Exploration of mindfulness in relation to compassion, empathy and reflection within nursing education.

Background: This article will look at the viability of the inclusion of mindfulness into the nursing curriculum. In nursing, the environment rarely allows the time for contemplation, though reflection is encouraged specifically in regard to the care we confer on our patients and how that impacts on us professionally. Student nurses are taught to hide their feelings to a point where they cannot find it themselves under their professional armour.

Implementing service improvement projects within pre-registration nursing education: a multi-method case study evaluation.

Background: Preparing healthcare students for quality and service improvement is important internationally. A United Kingdom (UK) initiative aims to embed service improvement in pre-registration education. A UK university implemented service improvement teaching for all nursing students.

Messenger RNA expression profiling using DNA microarray technology: diagnostic tool, scientific analysis or un-interpretable data?

Analysis of the transcriptome using DNA microarrays has become a standard approach for investigation of the molecular basis of human disease in both clinical and experimental settings. However, drawing conclusions from the wealth of data obtained has remained problematic. There have been difficulties with accurate reporting of results, with experimental reproducibility and with identifying and interpreting the biologically relevant information.

The infection control audit: the standardized audit as a tool for change.

Background: Health care workers' compliance with infection control practices and principles is vital in preventing the spread of disease. One tool to assess infection control practice in clinical areas is the infection control audit; however, many institutions do not approach this in a systematic fashion.

Methods: Key features of the infection control audit were identified by the infection control team and developed into a standardized format for review of clinical areas.