Journal of clinical nursing
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Comparative Study
Comparing mercury-in-glass, tympanic and disposable thermometers in measuring body temperature in healthy young people.
The aim of this study was to determine whether a disposable thermometer was at least as accurate as a tympanic thermometer when compared with a mercury-in-glass thermometer and to investigate the waiting periods of mercury-in-glass thermometers. ⋯ When assessing body temperature it is important to take the type of thermometer into consideration. In addition, axillary mercury-in-glass thermometers must be kept in place a minimum of eight minutes.
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This paper discusses the process of change that took place in an intervention study of standardized multidisciplinary assessment guidelines implemented in a female ward for older people in a District General Hospital in South London. This study was one of nine implementation projects in the South Thames Evidence-Based Practice Project. ⋯ Using research to change practice needs clinical leaders who are supported by the organization and have the skills to implement research evidence, manage uncertainty and build trust with a range of other professionals.
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Litmus tests for verification of feeding tube location in infants: evaluation of their clinical use.
To examine the clinical use of litmus paper tests for the assessment of aspirates in infants. ⋯ Application of pH indicator paper is recommended as a complementary method for assessment of aspirates from feeding tubes.
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The aims of this project were to investigate awareness and foster understanding of the concept of the nurse practitioner and to facilitate and support the development of nurse practitioner roles within an acute hospital trust. ⋯ This project demonstrated how practice development and action research might be used together as a systematic process for developing and supporting professional roles that aim to improve the quality of patient care and the effectiveness of health care services.
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To investigate whether nurses experience barriers to delivering high quality care in areas that are of particular concern to patients and to describe which aspects of care are most affected when nurses lack the required resources, such as time, tools and training to do their job. ⋯ This paper goes beyond reporting problems with the quality and safety of care to try to understand why patients do not always receive optimum care in areas that are important to them. In many cases nurses lack the time, tools and training to deliver high quality care in acute London hospitals. We suggest a number of low-cost interventions that might remove some of the barriers to patient-centred care. The questionnaire we have developed could be a useful tool for improving quality locally.