Go wireless to spark productivity

The mother/baby unit of Ohio's Good Samaritan Hospital instituted a wireless communication system. Here, review its benefits.     

Medical management of the cardiac infant and child after surgical discharge

Congenital heart disease (CHD) presents medical management challenges throughout the lifespan. As the complexity of the lesion increases, so do the management challenges. These issues include medication use; short-term postoperative management monitoring of growth, nutrition, development, family impact, immunization; and long-term management issues. The knowledge base in this field is ever growing, and only with knowing what to expect can we identify the unexpected and make that part of our understanding of the care of children with CHD.     

Promoting positive outcomes for elderly persons in the hospital: prevention and risk factor modification

The hospitalized elderly are at an increased risk for poor outcomes such as increased length of stay, readmissions, functional decline, and iatrogenic complications, as compared with other age groups. Research related to the hospitalized elderly has identified factors associated with poor outcomes. Nurses and other healthcare team members may be able to identify elderly patients at risk for poor outcomes and target modifiable factors to minimize their negative impact. Clinical experience and research validate the conclusion that multidimensional, preventive risk factor modification balanced with acute illness treatment can result in positive outcomes for elderly patients.     

An overview of three different approaches to the interpretation of qualitative data. Part 1: Theoretical issues

In this paper, the first of two, Helena Priest, Paula Roberts and Leslie Woods discuss the essential features and methods inherent within three approaches to the interpretation of qualitative data. An overview of three methodologies commonly used in nursing and healthcare research is presented: grounded theory, qualitative content analysis and narrative analysis. The paper considers the philosophical bases of the three methods and the principles inherent within each analytical approach. Key stages and steps are presented and described.     

An overview of three different approaches to the interpretation of qualitative data. Part 2: Practical illustrations

This paper continues the discussion of the essential features and methods inherent within three approaches to the interpretation of qualitative data presented in Part 1 (Priest et al 2002). Leslie Woods, Helena Priest and Paula Roberts explore the use of grounded theory, qualitative content analysis and narrative analysis through the use of an illustrative example.