The little things are big: evaluation of a compassionate community approach for promoting the health of vulnerable persons.

Background: Vulnerable persons are individuals whose life situations create or exacerbate vulnerabilities, such as low income, housing insecurity and social isolation. Vulnerable people often receive a patchwork of health and social care services that does not appropriately address their needs. The cost of health and social care services escalate when these individuals live without appropriate supports.

Getting the best GRIP on blood pressure control: Investigating a cost-effective isometric handgrip alternative.

Objectives: The World Health Organization emphasises the need for cost-effective alternative methods to lower blood pressure (BP). Endorsed nationally in HTN guidelines, isometric handgrip (IHG) training is an alternative method of BP control. The purpose of this study was to compare the BP, heart rate (HR) and rates of perceived exertion (RPE) responses between a bout of IHG training performed using the traditional computerized device and a more affordable, inflatable stress ball.

The process of transitioning for the transgender individual and the nursing imperative: A narrative review.

Aims: The objectives of this study were to bring the experience of the transitioning process for the transgender population to the nursing profession and address the lack of knowledge to promote improved patient outcomes.

Design: This study used a narrative review using the literature matrix method. Because of the dearth of trans specific literature, editorials and monologues were included.

Predictors of Nonurgent Emergency Visits at a Midsize Community-Based Hospital System: Secondary Analysis of Administrative Health Care Data.

Introduction: Nonurgent visits to the emergency department compromise efficiency in treating patients with urgent conditions and inversely influence the satisfaction of patients and staff. There is inconclusive evidence of the factors associated with nonurgent ED visits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the independent factors associated with nonurgent ED visits in a midsize community-based Canadian hospital system.

One Stop: Examining the Reasons Patients Use the Emergency Department for Nonurgent Care and the Barriers They Face.

Introduction: Despite the plethora of research on the use of emergency department services for nonurgent primary health care, the vast majority of this research is quantitative in nature. To date, there is little research that reports on the problem from the patients' perspective and/or lived experience, which compromises health care providers' understanding of the essence of the problem as described by the patients. Thus, this study will provide a qualitative description of nonurgent ED visits from the patients' perspective.

Randomized phase 2 trial of ixazomib and dexamethasone in relapsed multiple myeloma not refractory to bortezomib.

Proteasome inhibitors have become an integral part of myeloma therapy. Considerable efforts have gone into optimizing this therapeutic approach to obtain maximal proteasome inhibition with least toxicity. Ixazomib is the first oral proteasome inhibitor to enter the clinic and has been studied as a single agent as well as in various combinations.

Survivors of chronic stroke - participant evaluations of commercial gaming for rehabilitation.

Purpose: There has been an increase in research on the effect that virtual reality (VR) can have on physical rehabilitation following stroke. However, research exploring participant perceptions of VR for post-stroke rehabilitation has been limited.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 chronic stroke participants (10 males, mean age = 72.

Canadian Nurse Graduates considering Migrating Abroad for Work: Are Their Expectations Being Met in Canada?

An RN credential has been called "a ticket to the world." Canadian RNs have been active participants in migration, especially to the United States. In an increasingly globally oriented world, Canadian nurse graduates have many employment options.

The Perceived Control Over Pain Construct and Functional Status.

Introduction: Belief in one's ability to control pain is a significant predictor of health outcomes and is related to improved functional status. The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel formulation of the construct, Perceived Control Over Pain and to test its effects on functional status.

Methods: Participants (N = 301) were primarily African American (92%); and were adults with low income attending a primary care clinic and reporting pain within the past 2 weeks.

Effectiveness of commercial video gaming on fine motor control in chronic stroke within community-level rehabilitation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of commercial gaming as an intervention for fine motor recovery in chronic stroke.

Methods: Ten chronic phase post-stroke participants (mean time since CVA = 39 mos; mean age = 72 yrs) completed a 16-session program using the Nintendo Wii for 15 min two times per week with their more affected hand (10 right handed). Functional recovery (Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT), Box and Block Test (BBT), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT)), and quality of life (QOL; Stroke Impact Scale (SIS)) were measured at baseline (pre-testing), after 8 sessions (mid-testing) and after 16 sessions (post-testing).

The prevalence of pain and its association with psychosocial factors for indigent adults enrolled in a primary care clinic.

Objectives: Pain is a symptom reported in 50% to 70% of primary care visits and negatively impacts both physical and psychological functioning. People at risk of receiving inadequate management of pain include the indigent and people of color. The purpose of this exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study was to describe the prevalence of pain and its relation to functional status, depressive symptoms, perception of control over pain and coping in an urban, primary care clinic for indigent adults.

Examining the effectiveness of 2 solutions used to flush capped pediatric peripheral intravenous catheters.

An evidence-based study examined the effectiveness of 2 solutions, heparin and normal saline, when used to flush capped pediatric peripheral intravenous (CPP IV) catheters. This experimental study assessed patency, redness, swelling, clotting, bruising, leakage, and patient pain after each intervention/flush. Study participants included 62 children (32 heparin and 30 normal saline) who had CPP IV catheters using 20-, 22-, or 24-gauge catheters.