Guidelines for staff administering laser therapy in an office setting.

Advances in laser technology provide not only new opportunities, but an increase in laser applications. Many independent clinics now offer laser treatments. Use of laser treatment and related services should only be provided to patients by appropriately trained and qualified personnel.

Research activity and evidence-based practice within DNA: a survey.

In this survey, research awareness and capacity within the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) was investigated to inform the organization's development in both the use of research evidence to improve practice and the capacity to undertake research. The majority of respondents (almost 90%) indicated they were DNA members. Of the remaining respondents who did not answer this question, we could not be clear on their status and so decided not to separate member and non-member responses during analysis.

Preoperative assessment of the surgical patient.

Nurses play an important role in the preassessment of surgical patients. With the rise in free-standing surgical clinics and the move of many surgical procedures to office-based surgical clinics, quality patient care could be compromised. Preassessment of surgical patients in office-based and hospital clinics ensures quality patient care from the moment patients enter the office to when they are discharged from care.