Development of the Home Care Client Satisfaction Instrument

Abstract Client (patient) satisfaction has been studied extensively in the health care sector, yet those receiving home health care services have been the focus of few studies. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Home Care Client Satisfaction Instrument (HCCSI). A total of 400 clients, randomly selected from 20 randomly chosen home care agencies in one state, completed the HCCSI and demographic form. Most respondents were older adults with multiple health problems and their families or informal support systems. Since data were skewed, item analysis was used. The revised instrument (HCCSI-R) is unidimensional and includes 12 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale measuring specific aspects of care. In addition, there are three global measures of satisfaction rated on a 10-point scale. All items except one had significant item-total correlations greater than .59. The total score correlates with likeliness to recommend the agency to others (.37, p = .0001), showing some evidence for criterion-related validity.     

Effect of Food on the Pharmacokinetics of a New Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Formulation of Itraconazole

Study Objective . To compare the pharmacokinetics of a single 100-mg oral dose of itraconazole administered as 10 ml of a 10-mg/ml itraconazole solution in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin under fasting versus postprandial conditions. Design . Open-label, two-way, randomized, crossover study. Setting . Janssen Research Foundation, Belgium. Patients . Twelve healthy volunteers. Interventions . Blood samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic analyses immediately before dosing and at regular intervals up to 96 hours after each dose. Blood and urine samples were obtained for hematologic, biochemical, and urinary safety analyses at baseline and at the end of the study. Measurements and Main Results . The mean peak plasma concentrations of both itraconazole and its active metabolite hydroxy-itraconazole were significantly higher under fasting conditions than under postprandial conditions. The mean times to peak concentration for both the parent compound and its metabolite were significantly shorter under fasting than under nonfasting conditions. The mean areas under the curve (AUC_0–∞ and AUC_{0–24 hrs}) were also significantly higher under fasting than under postprandial conditions. Conclusions . Our findings suggest that the higher bioavailability of this new formulation of itraconazole may be of benefit in seriously ill patients who are not able to ingest adequate quantities of food. The fact that the solution was also well tolerated and was not associated with clinically significant changes in any laboratory value further underscores the potential utility of this dosing form.     

Morphine-3-glucuronide: hyperglycemic and neuroendocrine potentiating effects

The greater potency of morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) as well as the inactivity of morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) with respect to the antinociceptive effects of the parent molecule, morphine (MOR), have been well established. It has been suggested that M3G is an antagonist of MOR's antinociceptive and respiratory depressive effects. The present study addressed the central nervous system (CNS) interaction of these opiate metabolites on their metabolic and hormonal effects. Whole body glucose kinetics were assessed on conscious, chronically catheterized, unrestrained rats. M3G (5 μg) or H₂O (5 μl) was injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) 15 min prior to the bolus administration of H₂O (5 μl), M6G (1 μg), or MOR (80 μg). i.c.v. M3G (5 μg) resulted in behavioral excitation, hyperglycemia (+50%), stimulation of glucose rate of appearance (R_a; +100%), glucose rate of disappeaance (R_d; +70%), and metabolic clearance rate (MCR; +33%) within 30 min after injection with no alterations in hormone concentrations. i.c.v. M6G and MOR produced progressive hyperglycemia with significantly high catecholamine and corticosterone levels. M3G pretreatment resulted in enhanced elevations in plasma glucose levels (+52% and +18%), plasma lactate (+138% and +108%), norepinephrine (+96% and +30%), and epinephrine (+62% and +67%) in response to both i.c.v. MOR and M6G administration. These findings suggest a non-opiate and non-hormonal mechanism for M3G-induced hyperglycemia. In contrast, the metabolic and hormonal responses to i.c.v. M6G and MOR are associated with elevations in catecholamine and corticosterone levels, which are remarkably enhanced by M3G pretreatment, most likely through accelerated catecholamine release. Our findings suggest a modulatory role for MOR glucuronidation, not only by rendering it inactive, as in the case of M3G, but by an interplay of the metabolic effects of the parent molecule and its metabolite     

A MODEL OF NURSE-MIDWIFE AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN COLLABORATIVE CARE IN A COMBINED ACADEMIC AND COMMUNITY SETTING

Certified nurse-midwives and family physicians share a philosophy of family-centered maternity care. Collaboration between the two disciplines, however, has not been common. Collaboration can enhance the primary care and maternity care options available to clients of such collaborative practices. Advantages and barriers to collaboration for both types of practitioners, as well as suggestions for successful collaboration, are discussed.     

CT-guided brachial plexus biopsy.

We describe a technique for conducting a CT-guided biopsy of the brachial plexus region, report two illustrative cases, discuss potential complications, and conclude that, in selected cases, biopsy of lesions in the region of the brachial plexus can be performed safely with CT guidance.     

Diagnosis: Chronic kidney disease, now what!

The occupational health nurse can play an important role in supporting employees with CKD and ESRD by recognizing risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension associated with CKD. The occupational health nurse should encourage compliance with treatment regimens that retard or delay progression of kidney disease into the next stage, especially blood pressure and glucose control. When employees are in need of diagnostic testing, the occupational health nurse can describe the testing procedures such as laboratory values, ultrasounds, and biopsies, and explain the five stages of CKD. The occupational health nurse can assist employees in Stage 4 or 5 CKD in deciding on a treatment option modality that best suits their individual lifestyles, after they have seen a nephrologist and kidney patient educator. In addition, the occupational health nurse can guide employees with difficult lifestyle changes and provide support during the adjustment process. The occupational health nurse also can play a key role in facilitating and coordinating those changes with the renal social worker. Together they can explore available resources, such as the NKF, the American Association of Kidney Patients, and kidneydirections.com. See the Sidebar on pages 295 to 296 for other available resources. Kidney disease can be a devastating diagnosis. Support and education are key to a successful lifestyle transition. Employees who have CKD and work with an occupational health nurse who is informed about their disease and its stages of progression can benefit from educational processes that create informed choices to delay or retard the progression of their renal disease.