International journal of nursing studies
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
UK ward design: patient dependency, nursing workload, staffing and quality-an observational study.
There are important relationships between ward design, patient welfare and staff activity in the literature but studies seem not to have tested all the variables. Whether ward designs influence nursing structures, processes and outcomes, therefore, has not been fully answered. While studies provide helpful guidance, nursing efficiency and effectiveness implications are speculative. ⋯ Racetrack wards have an edge over other ward designs. However, replicating Nightingale conditions by, for example, equalising occupancy, throughput and staffing and maximising nurses' substations, could engender similar outcomes elsewhere.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Relationship between catheter care and catheter-associated urinary tract infection at Japanese general hospitals: a prospective observational study.
The risk factors for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) that are associated with catheter care have not been examined in detail by prospective studies or randomised clinical trials. ⋯ Our investigation identified fecal incontinence as the major risk factor for CAUTIs in the study population. However, attributable risk percent indicates that the implementation of two basic elements of catheter care could reduce CAUTIs by nearly 50%. The hospital using silver-alloy catheters had the highest CAUTI rates, strongly suggesting the hazards of relying on the antimicrobial property of silver and the resultant laxity in care.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Competence development of registered nurses in municipal elderly care in Sweden: a questionnaire survey.
Skilled and specialist registered nurses (RNs) are central to evolving elderly care. The past decades' organisational and structural changes have altered RNs' roles and work situations in municipal elderly care in Sweden. This calls for appropriate educational preparation. However, a substantial proportion of RNs in municipal elderly care lack adequate specialist competence. ⋯ A better organisation and greater possibilities for RNs' competence development is needed. The employers need to make a greater contribution financially to RNs' continuing education. It is essential to provide RNs with supervision.