International journal of evidence-based healthcare
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Int J Evid Based Healthc · Dec 2011
ReviewExperiences of registered nurses as managers and leaders in residential aged care facilities: a systematic review.
The phenomenon of an ageing population is being experienced globally, as countries struggle to change and improve residential models of care and provide services to the elderly. The role of the registered nurse (RN) is considered crucial to the clinical governance and management of care given. To date, however, no systematic review has examined the RN's experience in leadership and management. ⋯ Overall the themes presented in the review reported the negative experiences of nurses in residential aged care and geriatrics. Nurses will continue to be devalued if there is no professional identity and support for their roles and need to have a career pathway when making the decision to enter into aged and geriatric practice. Clinical leadership training is needed for nurses to transition through practice into specialised roles such as the RN team leader and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP). Providing a career structure and choice in the industry for the nurse to become a clinical leader or a manager of health services will improve recruitment and retention. IMPLICATION FOR RESEARCH: More research is needed to identify the skills gaps experienced by nurses in aged care and geriatric care. This research could lead to the design and implementation of a skills audit to identify candidates for specialised courses so that clinical leadership and governance in aged care are improved. More research is needed for role construction and the professional development of the GNP. Organisations can benefit from research currently being conducted on the role of the RN in aged care and geriatrics, by mapping the skills mix of candidate RNs to the key performance indicators in the role. Organisations must change their perception and value of RNs as clinical leaders in care teams.
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Int J Evid Based Healthc · Sep 2011
ReviewAnxiety in women with breast cancer undergoing treatment: a systematic review.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and anxiety is a psychological morbidity that is inevitable. Many researchers have investigated the prevalence and detrimental effects of anxiety in breast cancer treatment, but little is known about differences in anxiety level among women receiving different breast cancer treatments. A systematic review of all available literature was needed to attain better understanding of anxiety in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. ⋯ The prevalence and intensity of anxiety have been shown to be pronounced among breast cancer women who were undergoing/had undergone one or more of the three treatments. Chemotherapy, as compared to other treatments, is shown to be associated with a higher anxiety level. With the prevalence, intensity and correlated factors of anxiety identified through this review, future research may investigate the interventions that could help alleviate anxiety among these patients. Anxiety is prevalent in women with breast cancer undergoing treatment, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. Healthcare professionals should pay greater attention to identify signs of anxiety in patients and design interventions to help alleviate it earlier.
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Int J Evid Based Healthc · Sep 2011
ReviewA systematic review of the effectiveness of primary health education or intervention programs in improving rural women's knowledge of heart disease risk factors and changing lifestyle behaviours.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability for women in Australia. Women living in rural areas are at greater risk of heart disease, because of limited access and availability of healthcare in rural areas. Lifestyle is a major determinant to the risk of heart disease. Risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diet, physical activity and alcohol intake can be controlled or modified by lifestyle changes. As heart disease develops over many years, women need to be following healthy lifestyle practices and reduce their chance of a first or recurrent heart attack. ⋯ The results of this review suggest that in rural areas, lifestyle interventions delivered by primary care providers in primary care settings to patients at low risk appeared to be of marginal benefit. Resources and time in primary care might be better spent on patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as those with diabetes or existing heart disease.
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Int J Evid Based Healthc · Jun 2011
ReviewThe effect of nurse staffing on clinical outcomes of children in hospital: a systematic review.
The aim of the present study was to identify any association between nurse staffing and clinical outcomes in hospitalised children. ⋯ There is evidence that levels of nurse staffing are associated with clinical outcomes of children. Standardisation of nurse-sensitive indicators and measures of nurse staffing will enable empirical research. Further research to find the levels of Registered Nurse hours per patient day and proportion of Registered Nurse in the skill mix that maximises children's clinical outcomes is still required.
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Int J Evid Based Healthc · Jun 2011
ReviewFactors affecting effective communication between registered nurses and adult cancer patients in an inpatient setting: a systematic review.
To establish the best available evidence regarding the factors affecting effective communication between registered nurses and inpatient cancer adults. ⋯ Further research on the effect of the Asian culture on effective communication within the oncology setting is required to expand the knowledge in this area. Studies to ascertain the effect of the patient's age and place within the oncology treatment cycle are also warranted. The lack of evidence on the effectiveness of post-basic communication education also requires further investigation.