toggle visibility Search & Display Options

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links
Author Lesa, R.; Dixon, D.A. openurl 
  Title Physical assessment: Implications for nurse educators and nursing practice Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication International Nursing Review Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 54 Issue 2 Pages 166-172  
  Keywords (up) Advanced nursing practice; Clinical assessment; Cardiovascular diseases; Nursing; Education  
  Abstract In New Zealand, the physical assessment of a patient has traditionally been the domain of the medical profession. Recent implementation of advanced practice roles has expanded the scope of practice and nurse practitioners may now be expected to perform physical assessments. The aim of this literature review was to discover what could be learnt from the experiences of Western countries. Nurses from the USA, Canada and Australia readily incorporate physical assessment skills into their nursing practice as a component of health assessment. The international literature identified that any change to the nurse's role in health assessment, to include physical assessment skills, requires strategies that involve the regulatory, educational and practice components of nursing.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 786  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fraser, A.G.; Williamson, S.; Lane, M.; Hollis, B. url  openurl
  Title Nurse-led dyspepsia clinic using the urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication New Zealand Medical Journal Abbreviated Journal Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts.  
  Volume 116 Issue 1176 Pages  
  Keywords (up) Advanced nursing practice; Hospitals; Clinical assessment; Evaluation  
  Abstract Reports the audit of a nurse-led dyspepsia clinic at Auckland Hospital. Referrals to the Gastroenterology Department for gastroscopy were assessed in a dyspepsia clinic. Initial evaluation included consultation and a urea breath test (UBT). Patients given eradication treatment prior to initial clinic assessment were excluded. Patients with a positive UBT were given eradication treatment and were reviewed two months later for symptom assessment and follow-up UBT. Patients with a negative UBT were usually referred back to the GP. There were 173 patients with a mean age 38 years. The urea breath test was found to be useful as part of the initial assessment of selected patients who would otherwise have been referred for endoscopy. It is likely that the need for gastroscopy was reduced, but longer follow up will be required to determine whether or not this effect is simply due to delayed referral. This approach is likely to have value only in patients who have a relatively high chance of being H. pylori positive.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 625 Serial 611  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Turnwald, A.B. url  openurl
  Title Acute Hypercarbia in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Presentations to a New Zealand emergency department Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal ResearchArchive@Victoria  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Chronically ill; Clinical assessment; Emergency nursing  
  Abstract A retrospective descriptive design was used to examine the records of all presentations to the emergency department of patients with COPD over a 3-month period to determine whether there is a subset group of people who present with hypercarbia. There were 114 presentations, amongst those there were 71 individuals, a number presenting more than once within the three months. 80% of the 71 individuals had a smoking history of which 53% were female. Of the 114 presentations, 76 had arterial blood gases taken during their emergency department presentation. Of these 76 presentations 30 had hypercarbia and 46 were non-hypercarbia. These 76 presentations involved 58 individuals, with some individuals presenting five times over the three-month period. Three groups emerged, some who were only hypercarbia (n= 18), some in the non-hypercarbia group (n=35) and 5 individuals who had presentations in both the hypercarbia and non-hypercarbia groups. Data showed that there was no definable subset group of hypercarbia patients within acute exacerbations of COPD presenting to the emergency department according to the variables. However the sample of presentations (with a blood gas) found within the study suffering hypercarbia was much higher (31.1%) than anticipated. Further analysis showed that the hypercarbia group had a significant lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and a combination diagnosis of emphysema or asthma and congestive heart failure. An implication to the clinician is that identification of hypercarbia within COPD exacerbation is problematically difficult until the late signs are shown with the individual. By that time effective treatment patterns may have changed from the initial presenting problem. The author concludes that future areas of research within this field needs to lie within the community, and look at when these people start the exacerbation, what leads them to progression presentation to the emergency department, and whether these people are chronic sufferers of hypercarbia or presenting after a period of days exacerbation within their own home.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1210  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hardy, D.J.; O'Brien, A.P.; Gaskin, C.J.; O'Brien, A.J.; Morrison-Ngatai, E.; Skews, G.; Ryan, T.; McNulty, N. openurl 
  Title Practical application of the Delphi technique in a bicultural mental health nursing study in New Zealand Type Journal Article
  Year 2004 Publication Journal of Advanced Nursing Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 46 Issue 1 Pages 95-109  
  Keywords (up) Clinical assessment; Biculturalism; Professional competence; Psychiatric Nursing; Maori  
  Abstract The aim of this paper is to detail the practical application of the Delphi technique as a culturally and clinically valid means of accessing expert opinion on the importance of clinical criteria. Reference is made to a bicultural New Zealand mental health nursing clinical indicator study that employed a three-round reactive Delphi survey. Equal proportions of Maori and non-Maori nurses (n = 20) and consumers (n = 10) rated the importance of 91 clinical indicator statements for the achievement of professional practice standards. Additional statements (n = 21) suggested by Delphi participants in round 1 were included in subsequent rounds. In round 2, participants explained the rating they applied to statements that had not reached consensus in round 1, and summarised responses were provided to participants in round 3. Consensus was considered to have been achieved if 85% of round 3 ratings lay within a 2-point bracket on the 5-point Likert-scale overall, or in one of the Maori nurse, non-Maori nurse, or consumer groups. A mean rating of 4.5 after round 3 was set as the importance threshold. Consensus occurred overall on 75 statements, and within groups on another 24. Most statements (n = 86) reached the importance benchmark. The authors conclude that when rigorous methods of participant selection, group composition, participant feedback, and determination of consensus and importance are employed, the Delphi technique is a reliable, cost-effective means of obtaining and prioritising experts' judgements.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1060  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Carter, G.E. openurl 
  Title Critical thinking abilities: Evidence from students' clinical self-evaluation responses: A pilot study Type
  Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal Massey University Library  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Clinical assessment; Critical thinking  
  Abstract  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 597 Serial 583  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Whittle, R. url  openurl
  Title Decisions, decisions: Factors that influence student selection of final year clinical placements Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Clinical assessment; Nursing; Education; Students  
  Abstract Clinical practice is an essential and integral component of nursing education. The decision-making process involved in student selection of clinical placements is influenced by a range of factors which are internal or external to students. As there was little research that explored these factors and the influence they have on student decisions, the author sought to investigate this further. A mixed-method approach was used, using a questionnaire and focus group interview, to give breadth and depth to the research. This study found that students are particularly influenced by previous positive experiences, or an interest in a particular area of practice. Their personality will also influence their placement decisions. Nurse preceptors and clinical lecturers also provide a key support role to students in the clinical environment.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1103  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Neville, S.J.; Gillon, D.; Milligan, K. url  openurl
  Title New Zealand registered nurses' use of physical assessment skills: A pilot study Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Vision: A Journal of Nursing Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue 14(1) Pages  
  Keywords (up) Clinical assessment; Nursing; Evaluation  
  Abstract The objective of this project was to ascertain registered nurses' use of selected physical assessment skills before and after participation in a health assessment course. A pre- (also referred to as part I) and post- (part II) test design was used to investigate the research aim. Participants were obtained via a convenience sample. A questionnaire was completed at the beginning of the educational programme and then four to six weeks after completion of the assessment course. A two tailed t-test was used to identify any significant differences in the characteristics of participants from part I (N = 206) to part II (N = 145), with no differences identified. However, there was an overall mean percentage difference of 17.1% in the use of physical assessment skills after having completed the educational programme. In conclusion, the researchers found that four to six weeks after completion of a health assessment course, nurses were using the skills learned to improve their nursing practice more frequently than before the programme.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 879 Serial 863  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Macfarlane, K. openurl 
  Title Communicating changes in a patient's condition: A critical incident approach Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Communication; Clinical assessment; Physicians; Nursing; Relationships  
  Abstract This study explores how registered nurses working within the acute surgical ward environment of a New Zealand hospital communicate changes in a patient's condition. The purpose of this research study was to examine the processes, communication techniques and behaviours that nurses use, in order to determine the critical requirements for registered nurses to effectively communicate changes in patients' conditions to doctors. The critical incident technique developed by Flanagan (1954) was adapted and used to explore incidents that occurred when six registered nurses working in acute surgical wards communicated a change in a patient's condition to a doctor. Communication is an integral part of everyday activity. This study has shown an assessment process occurs before communication can take place. A nurse's concern for a patient's condition initiates the assessment process. A judgement is formed from the nurse's concern that a patient's condition has changed. Judgements take into account multiple ways of knowing including pattern recognition, empirical knowing and intuition. Institutional protocols also affect judgements and the ability of a nurse to ensure support is received for the patient's well being. The communication process is initiated for two reasons, to support the patient, and to support the nurse in providing care for the patient. Significant in determining the need for support is the action required that might be outside the nurse's scope of practice. The response should address the nurse's concern and take into account the importance of the relationship, trust between all parties, respect of each other's positions and knowing team members and their capabilities. Understanding these aspects of the communication process should enhance nurses and doctors abilities to effectively communicate regarding a change in a patient's condition.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 724  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Neville, S.J.; Gilmour, J.A. openurl 
  Title Differentiating between delirium and dementia Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 13 Issue 9 Pages 22-25  
  Keywords (up) Dementia; Psychiatric Nursing; Clinical assessment; Older people  
  Abstract Accurate nursing assessment is a critical element in the identification of health problems and treatment strategies for older adults who have delirium and/or dementia. This practice update provides information on the differentiation between these two debilitating and adverse health events, along with some useful assessment frameworks and other resources. Comments from people with delirium and dementia are interspersed throughout the article to draw attention to the impact of these conditions on people's lives and well-being. The article includes the 'A presenting concern framework', useful mnemonic devices to help nurses assess an older person who may have delirium or dementia, and a list of online resources.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 983  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hamer, H.P.; McCallin, A. openurl 
  Title Cardiac pain or panic disorder? Managing uncertainty in the emergency department Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Nursing & Health Sciences Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 8 Issue 4 Pages 224-230  
  Keywords (up) Emergency nursing; Clinical assessment; Diagnosis  
  Abstract This paper presents research findings from a New Zealand study that explored emergency nurses' differentiation of non-cardiac chest pain from panic disorder and raised significant issues in the nursing assessment and management of such clients. The data were gathered from focus group interviews and were analysed thematically. Three themes, prioritising time, managing uncertainty and ambiguity, and the life-threatening lens, were identified. The findings confirm that a panic disorder is not always diagnosed when biomedical assessment is used in isolation from a psychosocial assessment. Emergency nurses are pivotal in reversing the cycle of repeat presenters with non-cardiac chest pain. Recommendations for assessing and managing this complex condition are presented.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 689  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kuehl, S. url  openurl
  Title Emergency Department re-presentations following intentional self-harm Type
  Year 2008 Publication Abbreviated Journal ResearchArchive@Victoria  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Emergency nursing; Psychiatric Nursing; Mental health; Clinical assessment  
  Abstract The aim of this research was to describe what factors contribute to people re-presenting to the emergency department (ED) within one week of a previous visit for intentional self-harm. Objectives identified were to describe the people using demographic and clinical features; describe and evaluate ED management; and identify possible personal or system reasons as to why people re-present to ED within one week. A retrospective observational design was selected for a period of one year. The data was collected from electronic clinical case notes. The sample consisted of 48 people with 73 presentations and re-presentations. Missing data limited the number of inferential analyses. Outcome measures were divided into information regarding the person and the presentation. This study made several discoveries: many representations (55%) occurred within one day; the exact number of people who represented many times to ED is unknown, but is far higher than reported in other studies; fewer support people were present for the second presentation; the documentation of triage and assessments by ED staff was often minimal, though frequently portrayed immense distress of this population; cultural input for Maori was missing; physical health complaints and psychosis were found with some intentional self-harm presentations; challenging behaviours occurred in at least a quarter of presentations; and the medical and mental health inpatient admission rates were approximately 50% higher for second presentations. Recommendations in regard to the use of a triage assessment tool, the practice of reviewing peoples' past presentations and the need for a mental health consultation liaison nurse in ED are made. Staff education, collaboration between services with consumer involvement and further research of this group are required. This study supports the need for holistic and expert care for people who present at emergency departments with intentional self-harm.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1214  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ardagh, M.; Wells, E.; Cooper, K.; Lyons, R.; Patterson, R.; O'Donovan, P. url  openurl
  Title Effect of a rapid assessment clinic on the waiting time to be seen by a doctor and the time spent in the department, for patients presenting to an urban emergency department: A controlled prospective trial Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication New Zealand Medical Journal Abbreviated Journal Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts.  
  Volume 115 Issue 1157 Pages  
  Keywords (up) Emergency nursing; Time factors; Clinical assessment; Clinical decision making  
  Abstract The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that triaging certain emergency department patients through a rapid assessment clinic (RAC) improves the waiting times, and times in the department, for all patients presenting to the emergency department. For ten weeks an additional nurse and doctor were rostered. On the odd weeks, these two staff ran a RAC and on even weeks, they did not, but simply joined the other medical and nursing staff, managing patients in the traditional way. During the five weeks of the RAC clinic a total of 2263 patients attended the emergency department, and 361 of these were referred to the RAC clinic. During the five control weeks a total of 2204 patients attended the emergency department. There was no significant difference in the distribution across triage categories between the RAC and non-RAC periods. The researchers found that the rapid management of patients with problems which do not require prolonged assessment or decision making, is beneficial not only to those patients, but also to other patients sharing the same, limited resources.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 617  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Harris, C.; Crozier, I.; Smyth, J.; Elliot, J.; Watson, P.B.; Sands, J.; Cuddihy, R. openurl 
  Title An audit of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients representing acutely with chest pain within six months of PCI Type Manuscript
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords (up) Hospitals; Clinical assessment; Cardiovascular diseases; Guidelines; Teaching methods  
  Abstract This reports an audit of the assessment practices at Christchurch Hospital, compared to international guidelines. The clinical notes of all patients who were re- admitted acutely with chest pain within six months of PCI procedures performed between 1/4/05 and 30/9/05 were audited. Ethics approval was granted and an audit tool was designed based on the 2000 ACC/AHA Guidelines for the management of patients with unstable angina. The purpose of the audit was to determine to what extent best practice guidelines were followed in the assessment of patients re-admitted with chest pain and to determine if there were any indicators (lesional, procedural or risk factors for restenosis) that predicted a normal or abnormal repeat coronary angiogram. 448 consecutive patients had PCI procedures, 36 patients represented acutely with chest pain and had repeat coronary angiography. In 18 patients the coronary angiogram was unchanged, 11 patients demonstrated instent restenosis, one patient demonstrated thrombus and six patients developed new lesions. The authors concluded that at Christchurch Hospital assessment practices are consistent with international guidelines. Of the patients who had repeat angiography, 50% had no coronary obstruction for the cause of pain. There was a relatively low incidence of acute representation with chest pain. These results suggest a revision of the guidelines for repeat angiography following PCI is warranted.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 1157  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Richardson, S.; Ardagh, M.; Hider, P. url  openurl
  Title New Zealand health professionals do not agree about what defines appropriate attendance at an emergency department Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication New Zealand Medical Journal Abbreviated Journal Access is free to articles older than 6 months, and abstracts.  
  Volume 119 Issue 1232 Pages  
  Keywords (up) Hospitals; Clinical assessment; Interprofessional relations  
  Abstract This study aims to examine the concept of 'inappropriate' emergency department attendances in relation to the emergency department at Christchurch Hospital. It specifically seeks to determine whether there is a consensus opinion among healthcare providers regarding a definition of 'inappropriate'. An exploratory survey of health professionals involved with the referral, assessment, transport, and treatment of emergency department patients in Christchurch was carried out. A range of health professionals, including ambulance personnel, general practitioners, emergency department physicians, emergency nurses, and hospital managers were approached. A series of questions relating to definition and response to 'inappropriate' patients was asked, with an additional open-ended question relating to the definition of 'appropriateness'. The researchers found significant differences in the attitudes and perceptions of key health professionals involved in the referral, treatment, and admission of patients to the emergency department. This has implications for any interventions aimed at addressing emergency department 'overcrowding' that assume the presence of a consensus understanding of this concept.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 526  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pirret, A.M. openurl 
  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 (up) 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
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print