A model for influences on reliable and valid health care-associated infection data.

Reliable surveillance data and continuous monitoring can provide useful information for clinicians and patients alike, by identifying areas needing improvement and demonstrating the effectiveness of interventions. Improving the rigor of health care-associated infection surveillance makes it possible to provide more valid and reliable information. We propose a model that can be used by infection control preventionists, researchers, and health planners and can serve as a trigger for understanding the influences on reliable and valid health care-associated infection data.

The prolongation of length of stay because of Clostridium difficile infection.

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) possibly extends hospital length of stay (LOS); however, the current evidence does not account for the time-dependent bias, ie, when infection is incorrectly analyzed as a baseline covariate. The aim of this study was to determine whether CDI increases LOS after managing this bias.

Methods: We examined the estimated extra LOS because of CDI using a multistate model.

Atrial fibrillation: stroke prevention in focus.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia and a risk factor for stroke and other, adverse events. Internationally there have been recent advancements in the therapies available for, stroke prevention in AF. Nurses will care for individuals with AF across a variety of primary and acute, care settings and should be familiar with evidence based therapies.

Trends in nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia across cardiac catheterisation laboratories in Australia and New Zealand: results of an electronic survey.

Background: Knowledge of current trends in nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory (CCL) may provide important insights into how to improve safety and effectiveness of this practice.

Objective: To characterise current practice as well as education and competency standards regarding nurse-administered PSA in Australian and New Zealand CCLs.

Design: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was used.

Research involvement, support needs, and factors affecting research participation: a survey of Mental Health Consultation Liaison Nurses.

The aims of this study were to identify research involvement and support needs of Mental Health Consultation Liaison Nurses (MHCLN) and the factors that affect participation in research. A self-administered, standardized, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of MHCLN. Frequencies and univariate analyses were calculated to examine relationships between: (i) involvement in a research study by highest qualification and job designation; and (ii) current enrolment in a higher degree study, research goals, and current research involvement by level of research skill.

Measurement properties of the Personal Care Participation Assessment and Resource Tool: a systematic review.

Purpose: To systematically review research investigating measurement properties of the Personal Care Participation Assessment and Resource Tool (PC-PART), formerly the Handicap Assessment and Resource Tool (HART).

Data Sources: Seven databases were searched using (i) HART or PC-PART terms and (ii) known authors. Reference list searches, citation searches and author contact were secondary search methods.

Support surfaces for treating pressure injury: a Cochrane systematic review.

Objectives: To examine the effects on healing of pressure relieving support surfaces in the treatment of pressure injury.

Design: Systematic review.

Data Sources: Cochrane Wound Group Specialised Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and EBSCO CINAHL.

A qualitative study of stakeholder views of the conditions for and outcomes of successful clinical networks.

Background: Clinical networks have been established to improve health outcomes and processes of care by implementing a range of innovations and undertaking projects based on perceived local need. Limited research exists on the necessary conditions required to bring about successful network outcomes and what characterises network success from the perspective of those involved in network initiatives. This qualitative study identified stakeholder views on i) the conditions for effective clinical networks; and ii) desirable outcomes of successful clinical networks.

Support surfaces for treating pressure ulcers.

Background: Pressure ulcers are treated by reducing pressure on the areas of damaged skin. Special support surfaces (including beds, mattresses and cushions) designed to redistribute pressure, are widely used as treatments. The relative effects of different support surfaces are unclear.

Preventing pressure ulcers--Are pressure-redistributing support surfaces effective? A Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To undertake a systematic review of the effectiveness of pressure redistributing support surfaces in the prevention of pressure ulcers.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: Cochrane Wound Group Specialised Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and EBSCO CINAHL.

Support surfaces for pressure ulcer prevention.

Background: Pressure ulcers (i.e. bedsores, pressure sores, decubitus ulcers) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue.

A survey of coronary heart disease knowledge in a sample of Hong Kong Chinese.

Using a self-developed questionnaire, this study examined the knowledge of coronary heart disease (CHD) in 467 Hong Kong Chinese, comprising participants with a low risk (LR) of CHD and high risk (HR) of CHD, and those who had had a myocardial infarction (MI). The results showed that the LR and HR respondents were less likely to respond correctly to items regarding knowledge of typical symptoms and certain risk factors for CHD. The MI group had the highest level of CHD knowledge.

Patient care guidelines: a telephone survey of intensive care practices in New South Wales.

Background: There are a number of practice areas highlighted in the literature as important for the care of critically ill patients. However, the current implementation of evidence into clinical practice for these areas is largely unknown. The development of clinical practice guidelines can translate the current evidence into useful tools to guide clinicians in providing evidence based care.