Using the ReSPECT emergency care and treatment plan in a community hospital: a quality improvement initiative.

Background: The Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) is a care plan to guide emergency treatment when the person cannot contribute. ReSPECT is important in supporting adults at risk of decline.

Aim: To implement, evaluate and embed ReSPECT conversations to improve patient safety out of hours and support involvement of patients and their families.

Family carers' administration of injectable medications at the end of life: a service evaluation of a novel intervention.

Timely and safe administration of injectable medications for patients at home is vital in optimally managing distressing symptoms in the final days of life. This article discusses a service evaluation of family carers' (including close friends) administrating subcutaneous end-of-life medications. The procedure was not intended to become normal care, rather the exception when appropriate and needed, with 24/7 skilled support from community nursing and palliative care services.

The impact of body condition after calving on metabolism and milk progesterone profiles in two breeds of dairy cows.

Background: Optimal body condition in early lactation is generally accepted as a prerequisite for good reproductive performance. Examination of milk progesterone profiles offers an objective method for characterization of postpartum ovarian activity in dairy cows. The present study investigated the relationship between body condition after calving, some metabolic parameters in blood plasma, and fertility, as reflected by milk progesterone profiles in the two dairy breeds Swedish Red (SR) and Swedish Holstein (SH).

Prophylaxis of cerebrovascular events in dementia patients receiving risperidone.

Objective: To determine if differences exist in prescribing for cerebrovascular adverse event (CAE) prophylaxis between residents receiving risperidone therapy and those with no antipsychotic therapy.

Design: Retrospective, multicentered, cross-sectional study.

Setting: Ten long-term care facilities.

An assessment of the diagnosis and management of dementia in nursing homes.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis and management of dementia in the nursing home setting through use of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and monitoring of acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor (ACHEI) therapy.

Design: Longitudinal cross-sectional study.

Setting: Long-term care facilities in Indiana.