Pre- and post-transplant care: nursing management of the renal transplant recipient: part 2

This is the second article in a three part continuing education series on renal transplantation which addresses the specialised knowledge and skills required in order to prepare a patient admitted to hospital for renal transplantation and then how to care for that patient afterwards. The first article in this series addressed patient health and well-being while waiting for a renal transplant. The third article will look at the long-term care of kidney recipients.     

Positron emission tomography oncology research in the UK: a comparison with USA and Europe

PET imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has become a valuable procedure in oncology patient management and drug development. The availability of non-FDG radiotracers to study different aspects of cancer biology presents new opportunities to improve healthcare outcomes and develop new therapeutics. An investigation has been carried out to determine the extent of the use of non-FDG tracers in the UK, assess overall oncology PET research activity and document current UK PET infrastructure. There has been significant recent investment in PET facilities, increasing the UK's capacity to undertake PET research. Nevertheless, the UK still has a lower level of PET equipment compared with Europe and the USA. Despite the increase in PET imaging capacity in UK research centres, there has not been an increase in non-FDG research, with most studies utilizing FDG at multiple sites. Most non-FDG trials are single-centre studies at well established centres. High tracer prices, a limited range of non-FDG tracers and restricted geographical availability make multicentre trials with non-FDG radiotracers difficult. Several solutions have been identified: formation of purchasing consortia for 18F-labelled radiotracers, production of radiotracers with longer half-lives and establishment of production at regional supply centres.     

Predictors of Sustained Return to Work After Work-Related Injury or Disease: Insights from Workers’ Compensation Claims Records

Aim After work-related injury or disease, multiple spells of work absences and unsuccessful return to work (RTW) are common. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of sustained RTW and work disability recurrences. Methods Australian WorkSafe Victoria claims containing income compensation payments starting between January 1st, 2001 and December 31st, 2004 (n?=?59,526) were analysed over a 2-year observation window. Time until first RTW and final RTW, and ??recurrences?? (cessations of payments of >7?days), were derived from claims payments data. Regression models were used relating demographic, occupational, workplace and injury characteristics to RTW outcomes. Results Although 94% of claimants had at least one RTW, only 79% achieved sustained RTW during follow-up. Median time until first RTW was 50?days; median time until final RTW was 91?days. Independent predictors of delayed final RTW were older age, afflictions involving the neck or multiple locations, and working in manufacturing. Of those who returned to work, 37% had at least one recurrence: risk factors were ages 35?C55, female sex, working as a labourer, working in manufacturing, traumatic joint/ligament or muscle/tendon injury and musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases, and afflictions involving the neck or multiple locations. Conclusions Work disability recurrences are common and have considerable impact on sustained RTW outcomes. A policy focus on education about secondary prevention may help improve long-term RTW outcomes, particularly for persons with musculoskeletal disorders and those working in manufacturing.     

Creating a bond between caregivers online: effect on caregivers' coping strategies

Numerous studies have investigated the effect of Interactive Cancer Communication Systems (ICCSs) on system users' improvements in psychosocial status. Research in this area, however, has focused mostly on cancer patients, rather than on caregivers, and on the direct effects of ICCSs on improved outcomes, rather than on the psychological mechanisms of ICCS effects. To understand the underlying mechanisms, this study examines the mediating role of perceived caregiver bonding in the relation between one ICCS (the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System [CHESS]) use and caregivers' coping strategies. To test the hypotheses, a secondary analysis of data was conducted on 246 caregivers of lung cancer patients. These caregivers were randomly assigned to (a) the Internet, with links to high-quality lung cancer websites, or (b) access to CHESS, which integrated information, communication, and interactive coaching tools. Findings suggest that perceived bonding has positive effects on caregivers' appraisal and problem-focused coping strategies, and it mediates the effect of ICCS on the coping strategies 6 months after the intervention has begun.