Nursing research
-
Lack of randomization of nursing intervention in outcome effectiveness studies may lead to imbalanced covariates. Consequently, estimation of nursing intervention effect can be biased as in other observational studies. Propensity score analysis is an effective statistical method to reduce such bias and further derive causal effects in observational studies. ⋯ Propensity score analysis provides an alternative statistical approach to the classical multivariate regression, stratification, and matching techniques for examining the effects of nursing intervention with a large number of confounding covariates in the background. It can be used to derive causal effects of nursing intervention in observational studies under certain circumstances.
-
In the absence of an instrument to predict risk of early readmission, examination of the well-validated probability of repeated admission (Pra) for this new purpose is indicated. ⋯ Within this heterogeneous sample, prediction of readmission using the Pra was better than chance. These findings may facilitate development of a better predictive model by combining select Pra variables with other variables associated with early readmission.
-
The incidence rate of breast cancer is rising rapidly in Hong Kong. Lymphedema is a serious long-term complication of breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. ⋯ Previous inflammation-infection and advanced age at axillary dissection are risk factors associated with the initiation of lymphedema. Previous inflammation-infection, operation on the side of the dominant hand, obesity, and aging are potential risk factors associated with the aggravation of lymphedema. Greater BMI is still a risk factor for lymphedema progression even in a lower BMI population.