Nihon Ronen Igakkai zasshi. Japanese journal of geriatrics
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Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi · Jan 2012
Comparative Study[Effect of intermittent rehydration therapy as an oral and enteral rehydration solution, alone or in combination with intravenous administration on intravascular dehydration].
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of intermittent fluid infusion (intermittent rehydration therapy) to dehydrated elderly patients and the efficacy of Heisei Solution Water (HSW), an oral and enteral rehydration solution developed by our group. ⋯ Intermittent rehydration therapy is a highly effective way to manage dehydration. The intermittent oral and enteral administration of HSW demonstrated the same effectiveness as other forms of administration.
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Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi · Jan 2012
[Clinicians' opinions on receiving the advance directives of terminal-stage patients vary according to the age of respondents].
We distributed 282 questionnaires to doctors to ascertain their opinions on obtaining the advance directives regarding the end-of-life treatment of patients at the terminal stage. We received 136 (48%) responses. ⋯ These results suggest that doctors under 40 years of age should focus on how to correctly interpret the wishes of the patients expressed in the directives, while doctors over 61 should concentrate on the importance of the clinical application of advance directives, and how to balance the need to make qualified medical decisions on treatment in compliance with the wishes of end-stage terminal patients.
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Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi · Jan 2012
[Investigation of pain assessment trends among residents in Japanese long-term care facilities].
Pain management is vital for both the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life of residents, in Japanese long-term care facilities. However, few studies examining pain assessment in older populations have been published. The purpose of this study is to investigate the actual conditions related to pain assessment of residents by nurses in Japanese long-term care facilities. Included in this investigation are the actual frequency of pain assessments, the nurses own perceptions of the pain assessment of their residents, whether or not nurses have undertaken any training related to pain assessment, and the need for a pain assessment training period. ⋯ The results indicate that over 70% of nurses lack the confidence to suitably assess their residents' pain. In addition, the number of residents who cannot self-report their pain because of cognitive impairment is increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new approaches which provide nurses with sufficient knowledge and confidence to conduct appropriate pain assessments on their residents.