| Records |
| Author |
Pirret, A.M. |
| Title |
A preoperative scoring system to identify patients requiring postoperative high dependency care |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2003 |
Publication |
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
19 |
Issue  |
5 |
Pages |
267-275 |
| Keywords |
Hospitals; Quality of health care; Surgery; Nursing; Clinical assessment |
| Abstract |
The incidence of postoperative complications is reduced with early identification of at risk patients and improved postoperative monitoring. This study describes the development and effect of a nursing preoperative assessment tool to identify patients at risk of postoperative complications and to reduce the number of acute admissions to ICU/HDU. All surgical patients admitted to a surgical ward for an elective surgical procedure (n=7832) over a 23-month period were concurrently scored on admission using the preoperative assessment tool. During the time period studied, acute admissions to ICU/HDU reduced from 40.37 to 19.11%. Only 24.04% of patients who had a PAS >4 were identified by the surgeon and/or anesthetist as being at risk of a postoperative complication, or if identified, no provision was made for improved postoperative monitoring. This study supports the involvement of nurses in identifying preoperatively patients at risk of a postoperative complication and in need of improved postoperative monitoring. The postoperative monitoring requirements for the PAS >4 patients were relatively low technology interventions. |
| Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 904 |
Serial |
888 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Richardson, S. |
| Title |
Coping with outbreaks of the norovirus |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand |
Abbreviated Journal |
|
| Volume |
11 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
|
| Keywords |
Infection control; Risk management; Occupational health and safety; Hospitals |
| Abstract |
The author presents an overview of the impact and management of novovirus infections in New Zealand. The impact of this highly contagious virus on hospital settings is serious. With staff shortages already a problem, any outbreak of contagious disease has the potential to result in unsafe staffing, either through low numbers or poor skill mix. A report from New Zealand Environmental Science and Research (ESR) showed 35 reported norovirus outbreaks in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2004, resulting in 890 cases of the disease. Norovirus outbreaks are characterised by a rapid spread of infection, high uptake rate, and a high proportion of cases presenting with projectile vomiting. The author provides a definition of the novovirus, and looks at transmission, the management of hospital outbreaks, and the impact on emergency departments and hospital wards. Procedures include in-patient isolation. She notes there are no simple answers or “quick fixes” to the problem of norovirus outbreaks. While ongoing surveillance, recognition and isolation are key elements, there are wider structural and political implications that need to be acknowledged. These issues include overcrowding and staff shortages. |
| Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
981 |
| Permanent link to this record |
