sobering up to the link between alcohol and cancer, just as we did more than 30 years ago with smoking and lung cancer. Strong links between drinking more than two or three units a day have been established to deadly digestive tract cancers including mouth, throat, larynx and oesophageal cancers. There are also strong links between alcohol and bowel, breast and prostate cancers
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8861658/Ethanol-akin-to-
asbestos-in-cancer-stakes

21. Grandparent care can make children chubby - study
NZ Herald - 1 July 2013
They are the neurotic working mother's double-edged sword: she can't cope without their support, but she hates that she can't micromanage what they are feeding her children. Now grandparents have emerged as the nutritional bogeymen in a major new study that reveals mums are right to fret. The report by the University of Helsinki, which was published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, warns that children looked after by their grandparents may be more likely to be overweight. All those sugary treats and ice creams are increasing the rate of childhood obesity, which carries a greater risk of premature death, as well as an increased chance of diabetes and heart disease
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?
c_id=6&objectid=10894041

22. Bugs spread by hospital gloves
TVNZ - Sunday June 30, 2013
Rubber gloves used by staff in New Zealand hospitals are spreading bugs that could potentially be fatal, new research shows. In the first study of its kind in a New Zealand hospital, over 100 gloves were tested on one ward at Dunedin Hospital.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/bugs-spread-hospital-gloves-
5481516

23. Bacterial Contamination of Unused, Disposable Non-sterile Gloves on a Hospital Orthopaedic Ward
In a hospital ward setting, unused non-sterile disposable gloves (NSDG) may become contaminated with skin commensals and pathogens during the act of glove retrieval. Contaminated NSDG therefore have the potential to act as transmission vehicles for bacteria as demonstrated by these results.Glove box design and glove withdrawal technique could be further examined to decrease the potential for pathogen transfer to un-used gloves.
Download the PDF of this article: http://www.amj.net.au/index.php?
journal=AMJ&page=issue&op=current

News - International

24. New flu shot option out there for adults with severe egg allergies
Calgary Herald - June 20, 2013
ATLANTA - People with serious egg allergies may no longer have to worry about flu shots. A federal advisory panel on Thursday said a new vaccine that's made without eggs is an option for adults with severe allergies. Current flu shots are made from viruses grown in eggs and could trigger allergic reactions in some cases
http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Expert+panel+recommends
+option+adults+with+severe+allergies+skip/8556259/story.html

25. Where have Europe's nurses gone?
By Sigrid Lupieri, Special to CNN
May 21, 2013 -- Updated 1310 GMT (2110 HKT)
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/21/health/europe-nursing-
shortage/index.html?iref=allsearch