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Issue 38 - 5 November 2012

Books Available for Borrowing

1. Dilemma of dementia: A daughter' story
by Julia Millen; Published 1985

2. One small candle: Te Omanga hospice the first twenty five years
By Jo Lynch and edited by Ali Carew; Published 2009

3. Working in aged care 200; Phase two of the ANF-University of Melbourne study
Report prepared for the Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch)

4. Changes in aged care residents' characteristics and dependency in Auckland 1988 to 2008
Findings from OPAL 10/9/8 Older persons' ability level census

Articles - Parkinsons

5. Subjective visual vertical perception and sense of smell in Parkinson disease
By Khattab, Ahmed; Docherty, Sharon; Bagust, Jeff; Willington, Robert; Thomas, Peter; Amar, Khaled. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development. 2012, Vol. 49 Issue 6: p961-969
Abstract:
This article describes an open cross-sectional obser­vational study involving 47 participants with Parkinson disease (PD) and 47 (age- and sex-matched) nondisabled controls with­out PD. The aim was to determine the profiles of subjective visual vertical (SVV) perception and sense of smell perception in both groups. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between patients and controls on their smell test performance. Controls were more likely to correctly identify odors, with a median score of 10 out of 12 compared with 6.5 out of 12 for patients with PD. The median SVV error for the PD group when the frame was untilted was 0.75 degrees com­pared with 0.50 degrees for controls. This difference was statis­tically significant (p = 0.02). When the frame was tilted, the median SVV error for the PD group was 2.31 degrees compared with 2.00 degrees for controls (not statistically significant), with both groups showing similar distribution pattern of errors. There was no statistical correlation between number of correctly identified odors and an individual's SVV error. However, a sta­tistically significant negative correlation (r = ?0.45, p = 0.01) was found between Mini-Mental State Examination score and mean time taken to complete each rod and frame test in patients with PD, suggesting that SVV errors might be more correlated with cognitive function than with loss of sense of smell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

6. A Cane Improves Postural Recovery From an Unpracticed Slip During Walking in People With Parkinson Disease
By Boonsinsukh, Rumpa; Saengsirisuwan, Vitoon; Carlson-Kuhta, Patricia; Horak, Fay B. Physical Therapy. Sep 2012, Vol. 92 Issue 9: p1117-1129
Abstract:
Little is known about the effects of use of a cane on balance during perturbed gait or whether people with Parkinson disease (PD) benefit from using a cane. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cane use on postural recovery from a slip due to repeated surface perturbations in individuals with PD compared with age- and sex-matched individuals who were healthy.
Design: This was a prospective study with 2 groups of participants.
Methods: Fourteen individuals with PD (PD group) and 11 individuals without PD (control group) walked across a platform that translated 15 cm rightward at 30 cm/s during the single-limb support phase of the right foot. Data from 15 trials in 2 conditions (ie, with and without an instrumented cane in the right hand) were collected in random order. Outcome measures included lateral displacement of body center of mass (COM) due to the slip and compensatory step width and length after the perturbation.
Results: Cane use improved postural recovery from the first untrained slip, characterized by smaller lateral COM displacement, in the PD group but not in the control group. The beneficial effect of cane use, however, occurred only during the first perturbation, and those individuals in the PD group who demonstrated the largest COM displacement without a cane benefited the most from use of a cane. Both PD and control groups gradually decreased lateral COM displacement across slip exposures, but a slower learning rate was evident in the PD group participants, who required 6, rather than 3, trials for adapting balance recovery.
Limitations. Future studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of repeated slip training in people with PD. Conclusions. Use of a cane improved postural recovery from an unpracticed slip in individuals with PD. Balance in people with PD can be improved by training with repeated exposures to perturbations. INSET: The Bottom Line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

7. Cheaper, Simpler, and Better: Tips for Treating Seniors With Parkinson Disease
By Ahlskog, J. Eric. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Dec 2011, Vol. 86 Issue 12: p1211-1216
Abstract:
Treatment of seniors with Parkinson disease is within the domain of primary care physicians and internists. A good working knowledge of carbidopa/levodopa principles should allow excellent care of most patients, at least during the early years of the disease. Even later, when levodopa responses become more complicated (eg, dyskinesias, motor fluctuations, insomnia, anxiety), levodopa adjustments may be all that is necessary. A dozen tips for optimizing treatment of Parkinson disease are discussed herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

8. Introducing: Mark Parkinson...and His Recollections For a Time To Come
By Kolus, Kevin. Long-Term Living: For the Continuing Care Professional. Apr 2011, Vol. 60 Issue 4: p34-38
Abstract:
The article profiles Mark Parkinson, Governor of Kansas and president of American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). It mentions that Parkinson along with his wife Stacy was dedicated for the development of assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Parkinson states that their staff were passionate for improving the lives of older people.

Articles - Journal of Nursing Management. Oct 2011

9. Current nursing practice: challenges and successes
By Jooste, Karien. Journal of Nursing Management. Oct 2011, Vol. 19 Issue 7: p833-836
Abstract:
An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses reports published within the issue including one by Munck et al that highlights the need for the nursing staff to have regular training in handling medical devices with new technology, one by Miller et al on the perception differences in technology benefits among night- and day shift nurses and one by Suhonen et al on individualized care for older people..

10. The rise of practice development with/in reformed bureaucracy: discourse, power and the government of nursing
By Rudge, Trudy; Holmes, Dave; Perron, Amelie. Journal of Nursing Management. Oct 2011, Vol. 19 Issue 7, p837-844
Abstract:
Using a neo-Foucauldian approach, a critique of texts explicitly dealing with the definitional work for practice development (PD) was undertaken.
Background: PD has been taken up by many organizations as a way of focusing on nurses' practices to benefit patients and the organization.
Evaluation: Literature pertaining to the PD phenomenon was examined and the present study explores those texts accomplishing definitional work. The discourse corpus collected together articles in nursing journals, book chapters and textbooks. The corpus was analysed using the discourse analysis method. Key issues PD uses and manipulates its location in a network of managerialism, evidence-based nursing, safety and quality discourses in healthcare to verify (and confirm) its definition and its position as central to progress in nursing practice.
Conclusion: We argue that while PD is portrayed as 'emancipatory' and transforming, nurses bear the responsibility for the system and its failures in a web of intricate power relations.
Implications for Nursing Management: The present study offers a review of the PD ideology in nursing where a critical perspective has yet to be found. Nursing managers should understand that PD is not a panacea for improving patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

11. District nurses' conceptions of medical technology in palliative homecare
By MUNCK, BERIT; FRIDLUND, BENGT; MÅRTENSSON, JAN. Journal of Nursing Management. Oct 2011, Vol. 19 Issue 7:p845-854
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to describe district nurses' conceptions of medical technology in palliative homecare. Background: Medical technology has, in recent years, been widely used in palliative homecare. Personnel with varying degrees of training and knowledge must be able to handle the new technology.
Methods: A descriptive design with a phenomenographic approach was chosen to describe qualitatively different conceptions of the phenomenon medical technology. Interviews with 16 district nurses working with palliative homecare were analysed and five descriptive categories emerged. Results Medical technology in palliative homecare led to vulnerability because of increasing demands and changing tasks. When medical technology was used in the home it demanded collaboration between all involved actors. It also demanded self-reliance and an awareness of managing medical technology in a patient-safe way. Medical technology provided freedom for the palliative patients.
Conclusions: To maintain patient safety, more education and collaboration with palliative care teams is needed. Next-of-kin are considered as an important resource but their participation must be based on their own conditions. Implications for nursing management District nurses need regular training on medical devices, must be more specialized in this kind of care and must not fragment their working time within other specialities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

12. Experience of using a personal digital assistant in nursing practice - a single case study
By JOHANSSON, PAULINE; PETERSSON, GÖRAN; NILSSON, GUNILLA. Journal of Nursing Management. Oct 2011, Vol. 19 Issue 7, p855-862
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to describe one nurse's experience of using a personal digital assistant (PDA) in nursing practice.
Background: Nurses handle large amounts of information and a PDA may contain valuable information that nurses need in their daily work. Methods In this qualitative single case study, data were collected through an open-ended interview with one registered nurse and were analysed by content analysis. Results The findings show that the PDA provides immediate access to information anywhere and at anytime, with advantages for both the nurse and for her patients. The PDA increased her confidence and efficiency in practice; it was easier to keep up-to-date and spend more time with the patient. Furthermore, the PDA was perceived as improving patient safety and patient participation. Conclusions The PDA requires improved content and more functions. Ease of use should also be improved. This study indicates that PDAs could be valuable and may inspire further research. Implications for nursing management The incorporation of a multifunctional PDA is an important issue for nursing management, as it could both change and provide new possibilities for nursing practice. The use of PDAs could also aid decision-making, improve patient safety and benefit patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

13. Nurse adoption of continuous patient monitoring on acute post-surgical units: managing technology implementation
By JESKEY, MARY; CARD, ELIZABETH; NELSON, DONNA; MERCALDO, NATHANIEL D.; SANDERS, NEAL; HIGGINS, MICHAEL S.; SHI, YAPING; MICHAELS, DAMON; MILLER, ANNE. Journal of Nursing Management. Oct 2011, Vol. 19 Issue 7: p863-875
Abstract:
To report an exploratory action-research process used during the implementation of continuous patient monitoring in acute post-surgical nursing units.
Background: Substantial US Federal funding has been committed to implementing new health care technology, but failure to manage implementation processes may limit successful adoption and the realisation of proposed benefits. Effective approaches for managing barriers to new technology implementation are needed.
Method: Continuous patient monitoring was implemented in three of 13 medical/surgical units. An exploratory action-feedback approach, using time-series nurse surveys, was used to identify barriers and develop and evaluate responses. Post-hoc interviews and document analysis were used to describe the change implementation process. Results Significant differences were identified in night- and dayshift nurses' perceptions of technology benefits. Research nurses' facilitated the change process by evolving 'clinical nurse implementation specialist' expertise.
Conclusions:Health information technology (HIT)-related patient outcomes are mediated through nurses' acting on new information but HIT designed for critical care may not transfer to acute care settings. Exploratory action-feedback approaches can assist nurse managers in assessing and mitigating the real-world effects of HIT implementations. Implications for Nursing Management It is strongly recommended that nurse managers identify stakeholders and develop comprehensive plans for monitoring the effects of HIT in their units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

14. Post-basic nursing students' access to and attitudes toward the use of information technology in practice: a descriptive analysis
By NKOSI, Z. Z.; ASAH, F.; PILLAY, P. Journal of Nursing Management. Oct 2011, Vol. 19 Issue 7: p876-882
Abstract:
Nurses are exposed to the changing demands in technology as they execute their patient-related duties in the workplace. Integration of Information Technology (IT) in healthcare systems improves the quality of care provided. Nursing students with prior exposure to computers tend to have a positive influence IT.
Methodology: A descriptive study design using a quantitative approach and structured questionnaire was used to measure the nurses' attitudes towards computer usage. A census of 45 post-basic first year nursing management students were participated in this study.
Results: The students demonstrated a positive attitude towards the use of a computer. But access to and use of a computer and IT was limited and nurses in clinics had no access to IT. A lack of computer skills was identified as a factor that hinders access to IT.
Conclusion: Nursing students agreed that computer literacy should be included in the curriculum to allow them to become independent computer users. The Department of Health should have IT in all health-care facilities and also train all health-care workers to use IT. Implications for Nurse Managers With the positive attitudes expressed by the students, nurse managers need to create a conducive environment to ensure such a positive attitude continues to excel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR].

Journal - Table of Contents

15. From Australian Nursing Journal, November 2012, Vol. 20, No. 5
EDITORIAL
15A
. The ANF has been heavily involved in the government's Workforce Compact and wants to see improvement in aged care not step backwards
NATIONAL NEWS
15B
. End of life support for aged care facilities; ANJ remains number one; Expanding nurses roles
15C. Palliative care report commended; Fee risk for non-bulk billing GPs; Underfunding of mental health nurse program; Celebrating Irish nurses; Diabetes resource for Italians
15D. Lower BMI for women; History of psychiatric nursing recorded; National recycling week
15E. Breast care nurses recognised nationally; Over-diagnosis in breast cancer detection
15F. Breast cancer cases doubled but survival rates improved; Wound care awarded; Tamiflu for all residents during flu outbreak; Nurses amongst top occupations for skilled migration; Prosperity and education key in population control; New College tackles infection
STATE NEWS
15G
. VIC - Sustainability the key to midwifery model; TAS - Nurses and midwives take silent vigil; SA Country health compromised; VIC temporary reprieve for Nursing and midwifery Health Program; NSW - New community-unions alliance; WA - Engaging with older people awarded
15H. LEE THOMAS - ICN workplace summit safe staffing threat; YVONNE CHAPERON - Indigenous health a priority
WORLD
15I.
Nursing students teach clinical skills; Infection rates linked to nurse burnout; Discrimination towards international nurses prevalent; Tackling HIV/AIDS in Africa
NEWS FEATURE
15J.
Climate and health alliance [By Elizabeth Reale; Federal Professional Research Officer and Librarian]
PROFESSIONAL
15K.
National support for NPs
Q&A
15L.
Immigration: Promised permanent residence; Education [Jodie Davis attended various conferences including the assistant in Nursing (AIN) conference
INDUSTRIAL
15M
. Insecure work: An issue for all of us
RESEARCH
15N.
City-dwellers more at risk of chronic diseases; Australian travellers at risk of infectious disease; Speaking for the silent witness - Can you help in a research project on elder abuse
LEGAL
15O. When is it mandatory to make a report to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia?
15P. Nurse practitioners: shifting the boundaries
15Q. Providing quality care to children and youth
ISSUES
15R
. Caring burden
CLINICAL UPDATE
15S
. Endometriosis
ISSUES PRIMARY CARE/COMMUNITY NURSING
15T.
To lead or be led
FOCUS - MENS HEALTH
15U
. Sydney Nursing School: Are you a man who cares?; Perinatal depression and dads
15V. Diabetes self-management and social influencers; Prostate cancer Specialist Nurse
15W. Men's health policy in Australia; Do you have erection problems?; exploring men's health in Indigenous Papua New Guinea
15X. Suicidal masculinities: Understanding the gendered nature of male suicide; Prostate cancer diagnosis: surgery or not?
15Y. Men's decision-making for prostate cancer treatment; Preparing primary health for men's health awareness

Conferences, Workshops and Training

16. 1st Australasian Mental Health & Addiction Nursing Conference
This is the first time that mental health and addiction nurses have hosted a joint conference in Australia or New Zealand
Date: 19-21 June 2013
Venue: Auckland, New Zealand
More information: http://www.conference.co.nz/mhn13

17. Using Social Media for Effective Public Engagement
Overview
:
This course explores the opportunities, challenges and conditions under which social media can be used by public sector agencies, NGOs and community organisations to achieve effective public engagement. It provides an overview of the latest international experience and works with practical examples from New Zealand.
Date: Thu 14 Nov - Fri 15 Nov 2013 (9:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
Date: Thu 4 Jul - Fri 5 Jul (9:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
Venue: Wellington
http://ped.victoria.ac.nz/courses/178-using-social-media-for-effective-public-engagement

News - National

18. Free rides to health help
Taranaki Daily News - 5 Nov 2012
Help on wheels is likely for coastal Taranaki residents wanting to use Hawera and New Plymouth health services. New Zealand Red Cross has partnered with the Taranaki District Health Board to consider providing a free transport service. Booking a seat in the van would be done through an 0800 number. Volunteers will be trained by the Red Cross in defensive driving and first aid
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/7905932/Free-rides-to-health-help

19. Kiwis want flexible work options
NZ Herald - Monday Nov 5, 2012
Survey reveals employers need to open their minds to attract and retain skilled workers. Ninety per cent of New Zealanders say flexible employment options such as working from home are an important factor when looking for a new job. But only 13 per cent of employers say they will provide greater workplace flexibility through remote working in an effort to improve productivity over the next five years, a report shows.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10845137

20. Short bursts of exercise best - expert
ODT - 4 Nov 2012
Those keen to get fit will get more bang for their buck by doing short, intense spurts of exercise rather than going for a traditional jog or bike ride, a sports scientist says. Nick Draper of the University of Canterbury said high-intensity interval training could provide a time-saving alternative to traditional endurance exercise, and actually has more health benefits.
http://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/health-fitness/fitness-workouts/233247/short-bursts-exercise-best-expert

News - International

21. Blood test for bowel cancer in sight
Sydney Morning Herald - November 2, 2012

Australian scientists believe they are on the brink of delivering an affordable blood test to identify bowel cancer. At the moment, screening relies on people returning stool sample kits they receive in the mail. But less than 40 per cent of eligible Australians participate in the free federal government program.
The new blood test has been developed by biotech company Clinical Genomics in collaboration with the CSIRO and Flinders University in Adelaide. It could be commercially available by late 2013.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/blood-test-for-bowel-cancer-in-sight-20121102-28ox6.html

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