Nursing research
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Cost analyses are needed to inform resource decisions. Oftentimes, however cost-benefit analysis (CBA), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost-minimization analysis (CMA), and cost-utility analysis (CUA) are performed using untested techniques and adhering to a variety of questionable principles. ⋯ Funded cost analyses of nursing interventions that adhere to the six known methodologic principles are needed to inform policy-level health care decisions. Because of the complexity of cost analysis methodology, including sensitivity analysis, future interdisciplinary efforts using existing databases may prove most effective. The six methodologic principles presented in this article can be useful for future nursing education and cost-analysis research designed to control cost and increase the quality of health care.
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Multicenter Study
Adult emergency visits for chronic cardiorespiratory disease: does dyspnea matter?
Dyspnea is among the most common reasons for emergency department (ED) visits, yet little is known about how it is associated with visit characteristics and disposition or about how such associations differ across diagnoses. ⋯ Reports of dyspnea increased the likelihood of admission from the ED either directly or indirectly, depending on diagnosis. Judgments of nonurgency may be less dependable in ED visits for COPD and CHF than for asthma or adult visits generally.