Journal of advanced nursing
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In young, non-toilet-trained children, the collection of a urine sample for microbiology can be challenging, with the application of a urine bag being the main method of collection. However, recent research has shown that absorbent pads can be used yielding similar results to bag specimens. However, weaknesses in study design erode confidence in research findings. Therefore, improvements in research design are required to fully evaluate the reliability of pad collection. ⋯ The pilot study demonstrates that concurrent urine samples can be obtained without difficulty. Despite poor to moderate agreement on outcome measures the level of agreement is greater than reported in those other studies, that use non-current methods of urine collection, suggesting an advantage of the concurrent technique. It is recommended that larger scale studies be undertaken using the concurrent collection technique to assess reliability of these findings.
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Whilst we live in multicultural societies most health researchers tend to take the cultural perspective of the majority ethnic group at the expense of the perspective of minority ethnic groups. ⋯ Current health policy in many developed countries focuses on inequalities of health and managing diversity, including ethnicity. Thus the authors conclude that the development of culturally competent researchers will lead to both valid research and culturally competent practice by health care professionals.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The impact of foot massage and guided relaxation following cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
Because of the widely presumed association between heart disease and psychological wellbeing, the use of so-called 'complementary' therapies as adjuncts to conventional treatment modalities have been the subject of considerable debate. The present study arose from an attempt to identify a safe and effective therapeutic intervention to promote wellbe ing, which could be practicably delivered by nurses to patients in the postoperative recovery period following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Aim. To investigate the impact of foot massage and guided relaxation on the wellbeing of patients who had undergone CABG surgery. ⋯ These interventions appear to be effective, noninvasive techniques for promoting psychological wellbeing in this patient group. Further investigation is indicated.
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Review
Critical care outreach services and early warning scoring systems: a review of the literature.
The aim of this paper is to explore the literature relating to critical care outreach services and the use of early warning scoring systems to detect developing critical illness. ⋯ The paper concludes that further study is required to evaluate the effectiveness of critical care outreach services and early warning scoring systems, and that ward staff need to be educated to identify those patients at risk of developing critical illness. Finally, it is suggested that nurses' decision-making in relation to calling the outreach team requires further investigation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
From hospital to home care: a randomized controlled trial of a Pain Education Programme for cancer patients with chronic pain.
To investigate the role of district nurses in the care of cancer patients with chronic pain at home, as well as the effects of a Pain Education Programme for patients and their district nurses. The Pain Education Programme consisted of a tailored multi-method approach in which they were educated about pain, instructed how to report pain, and how to contact health care providers. ⋯ These findings suggest a significant but moderate effect of the Pain Education Programme, with district nurses only playing a minor role in the treatment of cancer pain.