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Author Pirret, A.M. openurl 
  Title (up) 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  
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Author Turnwald, A.B. url  openurl
  Title (up) 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 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  
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Author Harris, C.; Crozier, I.; Smyth, J.; Elliot, J.; Watson, P.B.; Sands, J.; Cuddihy, R. openurl 
  Title (up) 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 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  
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Author Kussmaul, Joerg url  openurl
  Title (up) An investigation of occupational health and safety workplaces and working conditions in comparison to nursing care quality in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in New Zealand Type Book Whole
  Year 2020 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 270 p.  
  Keywords Residential Aged Care Facilities; Ocuupational health and safety; Working conditions; InterRAI; Clinical Assessment Protocols Job stress; Registered nurses; Enrolled nurses; Healthcare assistants  
  Abstract Identifies critical factors related to the occupational health and safety of workplaces and working conditions in residential aged-care facilities (RACF), from the perspective of nursing staff. Correlates quality indicators for occupational health and safety for workplaces and in working conditions with nursing care quality based on the InterRAI Clinical Assessment Protocols (CAP). Uses a mixed-method approach to conduct an audit of workplace health and safety and environmental conditions in 17 RACFs. Surveys 398 registered nurses (RN), enrolled nurses (EN), and Healthcare Assistants (HCA) about the mental and physical stressors in their work.  
  Call Number NZNO @ research @ Serial 1655  
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Author Palmer, S.G. openurl 
  Title (up) Application of the cognitive therapy model to initial crisis assessment Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication International Journal of Mental Health Nursing Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 30-38  
  Keywords Mental health; Clinical assessment; Psychiatric Nursing  
  Abstract This article provides a background to the development of cognitive therapy and cognitive therapeutic skills with a specific focus on the treatment of a depressive episode. It discusses the utility of cognitive therapeutic strategies to the model of crisis theory and initial crisis assessment currently used by the Community Assessment & Treatment Team of Waitemata District Health Board. A brief background to cognitive therapy is provided, followed by a comprehensive example of the use of the Socratic questioning method in guiding collaborative assessment and treatment of suicidality by nurses during the initial crisis assessment.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 1085 Serial 1070  
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Author Macfie, B. openurl 
  Title (up) Assessing health needs and identifying risk factors Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 12 Issue 6 Pages 16-18  
  Keywords Infants; Parents and caregivers; Clinical assessment; Risk factors; Plunket  
  Abstract In 2004, Plunket nurses from eight areas around New Zealand participated in collecting data for a research project on health needs assessment practices. This project aimed to examine risk factors identified by Plunket nurses, what areas of health need considered to be priorities; grading of health needs; and how closely the results of health need assessment aligned with the individual clients' deprivation score. The researchers examine the assessment of health needs against the use of the Deprivation Index, which indicates a specific population in a specific area, as a funding model. This study appeared to show there are two distinct groups of clients assessed as high needs: those with risk factors such as family violence and severe parental mental illness, and who may live in an area of 1-7 deprivation; and those with multiple risk factors which include poverty, low education, and/or reluctance to access services and support, and who usually live in dep 8-10 areas. This research supports the anecdotal evidence that significant health needs exist outside the lower deprivation areas.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 974  
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Author Hamer, H.P.; McCallin, A. openurl 
  Title (up) 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 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  
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Author Macfarlane, K. openurl 
  Title (up) 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 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  
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Author Carter, G.E. openurl 
  Title (up) 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 Clinical assessment; Critical thinking  
  Abstract  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ 597 Serial 583  
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Author Whittle, R. url  openurl
  Title (up) Decisions, decisions: Factors that influence student selection of final year clinical placements Type
  Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords 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  
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Author Neville, S.J.; Gilmour, J.A. openurl 
  Title (up) 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 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  
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Author Ardagh, M.; Wells, E.; Cooper, K.; Lyons, R.; Patterson, R.; O'Donovan, P. url  openurl
  Title (up) 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 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  
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Author Kuehl, S. url  openurl
  Title (up) Emergency Department re-presentations following intentional self-harm Type
  Year 2008 Publication Abbreviated Journal ResearchArchive@Victoria  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords 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  
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Author Pitama, S.; Robertson, P.; Cram, F.; Gillies, M.; Huria, T.; Dalla-Katoa, W. openurl 
  Title (up) Meihana model: A clinical assessment framework Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication New Zealand Journal of Psychology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 36 Issue 3 Pages 118-125  
  Keywords Nursing models; Clinical assessment; Maori; Mental health  
  Abstract In 1984 Mason Durie documented a framework for understanding Maori health, Te Whare Tapa Wha, which has subsequently become embedded in Maori health policy. This article presents a specific assessment framework, the Meihana Model, which encompasses the four original cornerstones of Te Whare Tapa Wha, and inserts two additional elements. These form a practice model (alongside Maori beliefs, values and experiences) to guide clinical assessment and intervention with Maori clients and whanau accessing mental health services. This paper outlines the rationale for and background of the Meihana Model and then describes each dimension: whanau, wairua, tinana, hinengaro, taiao and iwi katoa. The model provides a basis for a more comprehensive assessment of clients/whanau to underpin appropriate treatment decisions.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 459  
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Author Clarke, R. openurl 
  Title (up) New graduate nurse experiences of using health assessment skills in practice: A descriptive qualitative study Type
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal Otago Polytechnic library. A copy can be obtained by contacting pgnursadmin@tekotago.ac.nz  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords New graduate nurses; Clinical assessment  
  Abstract Use of health assessment skills is undeniably part of everyday nursing practice, guiding nursing decisions and a part of facilitating patient outcomes. Undergraduate nursing education in New Zealand includes the use of health assessment skills within the context of nursing practice. The registered nurse working in their first year of practice is required to use effective assessment skills to identify potential risks to a patient's health, while learning to adjust to the many other demands of practice, but little research has explored these experiences. The purpose of this research study was to describe the experience of using health assessment skills within the first year of practice as a registered nurse. Using a qualitative descriptive method, informed by phenomenology, interviews were conducted with six newly graduated registered nurses working within a New Zealand setting. Findings of this study revealed that graduates endeavour to incorporate the skills of health assessment taught at undergraduate level into their practice. Six main themes of health assessment philosophy; tuning in; mobilising health assessment skills; recognition; anxiety; and identification and facilitation of outcomes can be aligned with Benner's (1984) model of skill acquisition. The author suggests that these research findings are useful to inform nursing education, clinical practice and further research. An awareness of these graduate experiences provides opportunities for nurses in both clinical practice and education to facilitate and support graduate nurses' of health assessment within their nursing practice.  
  Call Number NRSNZNO @ research @ Serial 682  
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