International journal of nursing studies
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Clinicians worldwide are being called upon to reconcile accountability for patient outcomes with the resources they consume. In the case of intensive care, contradictory pressures can arise in decisions about continuing treatment where benefit is diminishing. As concern grows about the cost effectiveness of treatment at end-of-life, nursing expertise and advocacy become significant factors in decision making. ⋯ If nurses are to be effective patient advocates at end-of-life, they will need to develop clear criteria within which nursing assessments of patient status can be framed, the specialized skills to manage the non-medical needs of dying people and the organizational and political skills to negotiate changing clinical practice and workplace relations.
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Catheter care is considered to be important for prevention of catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSIs) although epidemiological evidence is sparse. ⋯ We identified four problems-those related to skin preparation, dressing, sterile precautions and disinfectant. We implemented a series of interventions to reduce CABSIs; the overall CABSI rate decreased significantly.
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The significance of effective interpersonal communication in healthcare is well established, as is the importance of overcoming language barriers. This has a particular bearing for minority language speakers, where denying language choice can compromise the quality of healthcare provision. Nevertheless, there is limited empirical research exploring language awareness in healthcare and the factors that influence language choice for minority language speakers. ⋯ In view of the universal drive for culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare practice, the findings have important implications for bilingual and multilingual healthcare settings worldwide. The evidence emerging from this survey confirms that cross-cultural communication is enhanced by NMHV language attitudes as well as their proficiency levels. Language awareness training is therefore recommended as a way of enhancing care delivery for minority language speakers.
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As demand for nurses and other health professionals continues to outstrip supply it is important to understand what motivates individuals to join a non-medical health profession. ⋯ Findings suggest that although a service orientation remains a key factor in choosing nursing, students also look for a career which matches their interests and attributes, as well as offering professional values and rewards. Nursing may be in danger of losing service orientated recruits to other non-medical health professions.
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To reduce risky adolescent sexual behavior, education programs must be tailored to specific cultures and stage of adolescence. ⋯ The TpB may be an effective theory to guide the development of theory-driven sexual abstinence interventions to reduce risky sexual behavior for Korean males, while the Theory of Reasoned Action may be an effective theory for Korean females.