Dorothy J. Wholihan

Abstract

Improving oral health is a leading population health goal; however, curricula preparing health professionals have a dearth of oral health content and clinical experiences.We detail an educational and clinical innovation transitioning the traditional head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat (HEENT) examination to the addition of the teeth, gums, mucosa, tongue, and palate examination (HEENOT) for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of oral-systemic health. Many New York University nursing, dental, and medical faculty and students have been exposed to interprofessional oral health HEENOT classroom, simulation, and clinical experiences. This was associated with increased dental-primary care referrals.This innovation has potential to build interprofessional oral health workforce capacity that addresses a significant public health issue, increases oral health care access, and improves oral-systemic health across the lifespan.

Abstract

Nursing assistants are integral to palliative care and are often the most deeply involved and consistent care providers to dying patients. Yet the contributions of nursing assistants are often unrecognized and underappreciated. They are frequently marginalized when it comes to professional education activities, particularly in the acute care setting. This article describes an educational initiative based on the Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association nursing assistant core curriculum. A daylong educational intervention was provided to a voluntary convenience sample of nursing assistants from a variety of inpatient units. Presurveys and postsurveys about knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of ethical issues were administered to those attending the class, as well as a control group of nursing assistants. The results of this pilot study showed that a daylong conference on end-of-life care was associated with improved measures of knowledge, attitudes about care of the dying, and awareness of ethical issues. Interesting points of discussion concerned the points of tension identified by nursing assistants in the care of dying patients, the need for ongoing support for these staff members, and the practical issues of how to best educate and integrate nursing assistants into the palliative care team.

Abstract

Palliative care involvement with patients with advanced disease has demonstrated significant cost savings at end of life (EOL). These financial benefits are largely due to improved EOL decision making. Assisting patients and families to examine their values and determine their preferences makes it possible to match patient goals with appropriate care. Often, comfort-oriented care is favored, avoiding the costs of medically aggressive, often futile, technology-driven interventions. Community-based EOL care discussions would demonstrate increased cost reductions while facilitating significant patient and family satisfaction with care.

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To develop a pamphlet for educating patients about patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). DATA SOURCES: Journal articles and pump manufacturers' materials. DATA SYNTHESIS: This pamphlet defines PCA and describes PCA pump operation, pain assessment, medication side effects, and safety considerations. A numerical pain-assessment tool also is included. CONCLUSIONS: This pamphlet has been helpful in assisting patients to use PCA pumps effectively. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses can use this tool to educate patients requiring PCA therapy for pain management.

Abstract

Nurses recognize the increasing need to focus on primary and secondary prevention of cancer, yet the demands of current staffing prohibit many nurses from organizing and/or participating in cancer prevention and detection activities. This article describes an innovative program established at the Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA). Funded by an American Cancer Society professional education grant, nurses at the Bronx VA formed the 'VANAC' Team (VA Nurses Against Cancer). The camaraderie of a team approach invited generalist nurses to become involved with the program. The formation and activities of the team are described. After an intensive orientation, nurses participated in a wide range of educational activities, including patient education, staff seminars, and community presentations. The logistics of arranging such a program are discussed and recommendations for future direction are offered. It is hoped that nurses in other institutions can adapt the VANAC approach to their individual settings, thereby increasing the number of nurses involved in cancer prevention.

Abstract

Despite the many environmental and cultural differences, many similarities exist between home health nursing in Kenya and the United States. Family-focused care is the goal, with emphasis on education and prevention.