Energy expenditure during physiotherapist-assisted and self-treatment in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) results in increased energy requirements at rest. However, the energy expended during physiotherapy management is unknown. The aim of this study, therefore, is to examine the energy expended during two commonly used forms of chest physiotherapy in CF subjects. Twenty-six CF subjects completed a randomised crossover trial with 48 hours between treatments. Two regimens of treatment were conducted: therapist-assisted treatment (active cycle of breathing, ACBT, with percussion, vibration), and independent treatment (ACBT alone, under the supervision of a physiotherapist). Subjects completed pulmonary function tests before and after either treatment. Indirect calorimetry and oximetry parameters were recorded at rest, during, and following treatment. Treatment groups were compared using ANOVA and two-sample crossover t-tests. When compared to resting values, physiotherapy treatment resulted in significant increases in VO₂, VCO₂ and respiratory exchange ratio. No difference was evident between treatment regimens for the change in VO₂ between baseline and treatment. The increase in ventilation (baseline to treatment) was significantly greater for the therapist-assisted treatment. The therapist-assisted ACBT was associated with a significant carryover effect for forced expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity (FEF₅₀). Oxygen requirements for the two treatments were similar. However, the assisted regimen resulted in greater changes in minute ventilation during treatment and improved 48-hour post-treatment pulmonary function after only one treatment session. These findings suggest that the inclusion of percussion and vibration within the ACBT may influence respiratory muscle activity during treatment and result in improved pulmonary function.     

The relationship between the levels of nurses’ competence and the length of their clinical experience: a tentative model for nursing competence development

Aims and objectives. To explore the relationship between the levels of nurses’ competence and the length of their clinical experience, in order to provide a tentative model of the continuing competence of nurses. Background. The professional development of employees has attracted great interest. This interest has led to the development of various models that illustrate how employees develop their competence throughout their careers. However, little is known of how nurses maintain and develop their competence throughout their career pathways. Design. A cross‐sectional design was used. Methods. Using a survey method, five dimensions of self‐assessed nursing competence and the length of the nurses’ clinical practice were measured (n = 325). Each dimension of competence was plotted against the length of their clinical experience using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing. Then, the shapes of the plots were analysed by fractional polynomial regression analysis. Results. Overall, the relationships between the levels of nursing competence and the length of clinical experience were illustrated by curves with a rapid increase in competence levels at the early stage of the nursing career and a slower increase later. These curves were modelled by either a logarithmic, square‐root function or its reciprocal. The results supported the learning curve model. Conclusions. The competence development of nurses may be characterised by two distinctive periods: a rapid growth period followed by stable periods. However, the modality of the growth may be different depending on which dimension of nursing competence is in focus. Relevance to clinical practice. The level of nursing competence directly affects the quality of care provided to patients. The findings of the study enable healthcare organisations to take proactive approaches to enhance nurses’ competence by identifying when and how to assist nurses.     

个案研讨式沙龙在老年患者护理骨干培训中的应用效果

目的探讨个案研讨式沙龙在老年患者护理骨干培训中的应用及效果。方法 2012年6-9月南方医科大学珠江医院举办护理人员老年患者护理专项进修班,从各个专科老年人的常见病、重点需要解决的问题、难点入手,通过个案研讨、统一规范的组织形式安排组织了7次个案研讨式沙龙活动。在沙龙开展前和最后一次沙龙结束时进行问卷调查,并评价培训效果。结果 33名学员中,26名(占78.8%)学员在参加本期护理沙龙前没有参加过其他形式的护理沙龙;对本期沙龙的形式及内容安排的满意率为100%,认为总体收获较大的32名(占97.0%)学员认为个案研讨式沙龙对提高临床实践能力比较有效,33名(100%)学员认为对提高全院老年患者护理整体水平和科室间合作非常重要;参加个案研讨式沙龙前后,学员的老年患者护理相关能力自评总分分别为(33.98±8.564)分、(51.87±6.668)分,差异有统计学意义(t=19.549,P<0.01),且老年患者护理相关能力13个自评项目的评分均高于参加前,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.01)。结论个案研讨式沙龙对提高临床老年患者护理骨干临床实践能力、促进理论向实践转化起到了积极的作用,在今后的护理骨干培养中可以进一步推广并实施。     

Expert Knowledge in Palliative Care on the World Wide Web: Palliativedrugs.Org

ABSTRACT.?

In my last Internet-related article, I speculated that social networking would be the coming wave in the effort to share knowledge among experts in various disciplines. At the time I did not know that a palliative care site on the World Wide Web (WWW), palliativedrugs.com, already provided the infrastructure for sharing expert knowledge in the field. The Web site is an excellent traditional formulary but it is primarily devoted to “unlicensed” (“off-label”) use of medications in palliative care, something we in the specialty often do with little to support our interventions except shared knowledge and experience. There is nothing fancy about this Web site. In a good way, its format is a throwback to Web sites of the 1990s. In only the loosest sense can one describe it as “multimedia.” Yet, it provides the perfect forum for expert knowledge and is a “must see” resource. Its existing content is voluminous and reliable, filtered and reviewed by renowned clinicians and educators in the field. Although its origin and structure were not specifically designed for social or professional networking, the Web site's format makes it a natural way for practitioners around the world to contribute to an ever-growing body of expertise in palliative care.     

A systematic program of research regarding the assessment of speech-language pathology competencies

This paper explores the nature and development of competence in speech-language pathology and is informed by the development and validation of a competency-based assessment tool to assess Australian speech-language pathology students' professional performance in the workplace (COMPASS®). Background is provided on speech-language pathology competency frameworks in Australia and a systematic program of research to validate this assessment tool. Findings relevant to understanding the nature and development of speech-language pathology competency are described. The domains of competence considered important for practice were found to extend beyond specific processes of professional practice to include generic competencies of Reasoning, Communication, Lifelong Learning, and Professionalism. The achievement of competency was identified as developmental, and clinical educators were found to validly and reliably identify seven levels of competency development. Competency may transfer across the scope of practice, and marginal students' performances were characterized by a high degree of variability. These findings are discussed in relation to the profession's understanding of competency and speech-language pathology education, professional development, and further research.     

I can't sleep at night with discharging this lady: The personal impact of ending therapy on speech-language pathologists

The ending of therapy is a crucial time for speech-language pathologists and can impact on their sense of achievement and satisfaction. Drawing on literature from psychotherapy, social work and rehabilitation as well as from the area of aphasia therapy, this paper explores how speech-language pathologists juggle the tensions of coping with real versus ideal endings, of managing the building of close therapeutic relationships which then have to be broken, and of balancing a respect for client autonomy while retaining control over caseloads and fair allocation of resources. I suggest that the way in which therapy finishes reflects a merger of how clinicians manage these tensions. Clinicians may benefit from a greater recognition of what they do and feel at discharge, not only to further reflective practice, but also to encourage more sensitive involvement with both clients and students.     

量化考评体系在医学专业学位硕士研究生培养过程中的建立

医学专业学位硕士研究生的培养是现阶段国内医学类专业毕业生继续医学教育的重要形式,其培养目标是拥有合格的临床专业知识和技能的同时兼具与硕士研究生相匹配的科研能力。但在教学培养过程中,普遍存在缺乏同质化管理和考核,重毕业论文轻过程管理,重专业知识培训轻政治思想教育和心理辅导的现象。本文从政治思想教育、临床技能、科研培训三方面对建立规范的医学专业学位硕士研究生对培养量化考核评价体系提出了思考与建议     

Exploring the implementation of evidence-based optimisation strategies: A qualitative study of the experience of diagnostic radiographers

IntroductionRadiographers are responsible for ensuring safe and effective use of ionising radiation. Through evidence-based practice (EBP), valuable optimisation strategies can be implemented to fulfil these responsibilities. This study aimed to explore radiographers' attitudes, perceptions, and experience of using evidence-based optimisation strategies.MethodsA Grounded Theory approach using in-depth interviews. UK-based radiographers were recruited. Discussions focused on (1) the role of evidence-based optimisation strategies in daily practice, (2) assistance in implementing evidence-based optimisation strategies, and (3) the role of EBP and optimisation strategies in the future. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using open and axial coding.ResultsParticipants (n = 13) stated that EBP is not frequently used to implement optimisation strategies. Participants relied on the knowledge taught in education settings and their professional skills to optimise in daily practice, alongside departmental protocols. Barriers identified as affecting the implementation of optimisation strategies related to reluctance to change, a lack of support from superiors, and a lack of resources to engage with EBP. Some participants expected the use of optimisation strategies to become unnecessary due to technology advancements.ConclusionThe results indicate that effective operationalisation of EBP is not part of daily practice among radiographers to implement valuable optimisation strategies in daily practice.Implications for practiceThe potential barriers to implementing evidence-based optimisation strategies highlighted in this study suggest that improving access to resources and empowerment of individual radiographers is required to enable radiographers to implement optimisation strategies.     

无陪护模式病房不同能级护理人员承担工作项目调查

目的了解山东省三级综合性医院无陪护模式病房不同能级护理人员承担工作项目情况,为实现护理人力资源优化管理提供基础和依据。方法自行设计无陪护模式病房临床护理人员能级对应相关情况调查表,对山东省6所三级医院无陪护模式病房551名护理人员承担部分工作项目情况进行调查。结果不同能级护理人员承担各护理工作项目有所侧重(均P<0.01),但均承担所有工作项目;基础护理、执行治疗是主要的临床护理工作,分别占23.81%、22.00%;临床教学及科研所占的比重最少,分别占8.17%、2.51%;无陪护模式病房护理工作的主力是大专学历、初级职称及工龄不足3年的护士。结论护理人力资源配置的不合理及利用低效率并存,护理管理者应制定科学的护理人力资源配置标准,并根据不同岗位的专业技术要求配备相应能力的护士,从而优化护理人力资源管理。