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Author |
Gare, L. |
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Title |
Patient experience of joint replacement education: A joint venture |
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Year |
2006 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords  |
Nurse-patient relations; Health education; Communication |
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Abstract |
The aim of this research was to explore patients' educational experiences and the usefulness and benefits of this health education in the rehabilitation period, when undertaking a total joint replacement. An exploratory, qualitative descriptive study method was used to describing patients' experiences of health education. Five participants, convenience sampled, were interviewed eight to twelve weeks post surgery following unilateral total joint replacement in a tertiary hospital. Participants valued the education they received pre operatively, which included written material, video and individual interaction with varied health professionals. Although this was provided in a timely manner, evidence showed limited post operative reinforcement and follow up of given education and preparation for discharge. Three 'partnership' themes were identified from data, Communicative, Subservient and Knowledge. 'Communicative Partnership' conceptualised the participants' experiences of the nurse-patient relationship, whilst 'Subservient Partnership' captured the participants' experiences of 'being' patients. 'Knowledge Partnership' combined the participants' ideas about knowledge and their retention of this knowledge to assist with their rehabilitation post surgery. The needs and experiences of patients after total joint replacement reflect on transitional change – changes in roles, behaviour, abilities and relationships. Educational contents need to reflect a realistic recovery process to assist with this transitional period, delivered by health care professionals in a manner best suited for patients. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 1235 |
Serial |
1220 |
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Author |
McEldowney, R.A. |
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Title |
Shape-shifting: Stories of teaching for social change in nursing |
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Year |
2002 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Nursing philosophy; Teaching methods; Feminist critique; Qualiltative research |
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Abstract |
This research explores why and how nurse educators teach for social change. Critical feminist educators provide a useful framework for theorising about teaching for change that addresses issues of hegemony, agency, praxis, individual voice, difference, justice and equity. Six women Pakeha/Tauiwi nurse educators from throughout New Zealand volunteered to participate in this research and share their lived experiences of teaching for social change. In-depth conversations over two years unfolded new and rich material about how and why these six women continue to teach the evaded subjects, like mental health, women's health, community development and cultural safety. All teach in counter-hegemonic ways, opening students' eyes to the unseen and unspoken. Among the significant things to emerge during the research was the metaphorical construct of shape-shifting as an active process in teaching for social change. It revealed the connectedness and integrity between life as lived and the moral imperative that motivates the participants to teach for difference. Shape-shifting was also reflected in other key findings of the study. As change agents, the participants have had significant shape-shifting experiences in their lives; they live and work as shape-shifters within complex social and political structures and processes to achieve social justice; and, they deal with areas of health practice where clients are socially and politically displaced. The research also generated new methods for gathering life-stories and new processes for analysis and interpretation of life-stories. It is hoped that this research will open pathways for other nurse educators to become shape-shifters teaching for social change. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1193 |
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Author |
McLaughlin, K. |
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Title |
Nephrology nursing: Early intervention in chronic kidney disease |
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Year |
2004 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Nursing specialties; Diseases; Advanced nursing practice; Kidney disease |
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Abstract |
This study explored the potential for extending the contribution nurses make in managing patients with chronic kidney disease as they progress to end stage kidney failure. In the context of a shortage of nephrologists and an escalating patient population suffering from kidney disease, the potential to include advanced nephrology nursing in early disease management was postulated. The literature was reviewed with regard to initiatives to reduce the progression of kidney failure and the prevention of associated complications. Local and international literature on advanced nursing practice and the nurse practitioner role was examined in relation to the management of chronic kidney disease. The introduction of the nurse practitioner in New Zealand could provide an ideal framework for independent nephrology nursing. Well-established nursing practice in dialysis, transplantation and pre-dialysis provide distinct scopes of practice in these areas for independent nursing in the future. It seems likely that these sub-specialties in nephrology nursing will be the first to experience the value of the nurse practitioner. The creation of early interventionalist nurse practitioners in nephrology health care would allow nurses to step outside these well-established sub-specialties, and provide new resources to help manage chronic kidney disease. A model of care was proposed that outlines how a nephrology nurse practitioner could work collaboratively with community health providers and the local nephrology health care team to manage the early stages of kidney disease. |
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NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1150 |
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Author |
Peach, J. |
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Title |
The contribution of nursing to the health of New Zealand |
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Year |
2001 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Nursing; Health status |
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Abstract |
Nursing in New Zealand has been a recognised profession for one hundred years. Throughout this time the profession has made a significant contribution to the health of communities, nationally and internationally. Despite the obvious effort and achievement, the author suggests that the evidence of this contribution is not well known. She goes on to say that nurses, now as never before, are challenged to show how they 'add value' and to explain why nursing expertise is essential to safe service delivery. Finding a way to communicate this contribution has been identified as one of the most important issues facing the profession. This thesis explores the concept of contribution and presents a model, the 'Contribution Model', to show how nursing can articulate the action and achievements that show how nursing professionals have and will continue to contribute to health gain in New Zealand. Through the application of the 'Contribution Model' and framework presented in this thesis, nursing is shown to have made a contribution to health gain by using the broad range of knowledge, skills and experiences in a wide range of settings, to provide care wherever and whenever required. Case studies and scenarios from history, observation and prediction are used to show how the actions and achievements of nursing meet the expectations of individuals, the community and society: past, present and future. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 501 |
Serial |
487 |
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Author |
Tucakovic, M. |
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Title |
Nursing as an aesthetic praxis |
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Year |
2001 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Nursing; Nursing philosophy |
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Abstract |
This thesis focuses on the experience of being human as process in order to reveal being. Illness and health are seen as reflections of this process of revelation. This work argues that health and illness are physical expressions of consciousness and therefore an outcome of what a human being has thought. In this way, this work shows how thought/intent serves to create life in the moment. In this understanding lies the potential to change reality, to change life. The thesis identifies self-responsibility as the key to changing consciousness. Taking responsibility for the creation of one's reality eliminates the human tendency to blame another for what is experienced in life. To that end, this work argues, we are each free to choose what is felt in response to life. In so doing, we can become conscious that life is a choice, that is to be approached from either the position of perfection, or excellence. The author proposes that, in the understanding that human beings are the creators of their reality, it is possible to conceive of care in nursing that is directed at changing thinking/thought. Such change would be to focus on the excellence of life, and in that way enact care in nursing that is an enabling through a process of being that is an emotional allowance in response to life. To this end, this work is titled Nursing as an Aesthetic Praxis. The aesthetic is emotion and feeling. Praxis, is presented in its dialectical relationship of thought and action that is then bound to emotion and feeling in such a way that it illuminates the nature of thinking. This way of thinking, this work shows, is transformatory. Where transformation is a process of being that as a state of excellence is one of incremental human freedom accompanied by incremental responsibility. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 574 |
Serial |
560 |
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Author |
Lowe, P. |
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Title |
A descriptive research study on factors that impact upon the quality of life of elderly women with comorbid chronic illnesses: Three women's perspectives |
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Year |
2007 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Older people; Female; Chronically ill; Quality of life |
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Abstract |
The aim of this research study is to explore factors that older women living with comorbid chronic illnesses identify as key to maintaining or improving their quality of life. This study uses a qualitative approach, with a descriptive methodology. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with three women over the age of 80 who had been diagnosed with more than one chronic illness. These interviews were audiotaped, and the data analysed using thematic analysis. What emerged from this analysis of older women was the need for them to create meaning in their life, which is further explicated through three main themes: (1) coping with changing health, (2) the impact of family, and (3) attitude. Attitude to life and having a positive outlook were all factors these participants expressed as being essential to maintaining their quality of life. The quality of life of these participants is enhanced by the ability of these women to create meaning in their life. They do this by integrating their wealth of past experience into their present, reflecting back on their lives, but still gaining enjoyment from the here and now. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 1236 |
Serial |
1221 |
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Author |
Brown, J.A. |
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Title |
“Let my spirit always sing”: A descriptive study of how four elderly rest home residents view spirituality and spiritual care at the end of life |
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Year |
2004 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Older people; Rest homes; Spirituality; Nursing |
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Abstract |
This descriptive, qualitative study, believed to be the first of its kind conducted in a New Zealand setting, focuses on spirituality issues of a spiritually vulnerable group of people, older people in residential care. Four rest home residents were recruited, to talk about their spirituality, spiritual needs and how their spirits were nurtured, the role of care staff in providing spiritual care, and their satisfaction with the spiritual care they were being offered. They were also asked to predict their spiritual needs as they were dying, their wishes for spiritual care in the perideath period, whether they had communicated these wishes to anyone, their views on advance planning to ensure these wishes would be met, and their comfort with the research process. The research data was collected from semi-structured, audiotaped interviews that were later transcribed. The spirituality of all participants had a strongly Christian focus that was revealed in the ten themes to emerge from a modified application of Colaizzi's analysis technique. The first themes to emerge were God as the focus of spirituality, God in control, the importance of relationship, and the purpose in life: serving God. Changes in spirituality with age, spirituality and residential care, and spiritual care: whose responsibility? were also identified as themes, as were end of life spirituality, planning for spiritual care, and the participants' satisfaction with the research process. All were able to articulate their spirituality, were generally satisfied with the spiritual care they were receiving, and had views on the spiritual care they wished to receive in the perideath period. Moreover, the participants trusted their families and the care staff to ensure that these wishes would be honoured. Recommendations are made for improving the spiritual dimension of care, and for further research. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1228 |
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Author |
Smart, S. |
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Title |
Post-operative pain management knowledge and attitude of paediatric nurses: A New Zealand regional view |
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Year |
2005 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Pain management; Paediatric nursing; Hospitals; Pharmacology |
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Abstract |
This research explored the knowledge and attitudes towards paediatric post-operative pain, within the New Zealand context of small regional hospitals. It established how nurses working in these areas obtain and update their paediatric pain management knowledge, and what is it that influences their paediatric post-operative pain management practices. A questionnaire survey of registered nurses working in three small paediatric units (5 to 12 beds), in regional secondary service hospitals was undertaken. The survey had a 79% (n=33) response rate. Findings corroborate many findings in previously published literature including that nurses do well in questions related to assessment. However pharmacological knowledge continues to be lacking. Results also indicated that while nurses have a good understanding about who is the best person to rate pain, this wasn't carried through in the clinical scenarios provided. Education is clearly an important factor in improving the knowledge and attitudes needed in clinical practice. While this survey was somewhat limited, both in size and in that a clear correlation between the results and actual clinical practice could not be made, results are significant for the areas surveyed and for the development of pain education for nurses. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 1194 |
Serial |
1179 |
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Author |
Hall, K.A. |
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Title |
Soothing sounds: An investigation into the value of music in palliative care |
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Year |
2003 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Palliative care; Nursing; Qualiltative research; Alternative therapies |
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Abstract |
This qualitative study focuses on van Manen's theory of the 'lived experience' in relation to two families and asks the first thesis question. What is the value of music in the care of someone who is dying? Over the course of their loved one's illness these families provided music in the patients home as part of their care. The study also captures the experiences of two nurses who work in the palliative setting, and their use of music in providing holistic care to their patients. Their experiences relate to the second question. How can nurses be assisted in introducing music into their planned care of patients? The results demonstrate the effectiveness of using taped music for someone who is dying, and the reduction in symptoms, such as anxiety, and pain. It also highlights the importance of the individual's choice, and the special moments that can be achieved for both patient and families when music is used in a caring, supportive environment. This encourages communication, especially in the sharing of emotions. This study may be the first qualitative study in New Zealand, that addresses the value of music in palliative care, therefore there is a need for continued research into this therapy as a treatment modality as part of planned care in palliative nursing. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 1216 |
Serial |
1201 |
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Author |
Hammond, S. |
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Title |
Parallel journeys: Perceptions of palliative care |
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Year |
2001 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Palliative care; Policy; Geriatric nursing |
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Abstract |
The delivery of palliative care within contemporary New Zealand society is discussed, in the light of the recent publication of The New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy (2001). The viewpoint taken is largely descriptive rather than prescriptive, being based on a literature survey of international research and academic theory, which is also informed by the author's professionally gained knowledge. Four different perspectives, comprising a mix of providers and recipients of care are investigated: those of central government planning; specialist palliative care units; aged-care complexes; and patients, family and whanau. As an area of healthcare which current demographic projections indicate will become increasingly significant, the provision of palliative care to residents of and patients within aged-care complexes receives special attention. A metaphor of “parallel travellers” on “parallel journeys” is used to provide a thematic basis to the paper. The lived experiences and perceptions of each group of “parallel travellers” are explored. Difficulties in defining and evaluating palliative care, the implications of main-streaming, the scope of palliative care provision, the educative role of specialist palliative care providers and the current focus on mechanistic outcome measures are discussed. It is contended that the values and goals, both explicit and implicit, of the four specified groups may not at present be sufficiently congruent to optimise the effective provision of palliative care from the point of view of all concerned. While adequate resourcing and a genuinely collaborative approach among healthcare providers are both acknowledged to be critical, the potential for palliative care nurse practitioners to be appointed to the role of “care co-ordinator” alluded to within The New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy (2001), is also seen as pivotal. Insights from a postmodern perspective are offered as one possible way of achieving greater congruence. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1215 |
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Author |
Mockford, A. |
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Title |
An exploratory descriptive study of the needs of parents after their young child is discharged from hospital following an admission with an acute illness |
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Year |
2008 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Parents and caregivers; Health knowledge; Children; Maori; Pacific peoples |
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Abstract |
This study investigated issues surrounding the high numbers of preventable admissions of young children with acute illnesses, particularly amongst Maori and Pacific children. It focuses on what happens once these children are discharged. Its aims were to find out what the expressed needs of parents were, as they cared for their child, once home. Whilst there has been a small amount of international research undertaken in this area, there is little known about expressed parent need in the New Zealand context. This exploratory descriptive study involved parents of under five year old children, who had been admitted to a hospital, with one of five acute illnesses. Eighteen parents were surveyed over the telephone. This study found the parents expressed a need for reassurance and advice once home, and that they worried about their child getting sick again. It highlighted gaps in discharge planning and support. None of the parents had received a written discharge plan for their child. Only five parents had received either a contact number for advice or a referral back to their primary care provider. This study found that whilst some parents considered their discharge needs had been met, others considered that they had not. Four local discharge practice opportunities to support these families were recommended, these included, providing parents and caregivers with an individualised written discharge plan, giving a contact number for advice after discharge, offering a follow-up phone call in the first 48 hours, and ensuring that all children have a referral back to their primary health care provider. Areas for further research were highlighted, including the need for a larger study to explore and compare the needs of rural and urban parents, and Maori and Pacific parents. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1232 |
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Author |
Murphy, S.E.E. |
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Title |
Through mothers' eyes: The lived experience of caring for a child who has undergone and recovered from a liver transplantation |
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Year |
2008 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Parents and caregivers; Paediatric nursing; Children; Surgery |
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Abstract |
Mothers, whose children had undergone a liver transplant more than one year ago at time of interview and whose children were outpatients of Starship Children's Hospital, were invited to participate in this research. A Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach, informed by the work of van Manen (1990) was used. Three mothers of children who had received a liver transplant were interviewed to reveal the meanings of the phenomenon – what is the meaning of lived experience of mothers in caring for their child who has undergone and recovered following liver transplantation? Little previous study regarding mothers' lived experience of caring for their child, who had recovered from a liver transplant, was found in the literature. The emerging themes were punctuated with stress being a consistent feature. Utilising Ruddick's (1983) concepts of maternal thinking, the emerging themes were merged within the three interests governing maternal practice; preservation, growth and acceptability. The absolute capacity for attentive love draws the experience together. An essential theme identified out of the analysis was the concept of survival relating to the unique features of liver transplantation and the consequences of liver rejection and failure. The findings contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon, emphasising the need for good support systems for families of children who have undergone transplantation; assistance in the establishment of maternal coping strategies and regular feedback on the children's progress acknowledging the role and care provided by mothers. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 1242 |
Serial |
1227 |
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Author |
Fairhall, M. |
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Title |
An observational study of Peripherally Inserted Central Cather(PICC)-related complications amongst oncology patients |
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Year |
2008 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Patient safety; Equipment and Supplies; Nursing specialties; Cancer; Oncology |
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Abstract |
This thesis reports on a retrospective observational study that examined the complication rate of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) within a regional cancer centre. PICCs are increasingly used for delivery of chemotherapy and other intravenous therapies in oncology patients. A literature review revealed that almost all published research on PICC complications reported on silicone (Groshong(TM)) catheter use, rather than the polyurethane (Arrow(TM)) PICCs used at Christchurch Hospital. Also, much literature referred to PICCs being inserted by non-nurses, whereas the Christchurch service uses specially-trained nurses to insert them. The purpose of the study was to identify the nature, incidence and rates of polyurethane (Arrow(TM)) PICC complications in an adult oncology cohort. Ethics Committee approval was gained to retrospectively follow all PICCs inserted in adult oncology patients at Christchurch Hospital over a 13-month period from 1st March 2006 until 31st March 2007. Data collected were analysed utilising the statistical computer package SPSS. One hundred and sixty-four PICCs were inserted into 156 individual oncology patients over this period. The median dwell time was 68 days for a total of 14,276 catheter-days. Complications occurred in 25 (15%) out of 164 PICC lines, in 22 (15%) of the 156 patients for an overall complication rate of 1.75 per 1000 catheter-days. However, only 16 of the 25 PICCs with complications required early removal (9.75% of the cohort) for a favourably low serious complication rate of 1.12 per 1000 catheter-days. The three commonest complications were infection at 4.3% (7/164) or 0.49 infection complications/1000 PICC-days, PICC migration at 3% (5/164) or 0.35/1000 catheter days, and thrombosis at 2.4% (4/164) or 0.28/1000 catheter days. The median time to complication was 41 days. Those with complications were more likely to have a gastro-intestinal or an ovarian cancer diagnosis, and less likely to have colorectal cancer. These findings provide support for the safe and effective use of polyurethane (Arrow(TM)) PICCs for venous access within the adult oncology context. Furthermore, it suggests that cost effective nurse-led (Arrow(TM)) PICC insertions can contribute to a low complication rate. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1222 |
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Author |
Börner, Heidi.E |
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Title |
Evaluating safe patient handling systems: Is there a better way? |
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Year |
2008 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Volume |
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Keywords |
Patient safety; Evaluation research; Occupational health and safety |
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Abstract |
This observational study analyses the responses of 38 nurses from two similar units that use different patient handling systems to test the reliability and validity of the Safe Patient Handling Survey (TM) SPH Survey(TM), a perception survey and improvement tool for employees and employers. Currently there is a lack of tools for evaluating patient handling systems. The survey contains 55 questions divided into 6 clusters, staff and patient injury and violence questions, and picture questions depicting unsafe techniques. The data were analysed to see how the SPH Survey(TM) scores correlate with incidents, and its ability to detect differences between the two units. The results of the Pearson and Cronbach(TM) alpha tests show strong reliability, validity and consistency of the SPH Survey(TM). ANOVA comparison of means and Spearman(TM) rho tests shows that higher (better) scores on the SPH Survey(TM) clusters correlate with lower numbers of patient injuries, lower reports of verbal and physical violence episodes, and lower staff injuries. Differences were detected between the units with Unit 2 scoring higher than Unit 1 in all SPH Survey(TM) clusters and scoring lower in staff and patient injuries and violence incidents. Although the analysis was limited by the small sample size, the study has created a sound basis for further investigation. The SPH Survey(TM) is shown to be an easy way to reliably evaluate patient handling systems and workplace culture, target improvement initiatives, and continually monitor the level of patient handling risk in the workplace. Low-risk patient handling gives health care providers the means to focus on delivering high quality patient care, without endangering their own health and well-being. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1224 |
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Author |
Jull, A. |
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Title |
Oral Pentoxifylline in the treatment of venous leg ulcers: A meta-analysis |
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Year |
1999 |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Keywords |
Pharmacology; Evidence-based medicine; Nursing |
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Abstract |
The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of pentoxifylline as an adjunct to compression bandaging in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. The CENTRAL registers of the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases and Wounds Groups were searched – each register is routinely updated by extensive searches of electronic databases, handsearching of relevant journals and conference proceedings, and contact with product companies and experts in the field. The drug's manufacturer was contacted and the references of review articles and all obtained trials were scrutinised for further citations. Randomised controlled trials published in any language comparing pentoxifylline and compression with placebo in adult participants with venous ulceration were included. Trials must have reported a meaningful objective outcome (rates of healing, proportions healed, time to healing). Details from eligible trials (independently selected by two reviewers) were extracted and summarised by one reviewer. A second reviewer independently verified extracted data. Eleven clinical trials were identified. Five trials compared pentoxifylline with placebo (compression standard therapy). Six trials were excluded. Pentoxifylline and compression was more effective than placebo and compression (RR 1.30, 95% C1 1.10-1.54) and was robust to sensitivity analyses. The greater number of adverse effects (46 reports) occurred in the pentoxifylline group, although this was not significant (RR 1.12, 95% C1 0.77-1.62); 34 percent of adverse effects were gastro-intestinal. Seven of 21 reported withdrawals were for adverse effects. In conclusion, pentoxifylline appears an effective adjunct to compression bandaging in the treatment of venous ulcers. The absence of cost-effectiveness data suggests it not be employed as a routine adjunct, but it could be considered as for those patients not responding to compression therapy alone. The majority of adverse effects are likely to be tolerated by patients. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 1244 |
Serial |
1229 |
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