Prevalence of Childhood Permanent Hearing Loss after Early Complex Cardiac Surgery.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of childhood permanent hearing loss (PHL) after early cardiac surgery.

Study Design: This prospective observational (1996-2015) study after complex cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at ≤6 weeks of life reports audiology follow-up by registered pediatric-experienced audiologists at 6-8 months postsurgery, age 2 years, and as required throughout and thereafter to complete diagnoses. PHL at any frequency (500-4000 Hz) is defined as responses of >25-decibel hearing level in either ear.

Meta-analysis as a tool for evidence-based practice: an example using the Rice meta-analysis of smoking cessation interventions.

Enhanced quality of patient care and the prevention of errors are emphasized greatly in today's health care settings. Nurses are now held accountable for the care they provide and, as a result, nurses are responsible for incorporating solid scientific evidence into their practice. Published meta-analyses represent one source of such evidence.