A phenomenological exploration of source isolation in patients infected with multi-drug resistant organisms.

Background: The physical isolation of patients colonised or infected with multi-drug resistant organisms is a requirement in hospitals considering the risk of infecting other patients, healthcare workers and visitors. However, how these patients experience isolation in the current environment is not fully understood from the literature.

Aims: To explore and interpret the lived experience of the source isolation in patients infected with MDROs within an Australian setting.

Registered nurses' perspectives on how patients with multi-drug resistant organisms experience isolation.

Background: The isolation of people with transmissible diseases have been known from ancient times. While this topic has been explored from the patients' lived experiences; there is a lack of studies conducted from other viewpoints particularly that of the nurses who provide care to these patients in a 24-hour-period each day. This study explored the experience of source isolation in patients infected with multi-drug resistant organisms, from the nurses' perspectives.

Reframing the Australian nurse teacher competencies: do they reflect the 'REAL' world of nurse teacher practice?

The Australian nurse teacher competencies were introduced in 1996; however, the researchers perceived that changes to the health care system and a nursing workforce shortage may have affected nurse teacher roles over the past decade. This study aimed to explore perceptions of nurse teachers on the applicability of the current Australian nurse teacher competencies to practice, and modify the nurse teacher competencies to better reflect current practice. Methodology utilized mixed methods, and data collection was via focus groups, telephone interviews, and survey data.

Comparison of a nomogram and physician-adjusted dosage of warfarin for prophylaxis against deep-vein thrombosis after arthroplasty.

Background: Warfarin is an effective agent for prophylaxis against deep-vein thrombosis following total hip or knee arthroplasty. However, management with warfarin in the postoperative setting is problematic because of the need for anticoagulant monitoring. We developed a nomogram for the dosing of warfarin that was specific for joint arthroplasty.