Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · May 2004
Intensive care nurses' experiences of assessing and dealing with patients' psychological needs.
Several authors have highlighted the short- and long-term psychological effects of an intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Few authors have discussed the nurses' perceptions of psychological care. ⋯ Six categories were developed about issues in psychological care. Implications for practice included the important role of the family, need for improved communication and improved staff awareness of issues.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2004
Can nurses in cardiology areas prepare patients for implantable cardioverter defibrillator implant and life at home?
This study explored nurses' confidence and competence in preparing patients for having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implanted and for life at home after discharge. Whilst research has identified various physical and psychosocial effects to patients and their partners associated with device implant and subsequent lifestyle adjustments, no research has explored nurses' knowledge of the device or these effects. A survey was designed using a purposive sample of 152 nurses from cardiology areas in four large teaching hospitals and a 28-point postal questionnaire to explore knowledge of the device and its impact. ⋯ Knowledge of the device and its effects appeared poorly understood by all nurses, irrespective of additional qualifications, length of time since qualifying or area of work. Many participants were aware of the poor knowledge level of nurses and identified it as a weakness in current care practices. Lack of understanding may impair preparation of patients for implantation of or for living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and feasible strategies to change this situation will require careful consideration and further investment.
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2004
ReviewDevelopment of clinical guidelines for prone positioning in critically ill adults.
Literature reveals evidence that prone positioning can improve the oxygenation of critically ill patients suffering from acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Multicentre evidence, however, does not support the claim that it improves patients' outcome. The implementation of multiprofessional guidelines by which to direct the manoeuvre will facilitate the safe and effective management of patients in the prone position. They will thus heighten multiprofessional awareness of the technique and promote its proactive use at such time so as to achieve maximum clinical benefit.
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2004
ReviewManaging anxiety in ICU patients: the role of pre-operative information provision.
Hospital-induced patient anxiety and coping mechanisms are discussed. The value of giving pre-operative information to reduce anxiety in elective admissions to intensive care unit is discussed. Recommendations are given based on the literature evidence to aid service and practice development.
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2003
The sound of silence--nurses' non-verbal interaction within the ward round.
This study describes nurses' non-verbal interaction in the ward round within intensive care. Data were collected through participant observation, fieldwork notes and ethnographic interview techniques from eight intensive care nurses. ⋯ A key issue highlighted in this study is that nurses need to recognize their contribution to patient management decisions within the ward round. Drawing from the data, educational and training strategies are suggested to enhance collaborative practice in the clinical setting of intensive care.