Canadian journal of neuroscience nursing
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Can J Neurosci Nurs · Jan 2014
Development of clinical practice guidelines for urinary continence care of adult stroke survivors in acute and rehabilitation settings.
This study developed evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the urinary continence care of adult stroke survivors in acute and rehabilitation settings. The research team conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on urinary continence interventions and outcomes. The team then developed a set of recommendations outlined in the resulting clinical practice guidelines titled Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the Urinary Continence Care of Stroke Survivors in Acute and Rehabilitation Settings. ⋯ This study assessed nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding urinary continence challenges using a survey before and after the pilot. Chart reviews before and after the pilot implementation audited the nurses' urinary continence practices for patients and uptake of the selected guidelines' recommendations. Study findings suggested the implementation of the CPGs' recommendations improved nurses knowledge of the continence needs of stroke survivors.
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Can J Neurosci Nurs · Jan 2014
Promoting rest using a quiet time innovation in an adult neuroscience step down unit.
Sleep and rest are fundamental for the restoration of energy needed to recuperate from illness, trauma and surgery. At present hospitals are too noisy to promote rest for patients. ⋯ In this paper, a description of the importance of quiet time and how a small butfeasible innovation was carried out in an adult neuroscience step down unit in a large tertiary health care facility in Canada is provided. Anecdotal evidence from patients, families, and staff suggests that quiet time may have positive effects for patients, their families, and the adult neuroscience step down unit staff Future research examining the effect of quiet time on patient, family and staff satisfaction and patient healing is necessary.
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Can J Neurosci Nurs · Jan 2013
Oral intensity: reducing non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia in care-dependent, neurologically impaired patients.
The purpose of this point-of-care study was to test the efficacy of a prevention-based oral care protocol in reducing non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia in a neurosurgical population outside the critical care environment. The researchers hypothesized that an enhanced oral care protocol would decrease the incidence of pneumonia. ⋯ Nurses play a vital role in preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia. Foundational nursing practices, such as regular oral hygiene, are important aspects of care in preventing nosocomial infections and related costs, optimizing health, and promoting quality care.
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Can J Neurosci Nurs · Jan 2011
Multicenter StudyAssociation between time-to-presentation and clinical outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: an observational study.
Headache is the most common presenting symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), ranging from mild headache to the "worst headache of my life". As headache is often non-specific, patients may not seek immediate medical attention, though prompt medical and surgical management is expected to improve clinical outcomes. In this study, we explore the independent association between duration from onset of symptoms to presentation at an emergency department (ED) and clinical outcomes after SAH. ⋯ In this observational study, duration from symptom onset to hospital presentation was not independently associated with death or severe disability at hospital discharge following SAH. Age and H+H score were independent predictors of clinical outcome after non-traumatic SAH.
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Can J Neurosci Nurs · Jan 2011
ReviewNurses' accountability for stroke quality of care: part one: Review of the literature on nursing-sensitive patient outcomes.
Over the past decade, an exciting area of research has emerged that demonstrates strong links between specific nursing care activities and patient outcomes. This body of research has resulted in the identification of a set of "nursing-sensitive outcomes"(NSOs). ⋯ The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic, narrative review of the literature regarding the clinical effectiveness of nursing management strategies on stroke patient outcomes sensitive to nursing interventions. Subsequent investigation will explore current applications of nursing-sensitive outcomes to patients with stroke, and identify and validate measurable NSOs within stroke care delivery.