Mid Coast Hospital

AIMS: This integrated literature review seeks to identify the key considerations in conducting focus groups and discusses the specific considerations for focus group research with culturally and linguistically diverse groups. BACKGROUND: The focus group method is a technique of group interview that generates data through the opinions expressed by participants. Focus groups have become an increasingly popular method of data collection in health care research. Although focus groups have been used extensively with Western populations, they are a particularly useful tool for engaging culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The success of focus groups in this context is dependent upon the cultural competence of the research team and the research questions. METHODS: The electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Psychlit and the Internet using the Google Scholar search engine were explored using the search terms 'focus group', 'cultural sensitivity', 'transcultural nursing', 'transcultural care', 'cultural diversity' and 'ethnic groups'. Hand searching of reference lists and relevant journals was also undertaken. English language articles were selected for the review if they discussed the following issues: (i) methodological implications of the focus group method; (ii) strengths and limitations of the focus group method; (iii) recommendations for researchers and (iv) use of the focus group in culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Conclusions were drawn from each of the articles and consensus regarding a summary of recommendations was derived from a minimum of two authors. RESULTS: Findings from this review revealed several key issues involving focus group implementation including recruitment, sample size, data collection, data analysis and use within multicultural populations. Strengths and limitations of the focus group method were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Focus groups are a useful tool to expand existing knowledge about service provision and identify consumer needs that will assist in the development of future intervention programmes, particularly within multicultural populations. Careful planning related to methodological and pragmatic issues are critical in deriving effective data and protecting participants. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Focus groups can facilitate increased understanding of perspectives of culturally and linguistically diverse groups and thereby shape clinical practice to better meet the needs of these groups.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary health care systems are constantly challenged to revise traditional methods of health care delivery. These challenges are multifaceted and stem from: (1) novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments; (2) changes in consumer demands and expectations; (3) fiscal and resource constraints; (4) changes in societal demographics in particular the ageing of society; (5) an increasing burden of chronic disease; (6) documentation of limitations in traditional health care delivery; (7) increased emphasis on transparency, accountability, evidence-based practice (EBP) and clinical governance structures; and (8) the increasing cultural diversity of the community. These challenges provoke discussion of potential alternative models of care, with scant reference to defining what constitutes a model of care. AIM: This paper aims to define what is meant by the term 'model of care' and document the pragmatic systems and processes necessary to develop, plan, implement and evaluate novel models of care delivery. METHODS: Searches of electronic databases, the reference lists of published materials, policy documents and the Internet were conducted using key words including 'model*', 'framework*', 'models, theoretical' and 'nursing models, theoretical'. The collated material was then analysed and synthesised into this review. RESULTS: This review determined that in addition to key conceptual and theoretical perspectives, quality improvement theory (eg. collaborative methodology), project management methods and change management theory inform both pragmatic and conceptual elements of a model of care. Crucial elements in changing health care delivery through the development of innovative models of care include the planning, development, implementation, evaluation and assessment of the sustainability of the new model. Regardless of whether change in health care delivery is attempted on a micro basis (eg. ward level) or macro basis (eg. national or state system) in order to achieve sustainable, effective and efficient changes a well-planned, systematic process is essential.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In an attempt to improve the gait of people with Parkinson disease (PD), researchers have examined the effect of visual cues placed on the floor. These studies typically have used a single session of training with such cues and have not examined the long-term carryover of such training. In the present study, therefore, gait was analyzed during uncued, cued, and retention phases, each lasting 1 month. SUBJECT: A 78-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with PD 12 years previously (Hoehn and Yahr classification of disability, stage III) volunteered for the study. METHODS: During the initial uncued gait phase, the subject was required to walk a distance of 10 m as many times as she could in 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. During the 4-week cued gait phase, visual cues were placed on the floor along the 10-m walkway. The cues were initially 110% of the uncued step length and were later increased to 120%. Following this cued gait phase, the subject's gait was recorded periodically for 1 month without cues available. Step length, gait speed, and 2-dimensional lower-limb kinematics were compared within and across the 3 experimental phases. Celeration lines were calculated for the initial uncued phase and then extrapolated across the cued training and uncued retention phases. Binomial tests were used to analyze the significance of changes from the initial phase of the experiment. RESULTS: Step length (0.53-0.56 m) and gait speed (0.77-0.82 m x s(-1)) were essentially unchanged during uncued gait training after the first day; however, during the cued gait phase, gait speed improved, from 0.87 m x s(-1) to 1.13 m x s(-1), as step length was increased with visual cues. Improvements in step length (0.68 m) and gait speed (1.08 m x s(-1)) were still evident 1 month following the removal of the cues. Analyses of angle-angle diagrams and phase-plane portraits revealed that training with visual cues increased hip and knee range of motion and engendered more stable motor control of the lower limb. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous studies in which the benefits of visual cueing were relatively short-lived, in this study, 1 month of gait training with visual cues was successful in establishing a lasting improvement in gait speed and step length while increasing the stability of the underlying motor control system.

Drug overdose is a major cause of death among homeless people, but little is known about the characteristics of homeless overdose decedents. We conducted a retrospective record review of 219 adult patients of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) who died of drug overdose in 2003-2008. We assessed the substances implicated in overdose and the health and service use characteristics of decedents prior to death. Eighty-one percent of overdose deaths involved opioids and 40% involved multiple drugs. Problem substance use (85%), psychiatric illness (61%), and chronic pain (45%) were common, and 32% had documentation of all three. Half were well-connected to BHCHP, and 35% had a clinic visit within 90 days of death. The complex health histories and frequent health care contacts of homeless drug overdose decedents suggest that clinical facilities may be an important frontline venue for overdose education, naloxone distribution, and integrated substance use treatment programming.

Abstract: The Zumbusch pattern of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) classically presents as waves of widespread sheets of sterile pustules on brightly erythematous skin. The occurrence of this disease in childhood is rare, and fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. We describe a 10‐year‐old boy with GPP who had an elevated serum antistreptolysin titer. Several antigenic factors shown to elicit GPP have been reported, including withdrawal of steroids, emotional stress, and infection. However, we further propose that the group A β‐hemolytic streptococcus can trigger a flare of GPP. We suggest that if pustular psoriasis is suspected clinically, an elevated serum antistreptolysin antibody titer may help identify the causative antigen.

The anthrax vaccine was never proved to be safe and effective. It is one cause of Gulf War illnesses, and recent vaccinees report symptoms resembling Gulf War illnesses. The vaccine's production has been substandard. Without adequate evaluation, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved (retrospectively) significant changes made to the vaccine's composition since 1990. The vaccine's mandatory use for inhalation anthrax is "off-label." A skewed review of the vaccine literature by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led to remunerative collaborative research with the army, involving civilian volunteers. Despite acknowledging possible fetal harm, the CDC offered the vaccine to children and pregnant women. New trends could weaken prelicensure efficacy and safety review of medical products intended for biodefense and avoid manufacturer liability for their use.

Lichen striatus (LS) is an asymptomatic, spontaneously resolving linear dermatosis consisting of 2 to 4 mm flat topped papules following the lines of Blaschko. Two siblings presented with a simultaneous occurrence of LS along the same Blaschko line of the left upper extremity. Only four other cases of a simultaneous occurrence of LS in related siblings have been reported, but none of these have occurred in the same extremity. Although 10 years have passed since the last case report of this unique concurrent familial eruption, few discoveries have been made regarding its etiology. Several theories have been proposed including environmental agents, cutaneous injury, viral infection, hypersensitivity, and genetic predisposition. These theories are discussed along with retrotransposons, a possible new explanation for the pathogenesis of this and other Blaschko line disorders.

Objectives To translate and adapt the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) questionnaire into Danish and, to evaluate measurement properties of an electronic Danish WOSI version. Methods The Swedish WOSI version was used for translation and adaptation into Danish followed by examination of test-retest reproducibility (14-day interval) besides concurrent and construct validity. Concurrent validity was examined by comparing WOSI in paper version with an electronic version, whereas construct validity was examined by comparing WOSI with Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Reproducibility was evaluated with Intraclass correlations (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC) and limits of agreement (LOA). Validity was evaluated with Pearson’s ( r) and Concordance Correlation Coefficients (CCC). Results 41 subjects (median age 34, range 18–57) were included in the analysis of reproducibility. An ICC of 0.97 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.99) for the total WOSI score was found. SEM was 100.1, resulting in an MDC of 277.5 and LOAs within the range of -246.4 and 308.6. 25 subjects (median age 34, range 18–72) were included in the analysis of concurrent validity obtaining a CCC of 0.96 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.98). Construct validity was investigated in 62 subjects (median age 31, range 18–72) obtaining correlations of 0.83 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.97) (NPRS) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.94) (OSS). Conclusions An electronic Danish version of WOSI presented excellent test-retest reproducibility and acceptable measurement errors. Also, concurrent validity between paper and electronic version was highly satisfactory as was the construct validity. Surprisingly, though, the NPRS correlated more with WOSI than OSS.

Robotic-assisted appendectomies and cholecystectomies are believed to increase cost compared to the gold standard laparoscopic approach. Two equally qualified surgeons performed both approaches over 2 years to evaluate intraoperative duration, time to discharge, conversion to open procedure, and readmission within 30 days. 110 laparoscopic, 81 robotic-assisted appendectomies; and 105 laparoscopic and 165 robotic-assisted cholecystectomies were performed. Intraoperative time; laparoscopic appendectomy was 1.402 vs 1.3615 h for robotic-assisted (P value = 0.304); laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 1.692 vs 1.634 h for robotic-assisted (P value = 0.196). Time to discharge, was 38.26 for laparoscopic vs 28.349 h for robotic-assisted appendectomy (P value = 0.010), and 35.95 for laparoscopic vs 28.46 h for robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (P value = 0.002). Intraoperative conversion to open; only laparoscopic procedures were converted, one appendectomy and nine cholecystectomies. None in the robotic-assisted procedures. Readmissions, none in the appendectomy group and three in the cholecystectomy group. One laparoscopic and two robotic-assisted cholecystectomy patients were readmitted. Intraoperative times for robotic appendectomy and cholecystectomy were not longer than laparoscopic approach. Robotic approach shortened the time to discharge and the likelihood for conversion to open procedure.

Many nurse researchers have designed strategies to assist health care practitioners to move evidence into practice. While many have been identified as "models," most do not have a conceptual framework. They are unidirectional, complex, and difficult for novice research users to understand. These models have focused on empirical knowledge and ignored the importance of practitioners' tacit knowledge. The Communities of Practice conceptual framework allows for the integration of tacit and explicit knowledge into practice. This article describes the development of a new translation model, the Multisystem Model of Knowledge Integration and Translation, supported by the Communities of Practice conceptual framework.

Staff members on a medical-surgical unit in a large community teaching hospital adapted the hourly rounding concept to their specific patient population. Lessons learned and strategies to assure continuous success with the rounding process are addressed.

Abstract Despite the wide utilization of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it can be technically challenging to perform in patients who have concomitant bone loss, ligamentous laxity, or high-grade deformity, whether in a revision situation or due to a primary pathology. Therefore, hinged knee prostheses have been developed to provide more stable fixation in these situations. The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term peri- and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing primary TKA with and without hinged prosthesis. Specifically, we compared (1) mean operative times, (2) lengths of stay (LOS), (3) 30-day readmissions, and (4) complications. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify hinged TKAs and 99 procedures were included. They were matched in a 1:3 ratio to primary TKAs without a hinged prosthesis using propensity score matching. Operative time, LOS, discharge disposition, 30-day readmissions, and complications were compared. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were also calculated. The operative time was significantly higher in hinged cohort compared with the nonhinged cohort (mean difference [MD] = 22 minutes; range, 10–34 minutes, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between hinged and nonhinged TKAs with respect to LOS (MD= 0.61 days, range, –0.07–1.30 days, p = 0.080), discharge disposition (OR = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–1.84), readmissions (OR = 2.67, 95% CI, 0.84–8.24), and any complications (OR = 1.13, 95% CI, 0.55–2.19). Not surprisingly, primary TKAs with hinged prostheses had increased operative times, but had similar LOS, discharge dispositions, and 30-day rates of readmission and complications when compared with TKAs without a hinged prosthesis. One potential contributing factor to the increased operating time is that patients who receive a hinged implant tend to present with more severe deformities. It is reassuring to know that early outcomes were similar between both cohorts (although we await longer follow-up studies), and that hinged implants can be considered in these difficult to treat patients.

Demographic data were collected on 803 patients who were treated for dependency/codependency issues at the Center for Problem Resolution (CPR) from September 1, 1986, until December 31, 1987. Comparisons were made between patients who completed treatment and noncompleters. Results are reported on the entire sample and then broken down into three patient categories. Factors which may be associated with staying in treatment for codependents are previous counseling and health problems. Chemical dependents who tended to finish treatment were female, employed, not detoxing, and willing to commit themselves to an appropriate number of self-help meetings following treatment.

Perioperative Care of the Child: A Nursing Manual Linda Shields 2010, Wiley‐Blackwell 288 pages, $50.99 softcover

We have reported a case of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with tryptophan ingestion. Our case meets the Centers for Disease Control surveillance definition of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Our report describes clinical, laboratory, electromyographic and histologic findings that suggest this entity is a small vessel nonnecrotizing vasculitis.

Nursing leaders are uniquely qualified to transform the delivery of healthcare. The Patient Care Coordination model is an innovative acute care delivery model that provides a safety net to ensure that every patient receives evidence-based care. By reallocating scarce nursing resources back to direct care, patient care coordinator nurses are able to make a difference every day with every patient throughout his or her hospitalization. Positive outcomes of reduced length of stay, improved quality outcomes, and patient satisfaction are early signs that this model may help transform the acute care delivery model toward a more rational and safe approach.

Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly prevalent infection that frequently recurs following standard treatment. In a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of oral periodic presumptive treatment (PPT) to reduce vaginal infections among Kenyan women, we observed a decrease in BV and an increase in Lactobacillus colonisation among women randomised to receive 2 g metronidazole +150 mg fluconazole monthly for 12 months. After the trial, women were invited to continue follow-up in an open cohort study. These post-trial data were analysed to test the hypothesis that the treatment effect would persist in the absence of PPT. Methods Data were obtained from women who completed all 12 RCT visits and attended ≥1 cohort study visit within 120 days of their final RCT visit. We used Andersen-Gill proportional hazards models to estimate the post-trial effect of the intervention vs placebo on the incidence of BV by Gram stain (Nugent score ≥7) and Lactobacillus species by culture on Rogosa agar. Results The RCT enrolled 310 subjects (155 per arm), of whom 165 (83 active and 82 placebo) were included in this analysis. Included subjects were slightly older (median (IQR): 33 years (29–39) vs 30 years (26–35); p<0.001) and reported a longer duration of sex work (median (IQR): 6 years (2–11) vs 3 years (1–6); p<0.001) compared to those excluded. At the final RCT visit, which represented the baseline visit for this analysis, demographic and behavioural characteristics were similar by arm. The prevalence of BV at the final RCT visit was 16% in the active arm and 43% in the placebo arm (p<0.001). The post-trial incidence of BV was 260/100 person-years (p-yrs) in the active arm vs 358/100 p-yrs in the placebo arm (HR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.51% to 1.12%). The prevalence of Lactobacillus colonisation at the final RCT visit was 17% in the active arm and 18% in the placebo arm (p=0.81). The post-trial incidence of Lactobacillus colonisation was 180/100 p-yrs in the active arm vs 127/100 p-yrs in the placebo arm (HR=1.42; 95% CI: 0.85% to 2.71%). Conclusions Despite a decrease in BV and an increase in Lactobacillus colonisation during the RCT, the effect of PPT was not sustained during the 120 days following cessation of the intervention. New interventions that reduce BV recurrence and promote long-term Lactobacillus colonisation without the need for ongoing PPT or suppressive therapy are needed.

Molecular profiling of urothelial cancers for therapeutic and prognostic potential has been very limited due to the absence of cancer-specific targeted therapies. We describe here 2 clinical cases with a histological diagnosis of an invasive sarcomatoid and a poorly differentiated carcinoma favoring urothelial with some neuroendocrine differentiation, two of the rarer types of urothelial cancers, which were evaluated for mutations in 212 genes for single-nucleotide variants and copy-number variants and 53 genes for fusions associated with solid tumors. In both cases, we identified variants in 2 genes, <i>ARID1A</i> and <i>CDKN2A</i>,<i></i> indicative of the role of dysregulation of chromatin remodeling and cell cycle control as being common features of bladder cancer, consistent with the proposed model of tumorigenesis in these rare, highly aggressive pathological subtypes. The presence of a <i>KRAS</i> mutation in the poorly differentiated cancer and a <i>TP5</i>3 mutation in the sarcomatoid tumor is indicative of a distinctive profile and adds a potential layer of molecular stratification to these rarer histological subtypes. We present a comparative analysis of the histological, clinical, and molecular profile of both cases and discuss the potential to delineate these tumors at the molecular level keeping in mind the possible therapeutic implications.

The purpose of this chapter is to review the potential use of liposomes and peptides to address the ongoing challenges in infectious diseases involving antimicrobial resistance. The First section of this chapter describes and discusses the use of liposomes as model membrane to gain an insight on the membrane binding and disruption behavior of the potent peptides. Under this section, various biophysical techniques used to characterize the interactions are reviewed. In the second section, the use of antimicrobial peptides as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial therapy is presented. The final section of this chapter reviews liposomal encapsulation of antimicrobial peptides as an effective delivery strategy.

Implementing Evidence‐Based Practice: Real‐Life Success Stories Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, Ellen Fineout‐Overholt 2011, Sigma Theta Tau International 352 pages, softcover