Articles: outcome.
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The study compared certified nurses with noncertified nurses for symptom management of nausea, vomiting, and pain; patient satisfaction; and nurse satisfaction to determine the effect of certification in oncology nursing on those nursing-sensitive outcomes. A total of 93 nurses-35 (38%) of them certified in oncology nursing-and 270 patients completed surveys. Chart audits provided additional data on symptom management. ⋯ The study demonstrated that job satisfaction is fairly high for oncology nurses and patient satisfaction is high. In general, cancer pain and CINV were managed well but improvements can be made. Nurses and physicians continuously should be educated on evidence-based guidelines for symptom management of cancer pain and CINV, and a CINV knowledge and attitude assessment tool should be developed.
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At Haukeland University Hospital (HUH), we used overhead skeletal traction for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF) in children until closed reduction and crossed wire fixation was introduced in the early 1990s. Though there are obvious and well-documented benefits of wire fixation, the aim of this study was to document and compare the results and complication rates for both methods. ⋯ The introduction of crossed wire fixation has significantly reduced the number of days for which patients are hospitalised for SCHF. The rate of nerve injuries in Gartland type 3 fractures is high. Despite the fact that this study includes the first patients to be treated with crossed wire fixation at our institution, no significant increase in the risk of complications could be found compared to skeletal traction.
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To assess the frequency of after-hours discharges of patients from the intensive care unit and its effect on in-hospital mortality. ⋯ A high proportion of patients (34.7%) were discharged from the ICU after-hours. Discharge after-hours was associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality than discharge during work hours.
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Editorial Comment
Evidence-based emergency medicine: clinical synopsis. No clear winner among dressings for partial-thickness burns.
The authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialized Register (May 29, 2008), MEDLINE (1950 to May 2008), EMBASE (1980 to May 2008), and CINAHL (1982 to May 2008). ⋯ Studies were reviewed by 2 authors independently and data were abstracted using standardized forms. The authors abstracted and pooled data from eligible studies by using appropriate analytical methods according to the Cochrane Handbook, version 5.0.0. Studies were assessed for the adequacy of randomization and allocation concealment, blinding of providers and participants, potential selection bias after allocation, and completeness of follow-up.