Using new careers in nursing research findings to develop an evidence-based pre-entry immersion program.

Background: New Careers In Nursing (NCIN) data analysis results were used to inform the development of The Bridge to Nursing Success Program (Bridge). NCIN data revealed that participation in a pre-entry immersion program (PIP) was associated with higher rates of retention and graduation.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to 1).

Traumatic glaucoma with features of unilateral pigment dispersion.

We report a patient with traumatic glaucoma with features of unilateral pigment dispersion. This rare form of secondary glaucoma has only been reported twice previously, with both patients demonstrating angle recession, indicating associated damage to the trabecular meshwork. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported in which angle recession was absent.

Ophthalmic surgical training following modernising medical careers: regional variation in experience across the UK.

Objectives: To evaluate surgical experience among current doctors appointed into ophthalmology training posts since the introduction of the Modernising Medical Careers programme. Additionally, to identify regional variations in surgical experience and training programme delivery.

Design: A cross-sectional survey.

The effect of graduated compression stockings on long-term outcomes after stroke: the CLOTS trials 1 and 2.

Background And Purpose: Most randomized controlled trials of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis have focused on reduction of deep vein thrombosis, predominantly asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis, detected on imaging. We aimed to estimate the effects of graduated compression stockings on venous thromboembolism events, survival, and functional status at 6 months after stroke.

Methods: The CLOTS Trials adopted an international multicentre, parallel group design, with central randomization and a 1:1 treatment allocation.

Systemic local anaesthetic toxicity from continuous thoracic paravertebral block.

Continuous paravertebral block is commonly used for post-thoracotomy analgesia and compares favourably with other systemic and regional methods with regard to safety and efficacy. No major complications of continuous paravertebral block for post-thoracotomy analgesia have been reported previously. We report here a case of systemic local anaesthetic toxicity from continuous paravertebral block administration after thoracotomy and lobectomy leading to seizure, aspiration, and ultimately, death.

Can clinical features distinguish between immobile patients with stroke at high and low risk of deep vein thrombosis? Statistical modelling based on the CLOTS trials cohorts.

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an important complication of stroke. Guidelines recommend that DVT prophylaxis should be guided by an assessment of the individual patient's risk. The authors aimed to develop and test models to predict DVT risk.

A prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study of analgesia and outcome after pneumonectomy.

Background: Meta-analysis and systematic reviews of epidural compared with paravertebral blockade analgesia techniques for thoracotomy conclude that although the analgesia is comparable, paravertebral blockade has a better short-term side-effect profile. However, reduction in major complications including mortality has not been proven.

Methods: The UK pneumonectomy study was a prospective observational cohort study in which all UK thoracic surgical centres were invited to participate.

Ocular loiasis in London 2008-2009: a case series.

Purpose: To report three cases of Loa loa infestation presenting over the course of 12 months to ophthalmology departments in the South West Thames region around London.

Methods: Case series (three case histories are described) and literature review.

Results: All three patients had a history of travel to West Africa.

UK pneumonectomy outcome study (UKPOS): a prospective observational study of pneumonectomy outcome.

Background: In order to assess the short term risks of pneumonectomy for lung cancer in contemporary practice a one year prospective observational study of pneumonectomy outcome was made. Current UK practice for pneumonectomy was observed to note patient and treatment factors associated with major complications.

Methods: A multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study was performed.

Effectiveness of thigh-length graduated compression stockings to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis after stroke (CLOTS trial 1): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are common after stroke. In small trials of patients undergoing surgery, graduated compression stockings (GCS) reduce the risk of DVT. National stroke guidelines extrapolating from these trials recommend their use in patients with stroke despite insufficient evidence.

Safer surgical gloves: evaluation and implementation.

In 2003 the Scottish Health Service Central Legal Office was consulted on the requirement to supply an alternative to natural rubber latex gloves for healthcare professionals within NHS Lothian University Hospitals Trust. Counsel stated that as latex is now accepted as being hazardous to health, employers must prove the statutory defence in Regulation 7(1) of the Control ofSubstances Hazardous to Health Regulations (HSE 2002). Counsel also stated that, as there are now adequate alternatives to latex gloves, NHS employers would have an indefensible position if no attempt was made to supply alternatives.

Pre-emptive effect of multimodal analgesia in thoracic surgery.

Thirty subjects undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy were allocated randomly to receive one of two analgesic regimens: group Pre received i.v. morphine, i.

Rationalising ophthalmic admissions.

A new ophthalmic admission document has been devised which integrates existing medical and nursing input promoting a more consistent and concise assessment of the patient.

Ketorolac as a component of balanced analgesia after thoracotomy.

Ketorolac 10 mg or 30 mg i.m., 6 hourly or placebo was given to 75 patients who had undergone thoracotomy, in a randomized double-blind study.

The alkalinisation of bupivacaine for intercostal nerve blockade.

A double-blind randomised study was performed to investigate the effect of pH adjustment of bupivacaine, with adrenaline 1:200,000, on the duration of block and pain relief after intercostal nerve blockade following thoracotomy. One group (n = 10) received bupivacaine with adrenaline 1:200,000 (pH = 4.1) and the other (n = 10) received alkalinised bupivacaine with adrenaline 1:200,000 (pH = 6.

Acute toxicity of ropivacaine compared with that of bupivacaine.

The acute central nervous and cardiovascular effects of the local anesthetics ropivacaine and bupivacaine were compared in 12 volunteers in a randomized double-blind manner with use of intravenous infusions at a rate of 10 mg/min up to a maximal dose of 150 mg. The volunteers were all healthy men. They were familiarized with the central nervous system (CNS) toxic effects of local anesthetics by receiving a preliminary intravenous injection of lidocaine.

Anaesthetic management of the patient with a permanent pacemaker.

Over 25,000 people in Britain now have pacemakers, and the number is increasing steadily. Anaesthetists encounter patients with pacemakers regularly. Knowledge about the increasingly wide range of pacemakers available is necessary to ensure safe management of these patients, many of whom are frail and elderly.

Extradural block with bupivacaine: influence of dose, volume, concentration and patient characteristics.

In a randomized, double-blind study the influences of the characteristics of both solution (dose, volume, concentration) and patient (age, weight, height, body mass index) on the development of extradural blockade produced by a low lumbar injection of bupivacaine were investigated. Thirty patients aged between 20 and 50 yr received one of three solutions (groups I-III, respectively): 0.75% 10 ml (75 mg); 0.

Effects of posture and baricity on spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% bupivacaine 5 ml. A double-blind study.

In four groups of 10 patients, 0.5% bupivacaine 5 ml was used in spinal anaesthesia for gynaecological surgery. Group 1 received plain solution in the sitting position, group 2 plain solution in the lateral position, group 3 hyperbaric solution in the sitting position and group 4 hyperbaric solution in the lateral position.