Implementing skin-to-skin contact at birth using the Iowa model: applying evidence to practice.

Prolonged skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mothers and newborns in the hour after birth is associated with physiologic and psychological benefits for both mothers and infants, yet this is not a standard practice at all birthing facilities. The purpose of the project described in this article was to implement SSC immediately aft er birth for healthy term newborns as a routine, evidence-based practice in a labor and delivery unit at a Midwestern U.S.

Clinical nurse specialist-led evaluation of temporal artery thermometers in acute care.

Purpose: A systematic review of literature and intensive evaluation were conducted using a quality process to assess temporal artery thermometer (TAT) accuracy in an acute-care setting.

Background: Inaccurate temperature measurements were reported following adoption of the TAT. Concern for patient safety and outcomes generated a need to reevaluate use of the TAT.