Routine use of fluoroscopic guidance and up-front femoral angiography results in reduced femoral complications in patients undergoing coronary angiographic procedures: an observational study using an Interrupted Time-Series analysis.

Transradial access is increasingly used for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, however, femoral access remains necessary for numerous procedures, including complex high-risk interventions, structural procedures, and procedures involving mechanical circulatory support. Optimising the safety of this approach is crucial to minimize costly and potentially life-threatening complications. We initiated a quality improvement project recommending routine fluoroscopic guidance (femoral head), and upfront femoral angiography should be performed to assess for location and immediate complications.

Intrauterine contraception insertion pain: nursing interventions to improve patient experience.

Aims And Objectives: To examine factors which contribute to the individual's experience of pain in relation to intrauterine contraception insertion and determine evidence-based nursing strategies to best assess and manage this pain.

Background: Nurses are increasingly involved in consultations regarding intrauterine contraception. However, concerns regarding painful or difficult insertion may inhibit uptake and discourage nurses from promoting or inserting intrauterine contraception.

A multimodal, interdisciplinary programme for the management of cachexia and fatigue.

Fatigue and cachexia are common symptoms of advanced disease that have a significant impact on quality of life for palliative care clients. Management of cachexia and fatigue is often overlooked, but growing understanding of the multidimensional nature of fatigue and muscle wasting has led to interest in a model of care based on multimodal therapy that has been successfully implemented in specialized multidisciplinary hospital-based clinics in the oncology/palliative care setting. This article reports on an innovative incorporation of features of this model into a client-centred, interdisciplinary programme that aims to manage the effects of cachexia and fatigue and to improve quality of life for palliative care clients in their home setting.

Utility stress as a social determinant of health: exploring the links in a remote Aboriginal community.

Issue Addressed: The implications of the high cost of water on the poverty and subsequent health of Aboriginal residents in a remote community in Australia.

Methods: During 2003, a focus group session was held with adults at Umoona Aboriginal community in South Australia. Participants were asked to comment on key issues of concern in the provision of the domestic water supply.