British Nursing Index (british + nursing_index)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The clinical effectiveness of length of bed rest for patients recovering from trans-femoral diagnostic cardiac catheterisation

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 4 2008
Sek Ying Chair RN MBA PhD
Background, Cardiac catheterisation plays a vital role in the diagnosis and evaluation of cardiac conditions. The goal of management of patients after cardiac catheterisation is to reduce the risk of development of any local or prolonged vascular complications, in particular bleeding and haematoma formation at the puncture site. Bed rest and immobilisation of the affected leg are recommended practices to ensure adequate haemostasis at the femoral arterial puncture site and prevent complications. Objectives, The objective of this review was to present the best available evidence for the optimal length of bed rest after trans-femoral diagnostic cardiac catheterisation. The main outcome of interest was the incidence of bleeding and haematoma formation following varying periods of bed rest. Search strategy, We searched the following databases: CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Library, Current Contents, EBSCO, Web of Science, Embase, British Nursing Index, Controlled clinical trials database, Google Scholar. Reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings were searched. We also contacted key organisations and researchers in the field. Selection criteria, All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared the effects of different lengths of bed rest following trans-femoral diagnostic cardiac catheterisation on patient outcomes were considered for inclusion in the review. Data collection and analysis, Eligibility of the trials for inclusion in the review, details of eligible trials and the methodological quality of the trials were assessed independently by two reviewers. Odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous data and a weighted mean difference for continuous data were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Where synthesis was inappropriate, trials were considered separately. Main results, Eighteen trials involving a total of 4294 participants were included in the review. One trial included three treatment groups. In seven trials among 747 people there was no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding following six or less than 6 h of bed rest (OR 1.47; 95% CI 0.60, 3.64). Likewise, there was no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding following bed rest at other time periods. In eight trials involving 2272 patients there was no significant difference in the incidence of haematoma formation following 6 or less than 6 h of bed rest (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.59, 1.16). Significantly fewer patients randomised to less than 6 h of bed rest complained of back pain. The odds of developing back pain at 4 (OR 24.60; 95% CI 1.29, 469) and 24 h (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.16, 5.23) following coronary catheterisation was significantly higher among patients randomised to 6 compared with 3 h of bed rest. Authors' conclusions, There is evidence of no benefit relating to bleeding and haematoma formation in patients who have more than 3 h of bed rest following trans-femoral diagnostic cardiac catheterisation. However, there is evidence of benefit relating to decreased incidence and severity of back pain and cost-effectiveness following 3 h of bed rest. There is suggestive but inconclusive evidence of a benefit from bed rest for 2 h following trans-femoral cardiac catheterisation. Clinicians should consider a balance between avoiding increased risk of haematoma formation following 2,2.5 h of bed rest and circumventing back pain following more than 4 h of bed rest. [source]


Effectiveness of exercise programmes on shoulder mobility and lymphoedema after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: systematic review

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 9 2010
Dorothy N.S. Chan
chan d.n.s., lui l.y.y. & so w.k.w. (2010) Effectiveness of exercise programmes on shoulder mobility and lymphoedema after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing,66(9), 1902,1914. Abstract Aim., This article is a report of a review of the effectiveness of exercise programmes on shoulder mobility and lymphoedema in postoperative patients with breast cancer having axillary lymph node dissection, as revealed by randomized controlled trials. Background., Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. After surgery, the most common postoperative complications are reduced range of motion in the shoulder, muscle weakness in the upper extremities, lymphoedema, pain and numbness. To reduce these impairments, shoulder exercises are usually prescribed. However, conflicting results regarding the effect and timing of such exercises have been reported. Data sources., Studies were retrieved from a systematic search of published works over the period 2000,2009 indexed in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Ovid Medline, the British Nursing Index, Proquest, Science Direct, Pubmed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library, using the combined search terms ,breast cancer', ,breast cancer surgery', ,exercise', ,lymphoedema', ,shoulder mobility' and ,randomized controlled trials'. Methods., A quantitative review of effectiveness was carried out. Studies were critically appraised by three independent reviewers, and categorized according to levels of evidence defined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results., Six studies were included in the review. Early rather than delayed onset of training did not affect the incidence of postoperative lymphoedema, but early introduction of exercises was valuable in avoiding deterioration in range of shoulder motion. Conclusion., Further studies are required to investigate the optimal time for starting arm exercises after this surgery. Nurses have an important role in educating and encouraging patients to practise these exercises to speed up recovery. [source]


Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice: narrative review

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2010
Elizabeth Kathryn Bancroft
bancroft e.k. (2010) Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice: narrative review. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 710,737. Abstract Title.,Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice:narrative review. Aim., This paper is a report of a review of literature on the psychological and social implications of genetic testing for cancer predisposition and how recent developments in knowledge about genetics may affect clinical practice. Background., Knowledge about the genetics of disease has grown since the completion of the Human Genome Project. Many common genetic changes that predispose to cancer have been found. Identifying genetically ,at risk' individuals is going to become a feature of healthcare and nursing practice over the next decade. The psychological and social effects of this knowledge on patients and their families are important considerations. Data sources., A search of the British Nursing Index, CINAHL, EMBASE and PUBMED databases was conducted between June 2007 and December 2008 without date limits. Grey literature was sought using search engines and through searching relevant websites. Review methods., A narrative review of studies published in English was conducted. The studies were reviewed for relevance and inclusion criteria; their methodological quality was not evaluated. Results., Seventy-eight papers met the inclusion criteria and fell into three thematic categories: social impact, psychological impact and interest in and uptake of genetic testing. To date, research has focussed on high-risk cancer genes. Conclusion., Genetic testing raises social, ethical and psychological concerns. Further research is required to determine how healthcare professionals can support the integration of genetics into clinical practice. Nurses will become increasingly involved in genetic testing and will play a key role in providing information, support and follow-up for individuals identified as being at higher risk. [source]


A concept analysis of renal supportive care: the changing world of nephrology

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2007
Helen Noble
Abstract Title.,A concept analysis of renal supportive care: the changing world of nephrology Aim., This paper is a report of a concept analysis of renal supportive care. Background., Approximately 1·5 million people worldwide are kept alive by renal dialysis. As services are required to support patients who decide not to start or to withdraw from dialysis, the term renal supportive care is emerging. Being similar to the terms palliative care, end-of-life care, terminal care and conservative management, there is a need for conceptual clarity. Method., Rodgers' evolutionary method was used as the organizing framework for this concept analysis. Data were collected from a review of CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences and ASSIA (1806,2006) using, ,renal' and ,supportive care' as keywords. All articles with an abstract were considered. The World Wide Web was also searched in English utilizing the phrase ,renal supportive care'. Results., Five attributes of renal supportive care were identified: available from diagnosis to death with an emphasis on honesty regarding prognosis and impact of disease; interdisciplinary approach to care; restorative care; family and carer support and effective, lucid communication to ensure informed choice and clear lines of decision-making. Conclusion., Renal supportive care is a dynamic and emerging concept relevant, but not limited to, the end phase of life. It suggests a central philosophy underpinning renal service development that allows patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team time to work together to realize complex goals. It has relevance for the renal community and is likely to be integrated increasingly into everyday nephrology practice. [source]


Metastatic spinal cord compression: a review of practice and care

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 13-14 2010
Lynn Kilbride
Aim and objectives., The aim of this review was to address: (1) How is spinal stability assessed? (2) What is the role of bracing/should braces be used? (3) When is it safe to mobilise the patient? (4) What position should the patient be nursed in? Background., Controversy surrounds the care for patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). There is some evidence to indicate that care for patients with MSCC is based on individual clinician preference rather than evidence-based guidelines which has been shown to cause delays and discrepancies in patient treatment. Design., A structured literature review to synthesise the available evidence about the management of MSCC. Methods., The following databases were searched: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Systematic Reviews Database, SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and BNI (British Nursing Index). Publications were selected from the past 10 years. The search yielded a total of 1057 hits, 755 abstracts were screened, and 73 articles were retrieved and examined. Thirty-five articles were included. Results., The findings identified a gap and evidence relating to spinal stability, bracing, patient mobilisation, and positioning is limited and may be inconclusive. It is important for patients with a poor prognosis that their preferences and quality of life are considered. Conclusion., Currently, the evidence base to underpin care is limited, and further research in this area is necessary for patients and healthcare professionals alike. Relevance to clinical practice., Patients who suffer from MSCC suffer numerous physical, psychological and social issues. Because of lack of consensus, the current guidelines to inform clinical decision-making of professional staff are of limited benefit. [source]


The effectiveness of silver-releasing dressings in the management of non-healing chronic wounds: a meta-analysis

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 5 2009
Shu-Fen Lo
Aim., The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of silver-releasing dressings in the management of non-healing chronic wounds. Background., Non-healing chronic wounds often have a negative physical impact on patients and place a financial burden on healthcare systems. Silver dressings are wound products designed to control infection and provide a wound environment conducive to healing. However, validation of the clinical efficacy of these dressings is lacking. Design., Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods., A systematic search of the major electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, MEDLINE, British Nursing Index, EBSCO, OCLC and Proquest between 1950,June 2007 was conducted. Hand searches of selected periodicals, textbooks and checking reference lists and contacting experts was also performed. Results., Eight studies were selected from a potentially relevant 1957 references screened. Analysis incorporated data from 1399 participants in the eight randomised control trials. We found that silver dressings significantly improved wound healing (CI95: 0·16,0·39, p < 0·001), reduced odour (CI95: 0·24,0·52, p < 0·001) and pain-related symptoms (CI95: 0·18,0·47, p < 0·001), decreased wound exudates (CI95: 0·17,0·44, p < 0·001) and had a prolonged dressing wear time (CI95: 0·19,0·48, p = 0·028) when compared with alternative wound management approaches. An analysis of sensitivity in these studies by subgroup analysis generally supported these associations. Furthermore, studies indicated an improvement in quality of life (CI95: 0·04,0·33, p = 0·013) using silver dressings in wound management with no associated severe adverse events. Conclusion., This meta-analysis confirms the effectiveness of silver dressings in wound healing and improving patients' quality of life. However, it also highlights the need for additional well-designed randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of silver-related dressings further. Relevance to clinical practice., The results of this study provide objective data on the effectiveness of silver-related dressing when applied to non-healing chronic wounds. [source]


A review of the impact and effectiveness of nurse-led care in dermatology

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 1 2007
Cert Ed, Molly Courtenay BSc
Aims and objectives., To identify systematically, summarize and critically appraise the current evidence regarding the impact and effectiveness of nurse-led care in dermatology. Background., A diverse range of nurse-led models of care exist in dermatology. Primary studies have been conducted evaluating these models, but review and synthesis of the findings from these studies have not been undertaken. Method., Systematic searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE, British Nursing Index (BNI) and the RCN Library Catalogue from 1990 until March 2005. The searches were supplemented by an extensive hand search of the literature through references identified from retrieved articles and by contact with experts in the field. Results., Fourteen relevant publications were identified and included findings from both primary and secondary care. The evidence indicates that nurses are treating a number of dermatological conditions, primarily using treatment protocols, across a broad range of clinical settings. However, some nurses working in primary care, lack confidence to treat some of these conditions and the educational needs of these nurses are frequently unmet. A reduction in the severity of the condition and more effective use of topical therapies are benefits of nurse interventions on service delivery. Faster access to treatment, a reduction in referrals to the general practitioner or dermatologist and an increase in knowledge of their condition are benefits reported by patients. Conclusions., Findings of the review are generally positive. However, there are methodological weaknesses and under researched issues, e.g. cost effectiveness of nurse-led care and the prescription of medicines by nurses for patients with dermatological conditions that point to the need for further rigorous evaluation. Relevance to clinical practice., Nurse-led care is an integral element of the dermatology service offered to patients. This review highlights the impact of this care and the issues that require consideration by those responsible for the development of nurse-led models of care in dermatology. [source]


Barriers to the self-care of type 2 diabetes from both patients' and providers' perspectives: literature review

JOURNAL OF NURSING AND HEALTHCARE OF CHRONIC ILLNE SS: AN INTERNATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009
Sandra PY Pun MHA
Aim., To review systematically the literature about barriers to diabetes self-care from both patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives. Background., Diabetes mellitus is a global health concern due to rapidly increasing prevalence. The healthcare costs for diabetes care and related complications are high. Tight glycaemic control achieved by intensive therapy has been shown to lower the risk of complications. Despite the provision of comprehensive management programmes, patients are often unable to achieve the desired outcomes. It is essential to understand the barriers to diabetes self-care in order to promote successfully self-care behaviours. Methods., A search of OVID Medline (R), CINAHL, Cochrane Library and British Nursing Index was carried out during 1986,2007 using keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, self care, patient compliance, patient adherence and barriers to diabetes self care. Manual searching of relevant nursing journals and sourcing of secondary research extended the search. Results., A total of 16 original research papers using various methods including survey, descriptive correlational, sequential explanatory mixed-method and qualitative exploratory design were reviewed. In total, over 8900 patients and 4550 healthcare providers were recruited from over 28 countries in these studies. Major barriers identified included psychosocial, socioeconomic, physical, environmental and cultural factors. Conclusions., Healthcare providers can enhance patient empowerment and participation with family support to achieve feasible targets. Better health care delivery systems and reforms that improve affordability, accessibility, and efficiency of care are essential for helping both providers and patients to meet desirable standards of diabetes care. Relevance to clinical practice., Understanding barriers to diabetes self-care is the first step in facilitating providers to identify their role in enabling patients to overcome these barriers. Healthcare providers can develop strategies to clarify and individualise treatment guidelines, implement continuing education, improve communication skills, and help motivate patients to achieve desired behavioral changes. [source]