** Best wishes for the holiday season **
** We look forward to hearing from you in the New Year **
The NZNO Library will be closed from 25 Dec 2010 - 9 January 2011 inclusive. We will reopen on the 10th of January 2011.
Slip, slop, slap and wrap
Protect yourself from the sun in these five ways to protect yourself from skin cancer.
http://www.sunsmart.org.nz/being-sunsmart/slip-slop-slap-and-wrap
Articles on Skin Cancer/Melanoma
1. A Randomized Trial of Tailored Skin Cancer Prevention Messages for Adults: Project SCAPE
By Glanz, Karen; Schoenfeld, Elinor R.; Steffen, Alana. American Journal of Public Health, Apr 2010, Vol. 100 Issue 4: p735-741
Objectives. We evaluated the impact of a mailed, tailored intervention on skin cancer prevention and skin self-examination behaviors of adults at moderate and high risk for skin cancer. Methods. Adults at moderate and high risk for skin cancer were recruited in primary health care settings in Honolulu, HI, and Long Island, NY. After completing a baseline survey, participants were randomized to 2 groups. The treatment group received tailored materials, including personalized risk feedback, and the control group received general educational materials. Multivariate analyses compared sun protection and skin self-examination between groups, controlling for location, risk level, gender, and age.
Results. A total of 596 adults completed the trial. The tailored materials had a significant effect on overall sun-protection habits, the use of hats, the use of sunglasses, and the recency of skin self-examination. Some effects were moderated by location and risk level.
Conclusions. Tailored communications including personalized risk feedback can improve sun-protection behaviors and skin self-examination among adults at increased risk for skin cancer. These convenient, low-cost interventions can be implemented in a variety of settings and should be tested further to assess their long-term effectiveness. (Am J Public Health. 2010;100:735-741. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
2. Melanoma & minorities: Rising incidence signals need for more targeted outreach, experts say
By Jesitus, John. Dermatology Times, Nov 2010, Vol. 31 Issue 11: p1-31
Abstract: The article focuses on the rising melanoma incidence rates among minorities in the U.S. It highlights the results of the study of racial and ethnic trends confirming the immunity of blacks and Hispanics to melanoma, though they have a lower risk of skin cancer than non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). Dermatologists Myles Cockburn stresses the need for dermatologists to tailor specific sun-safety messages for American minorities.
3. When to cut: SLNB unnecessary in most cases of thin melanoma, expert says
By Jesitus, John. Dermatology Times, Nov 2010, Vol. 31 Issue 11: p60-63
Abstract: The article focuses on the proper usage of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma. It mentions that SLNB is utilized in examining the proliferation of diseases, particularly melanoma and other cancers. However, SLNB is not recommended for thinner melanomas. Furthermore, SLNB is not advised in melanoma treatment process.
4. Indoor tanning is strongly linked to melanoma risk
Harvard Women's Health Watch, Sep 2010, Vol. 18 Issue 1: p7-7, 1/2p, 1 Black and White Photograph
Abstract: The article offers information on indoor tanning as a risk factor for melanoma. It states that melanoma, a kind of skin cancer has increased in last 30 years in the U.S. According to a study conducted by University of Minnesota, indoor tanning and devices used for performing it increases the risk of melanoma. It highlights that more time spent in for indoor tanning increased the risk. It is even more riskier than sunbathing or constant exposure to sun.
5. One Australian dies every six hours from skin cancer
By Donna Duggan. Sunday Mail (Adelaide), 21.11.2010: p2
Articles from NURSING STANDARD
6. Management of procedural pain in adult patients
Nursing Standard, Volume 25, No 14: December 8-14 2010: p35-40
Abstract: Procedural pain in adults is not well documented in the literature. This article provides practical advice for healthcare professionals on how to assess and manage pain in these patients. Pain management strategies for common procedures, such as removing a chest drain and redressing a leg ulcer, are detailed. Procedural pain in adults needs thorough assessment and treatment requires careful planning. Fast-acting and short-acting analgesics may provide the most convenient method of managing procedural pain. The possible presence of different types of pain, such as chronic and neuropathic pain, may need to be addressed when managing procedural pain in adults
7. Withholding or withdrawing nutrition at the end of life
Nursing Standard, Volume 25, No 14: December 8-14 2010: p43-46
Abstract: Food and fluids are essential to life and play important social and psychological roles. Despite increased understanding of the appropriate use of artificial nutrition, its use is particularly challenging for professionals and families. This may be complicated by misunderstanding about its likely benefits and burdens, concern about patient suffering and ambivalence regarding the moral status of feeding. When patients are unable to meet their fluid and nutritional needs orally it is necessary to consider whether artificial nutrition is appropriate. Therapeutic decisions should be based on a clear understanding of the overall goals of care and the application of ethical principles that can provide a framework to guide practice.
8. Current management strategies in the treatment of obesity
Nursing Standard, Volume 25, No 14: December 8-14 2010: p49-56
Abstract: This article explores the evidence surrounding management strategies aimed at addressing the obesity crisis in the UK. Issues concerned with the delivery of dietary advice and the promotion of weight loss are discussed. The article will focus on the role of drug therapy as an adjunct in the management of obesity. Practical guidance to assist healthcare professionals who come into contact with obese patients will be presented
9. Learning zone assessment - Promoting health in primary care
Nursing Standard, Volume 25, No 14: December 8-14 2010: p59
Abstract: Health is concerned with the state of a person as a whole, including physical, mental and social wellbeing. These contributing elements can be affected by many factors. Modifiable contributors include the choices individuals make with regards to their lifestyle, such as smoking, drinking, employment, accommodation and diet. Non-modifiable factors, such as age and gender, are determined by genetics
10. Acute pain management in the opioid-tolerant patient
Nursing Standard - Volume 25, No 12: 24 November 2010: p35-39
Abstract: The main goals in treating acute pain in opioid-tolerant patients are effective pain relief and prevention of withdrawal symptoms. This article provides an overview of the issues that practitioners need to consider when caring for potential and actual opioid-tolerant patients experiencing acute pain, for example following surgery or injury. It highlights the importance of a multimodal analgesic approach to pain control and the prevention of withdrawal. It defines the terminology used in managing opioid-tolerant patients in order to allay healthcare professionals’ misconceptions.
11. Mean arterial blood pressure and the assessment of acutely ill patients
Nursing Standard - Volume 25, No 12: 24 November 2010: p40-44
Abstract: This article discusses the role of vital sign data collection in the acute setting when assessing patients at risk of or actually clinically deteriorating. Specifically, the article focuses on explaining the important concepts of mean arterial blood pressure and pulse pressure as indicators of clinical deterioration.
12. An overview of permanent cardiac pacing
Nursing Standard - Issue 12, Volume 25, 24 November 2010: p47-57
Abstract: A permanent cardiac pacemaker is an implantable device that maintains the patient’s heart rate by electrically stimulating the heart muscle when the natural regulating mechanisms fail. This article focuses on the indications for permanent cardiac pacing, general technical concepts and care of the patient undergoing this procedure
13. Managing pain in the older person
Nursing Standard - Issue 11, Volume 25, 17 November 2010: p35-39
Abstract: The UK population is ageing and a significant proportion of older people experience persistent pain. However, pain assessment in this group can be challenging, particularly when the older person has cognitive or communication impairment. Nurses working in primary and secondary care should take a more proactive role to help overcome patient, professional and institutional barriers to pain assessment and management. This article examines the age-related physiological changes that complicate the prescribing and administering of analgesic drugs in older patients and necessitate careful patient monitoring. It outlines the principles of medication administration for pain management in older people and provides examples of assessment tools that can be used in older patients
14. Measuring anxiety in surgical patients using a visual analogue scale
Nursing Standard - Issue 11, Volume 25, 17 November 2010: p40-44
Abstract: Since the early days of surgery patients have been anxious about undergoing operations. This feeling remains common today despite advances in medicine and surgical techniques. Numerous studies have shown the effect anxiety has on the human body. It is the responsibility of healthcare professionals to ensure that any patient undergoing an elective surgical procedure is both physically and psychologically prepared. However, with increasing demands on the health service to be more efficient, little time is set aside to meet the psychological needs of the surgical patient. This article focuses on the use of a visual analogue scale to identify pre-operative anxiety in patients, so that healthcare practitioners can implement strategies to reduce anxiety and improve the person’s overall experience.
15. Nursing care of patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Nursing Standard - Issue 11, Volume 25, 17 November 2010: p40-44
Abstract: Stem cell transplantation (SCT) may be a treatment option for patients who have been diagnosed with a haemato-oncological condition, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma. SCT is a complex and challenging treatment. In particular, allogeneic transplant significantly increases the risk of developing infections. This article provides an overview of allogeneic SCT, discusses why infections are a major problem and highlights the role nurses play in preventing and managing established infections in this patient group.
Journals - Table of Contents
16. From International Nursing Review, Volume 57 Number 4, December 2010
16A. Nursing needs a new image (Suzanne Gordon)
16B. International, collaborative nursing (Jane J.A. Robinson)
16C. Extending the reach of nursing knowledge and innovation (Rosemary Bryant)
16D. Nurses offer support to colleagues in Haiti
16E. Supporting safe and competent nursing practice: a conversation with Jean Barry
16F. Nurses can act against chronic disease at ICN Conference in Malta
16G. Nominations of nurses requested for Florence Nightingale Medal
16H. Strengthening the Uganda nurses' and midwives' association for a motivated workforce
16I. Representing nursing knowledge on maternal and neonatal health: a study on the cultural suitability of ICNP®
16J. Nurses' and midwives' knowledge and perceptions of their role in genetic teaching
16K. Acculturation among immigrant nurses in Israel and the United States of America
16L. The transcultural nursing concept: a study of nursing students in Turkey
16M. Classifying nursing errors in clinical management within an Australian hospital
16N. A comparison of the health and related quality of life between middle-aged Korean and Chinese women
16O. Disabled children and adolescents may be outsiders in the community
16P. The influence of personality traits on nurses' job satisfaction in Taiwan
16Q. An RCT of coping and support groups to reduce burnout among nurses
16R. Empathy: the effects of undergraduate nursing education in Turkey (pages 493–499)
16S. Individualised care and the professional practice environment: nurses’ perceptions
16T. The experience of home nurses with an electronic nursing health record
Conferences
17. HINZ Conference and Exhibition
Working Together.... Working Smarter
Date: 23-25 Nov 2011
Venue: Aotea Centre, Auckland
News - National
18. 2010/11 Christmas and New Year holidays
Christmas and New Year public holidays are provided for under the Holidays Act 2003. The holidays are Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), New Year's Day and the day after (1 and 2 January). Employees are entitled to a paid public holiday if the holiday falls on a day they would normally work.
http://www.ers.govt.nz/holidays_act_2003/christmas.html
19. Take care around alcohol this Christmas
9 December 2010
“We encourage everyone to look after each other around alcohol this Christmas,” says Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) chief executive Gerard Vaughan. “Christmas is a time for celebration and getting together with friends and family. However, sometimes it can be ruined by too much alcohol. If you choose to offer alcohol at your home during Christmas, set the tone and make it a safe and enjoyable occasion,” he says
http://www.alac.org.nz/MediaRelease_20101209.aspx
20. Steven Joyce: 7 December, 2010
Appointments to University and Wananga councils
The Minister for Tertiary Education, Steven Joyce, today announced new Council members for six of New Zealand’s Universities and all three Wananga.
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/appointments-university-and-wananga-councils
News - International
21. Critics wrong on health's flaws
The Australian - December 15, 2010
DISSATISFACTION with the state of the health system is higher in Australia than in 10 other countries, with the sole exception of the US. According to a landmark report, one-quarter of people in NSW, and nearly one in five Australians, think there is so much wrong with the system that it needs to be completely rebuilt -- compared with 27 per cent in the US, and just 11 per cent in New Zealand and France, 8 per cent in Sweden and Switzerland, and 3 per cent in Britain.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/critics-wrong-on-healths-flaws/story-e6frg6nf-1225971146612
22. Health cost control rests on equity
The Age - December 16, 2010
HEALTH costs invariably stir debate over who pays their fair share. The latest study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows overall health expenditure rose over the past decade by 5.4 per cent a year, outpacing economic growth of 3.2 per cent. Spending grew from 7.7 per cent of GDP in 1998-99 to 9 per cent in 2008-09, accelerating a decades-long trend
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/editorial/health-cost-control-rests-on-equity-20101215-18y3l.html