Investigating the effects of cervical collar design and fit on the biomechanical and biomarker reaction at the skin.

Background: Research has shown that up to 33% of pressure ulcers (PUs) acquired in hospitals result from the application of a medical device. Cervical collars (C-collars) have been implicated in causing PUs, due to the mechanical force they apply to the skin. In order to improve our understanding of collar-related PUs, the present study aimed to assess the biomechanical, biochemical, and microclimate effects of C-collar design and fitting tension.

A fundamental conflict of care: Nurses' accounts of balancing patients' sleep with taking vital sign observations at night.

Aims And Objectives: To explore why adherence to vital sign observations scheduled by an early warning score protocol reduces at night.

Background: Regular vital sign observations can reduce avoidable deterioration in hospital. early warning score protocols set the frequency of these observations by the severity of a patient's condition.

Follow-up care after treatment for prostate cancer: protocol for an evaluation of a nurse-led supported self-management and remote surveillance programme.

Background: As more men survive a diagnosis of prostate cancer, alternative models of follow-up care that address men's enduring unmet needs and are economical to deliver are needed. This paper describes the protocol for an ongoing evaluation of a nurse-led supported self-management and remote surveillance programme implemented within the secondary care setting.

Methods/design: The evaluation is taking place within a real clinical setting, comparing the outcomes of men enrolled in the Programme with the outcomes of a pre-service change cohort of men, using a repeated measures design.

Investigating the Short-Term Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Compression Garment Therapies on Lymphatic Function Using Near-Infrared Imaging.

Background: Lymphedema is a chronic peripheral swelling caused by a dysfunction of the lymphatic system, leading to discomfort and loss of upper limb movement. Therapies to treat or manage this swelling have limited evidence, partly because of a paucity in objective lymphatic measures. This study explored the role of near-infrared (NIR) imaging in evaluating interventions.

A two phased study on health care professionals' perceptions of single or multi-use of intermittent catheters.

Aims: This two phase study aimed to explore health care professionals' teaching and prescribing practice related to intermittent catheterisation and to identify their perceptions about the possible implementation of a mixed (single and multi-use) package for intermittent catheterization.

Introduction: Single-use intermittent catheters are the norm in the UK although multi-use is common in some other countries. A recent Cochrane review found no difference in complications, including urinary tract infection rates, between those using single or multi-use catheters.

Finite element analysis of the amputated lower limb: A systematic review and recommendations.

The care and rehabilitation of individuals after lower limb amputation presents a substantial and growing socioeconomic challenge. Clinical outcome is closely linked to successful functional rehabilitation with a prosthetic limb, which depends upon comfortable prosthetic limb - residual limb load transfer. Despite early interest in the 1980s, the amputated limb has received considerably less attention in computational biomechanical analysis than other subjects, such as arthroplasty.

Investigating the effects of strap tension during non-invasive ventilation mask application: a combined biomechanical and biomarker approach.

Non-invasive ventilation is commonly used for respiratory support. However, in some cases, mask application can cause pressure ulcers to specific features of the face, resulting in pain and reduced quality of life for the individual. This study investigated the effects of mask strap tension on the biomechanical and biomarker responses at the skin interface.

An evaluation of fluid immersion therapy for the prevention of pressure ulcers.

Background: Individuals with impaired mobility can spend prolonged periods on support surfaces, increasing their risk of developing pressure ulcers. Manufacturers have developed mattresses to maximise contact area. The present study evaluated both the biomechanical and physiological responses to lying postures on a Fluid Immersion Simulation mattress.

Characteristics of patients who are admitted with or acquire Pressure Ulcers in a District General Hospital; a 3 year retrospective analysis.

Aim: The study aimed to characterize demographic and clinical practice factors associated with community (CAPU) and hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU).

Design: A comparative retrospective evaluation of pressure ulcer data, collected from a district general hospital.

Methods: Demographic and pressure ulcer related data were collected from patients at risk of developing a pressure ulcer, collated by a single observer using a standardized tool.

Monitoring contractile dermal lymphatic activity following uniaxial mechanical loading.

It is proposed that direct mechanical loading can impair dermal lymphatic function, contributing to the causal pathway of pressure ulcers. The present study aims to investigate the effects of loading on human dermal lymphatic vessels. Ten participants were recruited with ages ranging from 24 to 61 years.

A new method to evaluate the effects of shear on the skin.

Currently, pressure ulcer preventive strategies focus mainly on pressure redistribution. Little attention is paid to reduce the harmful effects of shear-force, because little is known about pathophysiological aspects of shear-force. Even today, no method to measure the effects of shear-force on the skin is available.

Exploring the role of practical nursing wisdom in the care of patients with urinary problems at the end of life: a qualitative interview study.

Aims And Objectives: This study examined how nurses understand urinary problems at the end of life, and identified sources of evidence upon which they base their practice through semi-structured qualitative interviews. The aim was to decide whether research or interventions (such as formulation of best practice guidelines) could improve continence care at the end of life.

Background: There is little evidence in nursing literature to indicate how nurses should manage urinary problems at the end of life.

The physiological response of soft tissue to periodic repositioning as a strategy for pressure ulcer prevention.

Background: Individuals who have reduced mobility are at risk of developing pressure ulcers if they are subjected to sustained static postures. To reduce this risk, clinical guidelines advocate healthcare professionals reposition patients regularly. Automated tilting mechanisms have recently been introduced to provide periodic repositioning.

Patients' views on the effectiveness of patient-held records: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Objective: To synthesise the views of patients on patient-held records (PHR) and to determine from a patient's perspective the effectiveness and any benefits or drawbacks to the PHR.

Design: Systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies, which investigate the perspective of patients on the effectiveness of the PHR.

Data Sources: Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed, Cochrane.