Publications by authors named "Lygia Holcomb"

Unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics is costly, leads to serious unintended side effects, and increases the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Children are at high risk of receiving unnecessary antibiotics because they consume more antibiotics than any other age group, likely due to inaccurate prescribing by health care providers. Treatment of acute otitis media is the most common reason children are prescribed antibiotics.

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Collaborative efforts among community members, health care professionals, and faith-based institutions can prove valuable in efforts to improve community health. This study used data obtained from before and after health risk assessment surveys to assess participant's knowledge of risk factors leading to chronic diseases among African Americans in an underserved community of Alabama. Data obtained from activity logs and health screening sessions was used to assess effect of knowledge gained on lifestyle practices.

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Research results indicate that study-abroad programs have positive learning outcomes. Drawing on their experiences as faculty in a study-abroad program for student nurses, the authors identify basic educational components and learning activities that can be used to maximize students' learning in a study-abroad program in a low-resource country.

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Providing health care in developing nations results in cultural and ethical challenges for health care professionals. The authors' intent is to raise readers' awareness of how to maintain an ethical and culturally sensitive approach to practice in developing nations. Four practical approaches to ethical decision-making, developed from the literature and praxis, in conjunction with traditional moral theory and guidelines from professional and international organizations are discussed.

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Hurricanes are often devastating for the victims. Although millions of dollars and hours are invested, relief efforts could be more effective. The purpose of this article is to utilize the lessons learned from Hurricane Mitch as a guide for holistic practice in both hurricane preparation and response planning.

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Antibiotic resistance is a global public health problem that is accelerated by overuse and misuse of antibiotics. In today's world of increasing international travel and exchange of goods, the spread of antibiotic resistant organisms is a growing threat. Despite significant antibiotic use in developing nations, research to describe and curtail inappropriate use is limited.

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Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for women and the most fatal of all gynecologic malignancies. Labeled "the whispering disease," ovarian cancer has an insidious onset with vague symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, abdominal bloating and fatigue. Early diagnosis is often delayed and patients present with advanced disease.

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Purpose: To describe the practical issues associated with setting up a nurse practitioner (NP) practice in an assisted living facility (ALF), including record keeping, maintaining communication, and scheduling and coordination issues.

Data Sources: Selected scientific literature, legal and regulatory guidelines, and the authors' experiences.

Conclusions: Initiating a NP practice in an ALF can be a rewarding experience, but it will not be without its own unique challenges.

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Purpose: To describe what an assisted living facility (ALF) is who resides in ALFs, and the benefits of nurse practitioner (NP) practice in an ALF for the client, facility, NP, and practice.

Data Sources: Selected scientific literature, legal and regulatory guidelines, consumer information and guidelines, Internet sites, and the authors' experiences.

Conclusions: Assisted living facilities are nonmedical residential settings grounded in a philosophy of providing residents with choice, autonomy, privacy, independence, dignity, and respect in a housing environment as homelike as possible.

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