Text Messaging in the Patient-Centered Medical Home to Improve Glucose Control and Retinopathy Screening.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a text messaging program (TMP) to improve glucose control, retinopathy screening (RS) rates, and self-care behaviors in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. A single-group design with a quasi-systematic random sample (=20) received educational/exhortational text messages on their cellular phones for 3 months. Subjects, 12 of whom identified as a minority ethnicity, were mostly male, aged 27-73 years.

A randomized controlled comparison of flushing protocols in home care patients with peripherally inserted central catheters.

Introduction/significance/population: Research has failed to demonstrate an optimal flushing solution or frequency for central catheters. In a 2002 study of 50 000 home care patients, catheter dysfunction with loss of patency was the most common complication and occurred in 29% of the peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) tracked. With the advent of the Affordable Care Act and the promise of expanded home care services, this study offers evidence as to a preferred flushing protocol to prevent catheter patency complications for home infusion patients with PICCs.

The 5-minute Apgar score: survival and short-term outcomes in extremely low-birth-weight infants.

The Apgar score is a standardized tool for evaluating newborns in the delivery room. Despite its long history and widespread use, debate remains over its reliability of predicting neonatal outcomes, especially in extremely low-birth-weight premature infants. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the 5-minute Apgar score of extremely low-birth-weight infants, as it relates to survival and morbidities associated with prematurity and length of hospital stay.

An example of a statistics course in a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program.

The current healthcare environment requires RNs and advanced practice nurses (APNs) to be proficient in critique and utilization of healthcare research to inform an evidence base for practice. Many practicing RNs and APNs lack competency in statistical analysis and interpretation, and knowledge in the conduct of nursing research. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students need this knowledge to address researchable problems found in their own practice environments and, as leaders in practice, to mentor colleagues and other members of the healthcare team.

Implementation of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to reduce sudden infant death syndrome risk in neonatal intensive care units: An evaluation of nursing knowledge and practice.

Unlabelled: There is a direct relationship between nonsupine sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Premature infants are at greater risk for SIDS and are often cared for in nonsupine positions during the course of hospitalization. Healthy premature infants should be placed supine for sleep before discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and parents receive specific instruction about infant sleep position and other risk factors for SIDS.