The adoption of point of care testing technologies for respiratory tract infections in primary care in Australia: Challenges and facilitators.

Despite technological advances and readily available point of care test (POCT) devices with rapid turn-around results for respiratory tract infection (RTI) management, their adoption in primary care remains low. This paper summarises the challenges and facilitators of POCT implementation for RTIs in primary care settings in high-income countries. The review of 28 studies identified by systematic searches of electronic databases improves our understanding of the current state and will help guide the design and implementation of strategies to improve widespread POCT adoption.

Some strategies to address the challenges of collecting observational data in a busy clinical environment.

Studies drawing on observational methods can provide vital data to enhance healthcare. However, collecting observational data in clinical settings is replete with challenges, particularly where multiple data-collecting observers are used. Observers collecting data require shared understanding and training to ensure data quality, and particularly, to confirm accurate and consistent identification, discrimination and recording of data.

Blogs as a way to elicit feedback on research and engage stakeholders.

Aim: To reflect on the potential of blogs to enhance engagement with research, create a dialogue between researchers and nurses, and provide feedback to researchers.

Background: Blogs can create opportunities to share ideas, provide an arena for interaction, and rapidly and effectively initiate dialogue and feedback on research.

Data Sources: This paper draws on analysis of comments on a blog post about the findings of a peer-reviewed journal article.

Determining the frequency, kinds and cues of violence displayed by patients in an acute older person ward environment: findings from an observational study.

Background: Workplace violence is one of the most complex and significant occupational hazards experienced by nurses in healthcare settings. Verbal abuse and physical violence are particularly prevalent in older person assessment wards, owing to the prevalence of illnesses involving cognitive dysfunction; the high frequency and nature of contact with staff; and the frustration caused by high levels of disability.

Aim: To determine the frequency, kinds and cues of violence displayed by patients towards nurses in an acute older person assessment ward environment using a structured observational tool - the Violence Assessment Tool (VAT).

Research in general practice: a survey of incentives and disincentives for research participation.

Background Recruitment rates of general practitioners (GPs) to do research vary widely. This may be related to the ability of a study to incorporate incentives for GPs and minimise barriers to participation. Method A convenience sample of 30 GPs, ten each from the Sydney intervention and control groups Ageing in General Practice 'Detection and Management of Dementia' project (GP project) and 10 GPs who had refused participation, were recruited to determine incentives and barriers to participating in research.