British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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The consequences of workplace violence (WPV) are far-reaching, and impact on the nurse, the perpetrator and the organization. However, the authors were unable to identify any research in the literature on nurses' perceptions of the consequences of WPV in non-teaching hospital settings. This study therefore aimed to examine nurses' perspectives of the consequences of WPV, to identify ways to reduce the impact of these incidents. ⋯ The sub-themes included nurses accepting that WPV is part of their job; physical and emotional effects; not feeling competent; avoiding patients; organizational costs of WPV; adverse effects of restraint; and disruption to patient care. Participants experienced several negative consequences as a result of WPV. Recommendations for improving the safety of hospitals for staff and patients are made in light of the findings.
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Screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) prior to anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) therapy has been shown to decrease the incidence of active tuberculosis (TB) by more than 80%, and is recommended by the British Thoracic Society. In the absence of a gold standard test for LTBI, conventional screening currently involves taking a clinical history of risk factors, a chest X-ray and a tuberculin skin test (TST) which can be difficult to interpret in immunosuppressed patients. Alternative cellular immune-based screening tests have been developed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ⋯ Tuberculosis resulting from reactivation of latent tuberculosis following treatment with anti-TNF is a continuing problem. Screening reduces the risk but does not eliminate it. Further studies are needed into the cost-effectiveness and sensitivity of ELISpot and the tuberculin skin test in routine clinical practice.
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Infection prevention and control measures have been recognized as effective in minimizing the risk of infection from peripheral intravenous (IV) cannulas. However, this relies on health professionals' compliance with guidelines for the care of patients with IV catheters and at times it may be that practice is inconsistent with guidelines. This article discusses the care required for peripheral cannulas and shows how implementing the high-impact interventions can improve peripheral IV catheter care on insertion and its management afterwards.
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A static-led approach refers to the provision of high-specification foam mattresses for the whole of a population at risk of pressure damage. Such mattresses have been found to reduce the risk of pressure ulceration and cost less overall than standard mattresses, even in populations where only 1 in 100 patients develops a pressure ulcer. ⋯ Organizations are increasingly having to pay out large sums of money following litigation surrounding pressure ulcers. This article explains why NHS healthcare providers and private care organizations need to work together to consider implementing a static-led approach to pressure ulcer prevention within care homes in order to reduce pressure ulcer incidence cost-effectively within their local populations.
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This article discusses the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989 and subsequent amendments in relation to refused asylum seekers. It explores the impact of the regulations on the health care experienced by this group. ⋯ The article then considers how the restricted access to health care impacts on the health of refused asylum seekers and how this relates to international law. Lastly, it discusses inconsistencies within the regulations.