International journal of nursing studies
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To ascertain the evidence for effectiveness of Public Access Defibrillation Programmes using any level of first responder. ⋯ The use of level one responders probably carries a slight benefit for patients in OOHCA. The use of level two responders may lead to a greater benefit but only for a small section of the population suffering OOHCA. Emphasis must also be placed on the improvement of ambulance response times and bystander CPR rates.
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Multicenter Study Controlled Clinical Trial
Evaluation of a MS specialist nurse programme.
Specialist nurses are being promoted as a means of improving the health care provided to people with multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ The specialist nurse programme was found to impact positively on the provision of MS-related health care. However, there was very limited evidence that the programme led to any improvements in disease-related problems, impact or health-related quality of life, These findings were in part explained by the inherent difficulties of measuring effects in evaluations of complex phenomena such as a nursing role. The deterioration observed in the intervention group on the physical outcome measures was explained by a selection bias in which people with worsening health were more likely to seek contact with a specialist nurse. It is contended that future research in this area may be better directed toward identifying specific interventions that nurses and other health professionals might employ in addressing the many problems confronting people with MS.
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Despite concern expressed in recent government documents in the UK about the inappropriate use of sedation when a patient is agitated or confused and cannot consent, there is little nursing literature on the topic. The general legal and ethical principles apply that a patient who is unable to consent should be given care that is in his or her 'best interests'. ⋯ Nurses need to be familiar with the relevant ethical and legal principles and professional guidance in their own countries for caring for people who cannot consent, and need to be confident in their understanding and application of these principles to ensure that sedation is administered appropriately.
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Relatively little is known about patients' perceptions of the work and role of the specialist palliative care nurse. Understanding the patients' perspective can help to evaluate services, improve quality of care, and identify misunderstandings. ⋯ Although our study differs from other studies, particularly in the way people were recruited, our findings support previous studies that have shown that specialist palliative care nurses are highly valued by those who have a terminal illness. It is important for people to understand that these nurses may be involved from the time of diagnosis and that roles have changed.
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Students may be 'buddied' with registered nurses during their clinical experience since the designated clinical facilitator cannot be available for each student at all times. Little is known about the way registered nurses understand this informal role. ⋯ The research highlights the varied ways registered nurses understand their role with students that may promote or impede the quality of student learning and development to meet professional competency standards. Formal recognition of the complexity of the registered nurse role by health care agencies and tertiary education providers is essential to ensure registered nurses have adequate preparation for their role with students.