International journal of nursing studies
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Nursing profession has intensified education and training of nurse researchers who could enhance the health of people through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge. This resulted in rapid increase in the number of doctoral programs in nursing in many countries in recent decades, but the guidelines for quality programs are lacking. ⋯ Global criteria, standards, and indicators for doctoral programs in nursing presented in this article may serve as guidelines for most doctoral programs in the world as these were developed by experienced nurse scholars representing eight countries from five continents. The degree of detail in these parameters is sufficient to enhance the utility of the QCSI for all doctoral programs worldwide.
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Review Meta Analysis
Post-acute intermediate care in nursing-led units: a systematic review of effectiveness.
In order to determine whether post-acute intermediate care in nursing-led inpatient units (NLUs) is effective in preparing patients for discharge from hospital we conducted a systematic review of the evidence. ⋯ The NLU successfully functions as a form of intermediate care, so far there is no evidence of adverse outcome from the lower level of routine medical care. However, more research is required to confirm safety. Patients discharged from NLUs have higher levels of function although it is unclear if the benefit is simply a product of an increased stay. There is no evidence of benefit over the longer term.
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Clinical guidelines are one of the most promising and effective advances for defining and improving the quality of care. However, their development, dissemination and implementation in practice are rarely straightforward. Within nursing practice, guidelines have the potential to ensure the clinical application of research findings, thus ensuring that the profession rejects ineffective practices while employing those shown to work. Nevertheless, the benefits and limitations of clinical guidelines should be carefully considered by practitioners, managers and consumers of health care alike.
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The prison population is increasing and the health problems of prisoners are considerable. Prison is designed with punishment, correction and rehabilitation to the community in mind and these goals may conflict with the aims of health care. ⋯ Health promotion and the health of the community outside prisons are desirable aims of prison health care. The delivery of effective health care to prisoners is dependent upon partnership between health and prison services and telemedicine is one possible mode of delivery.
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Pain is highlighted as a significant, yet neglected problem among older people, particularly in long-term care settings. The effects of inadequate assessment and treatment of pain among older people may lead to multiple problems. ⋯ Analgesics are under-used and there is a need for improved education of both healthcare professionals and older people regarding attitudes to pain and ageing. Research is needed into the prevalence of pain among older people in United Kingdom (UK) care homes, how best to further educate healthcare professionals regarding pain management and how to enable older people to be facilitative partners in this process.