Publications

Abstract

We compared clinical outcomes of 65 hospitalized patients receiving clindamycin before and 59 after a sudden hospital wide shift in dosing schedules for this drug from 600 mg every 6 hours to 600 mg every 8 hours. Outcomes studied included the efficacy of antibiotic treatment, length of febrile period, and frequency of adverse effects. We also compared and controlled for patient characteristics such as age, sex, presence of multiple diagnoses, length of therapy, and concurrent use of other antibiotics. There were no differences in measured clinical outcomes between the two groups. Treatment was successful in 87% of both groups. The average number of febrile days was 5.1 in the first group and 3.9 in the second (P<.05). Patients on 6-hourly therapy experienced a 12% rate of antibioticrelated adverse effects vs. 5% for the 8-hourly group (P<.05). These data support the clinical rationale and safety of a hospitalwide reduction in the frequency of clindamycin dosing. In addition to considerable pharmacy and nursing time saved, this change also saved$40,000 annually in antibiotic costs.

Abstract

Results of this study indicate a significant positive relationship among mental disorder, length of hospital stay, and number of nursing diagnoses. The sample included 110 patients admitted to a teaching hospital and classified under DRG 210 (hip fracture with surgery).

Abstract

The current treatment of type II noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and obesity involves complex regimens for weight reduction and improvement in metabolic control that necessitate active partici pation by the patient in estab lishing treatment goals and strategies. However, well-documented rates of nonad herence suggest that weaknesses may exist in patient-provider communications that preclude such patient participation. This study examines patient percep tions of diabetes treatment goals as established with their health care providers. Fifty-four individuals with type II NIDDM and obesity were surveyed. To determine the degree of congruence between patient and health care provider, the physi cians of study participants were also surveyed. A 53 % discrepancy rate was found to exist in the area of overall treatment goals. In addition, a 57% and 43 % rate of discrepancy was found for the specific goals of weight loss and blood glucose levels, respectively. Further findings and the implica tions for practice are discussed in this paper.

Abstract

This article discusses the measurement of costs, particularly the cost of public health nursing in the home health setting, and describes typical cost‐accounting procedures. Alternatives are analyzed and four models for measuring costs are presented: per diem, acuity, hourly, and diagnoses. Since each model measures cost in a different way, selection of one over another will affect research results.

Abstract

The use of computerized databases for nursing research and quality assurance is discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of using these databases are identified. Examples of both bibliographic and actual databases are provided. Two examples illustrate the difficulties of using computerized databases.

Abstract

Three different types of diffusion batteries for the measurement of radon progeny particle size distribution were intercompared as part of the International Intercalibration and Intercomparison Programme for Radon, Thoron and Daughters Measuring Equipment (IIIP). The IIIP is a joint project of the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Radiation Protection Research Programme of the Commission of European Communities. The intercomparisons were carried out at both the Australian Radiation Laboratory and the Environmental Measurements Laboratory. Eleven intercomparison tests were completed, covering both low and high concentrations of test aerosol. The test measurements of the three batteries were found to agree through the main part of the size spectrum, 50 to 500 nm. Disagreement was found if the test aerosol had substantial activity on particles larger than 500 nm; this was not surprising in view of the known limitations of diffusion batteries. There was some disagreement also for particles smaller than 20 nm, but we consider measurements in this area to be at the forefront of aerosol research.

Abstract

This paper describes the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of 173 blood donors who were confirmed by Western blot tests to have antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the etiologic agent for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Seropositive donors were predominately young, unmarried, and male, and major risk factors could be identified for almost all donors. However, more than 20 per cent of the study participants were women, and many participants were not aware that they were at risk of infection. The heterogeneity of the study population, the lack of awareness among many subjects of risk factors and self-exclusion procedures and the high level of distress among many subjects after notification, emphasize the need for intensive, well-designed education and support programs.