Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.)最新文献

A survey to explore which neurological stroke assessment scales were being used by nurses at all nine regional stroke centres (RSCs) in Ontario, and education strategies for implementation of the new scales was conducted in 2004. Findings revealed that nurses are moving away from reliance on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) towards use of more standardized stroke severity scales to facilitate assessment, documentation, and care planning with acute stroke survivors. Scales used include the Canadian Neurological Scale and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Consistency in use between nurses was identified as an implementation challenge that was best addressed through integration of the scale into the process of care and documentation and bedside education.

In this paper, we provide generic guidelines for writing proposals for research funds. These guidelines apply to quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research proposals. A proposal for research funding provides an overview of the planned research and is required by funding agencies. The proposal is submitted for evaluation and ranking by a review committee according to the criteria put forth by that particular agency. It may be necessary to submit proposals to more than one agency to acquire sufficient operating and infrastructure funding for a research project.

In this issue, we profile the role of nurses, who are the helping hands, listeners and educators who teach the world about epilepsy. They work on the front line of epilepsy health care. The following articles describe their roles, experiences and invaluable contribution to patients with epilepsy and their families.

Craniopharyngiomas account for approximately nine per cent of pediatric brain tumours and one to two per cent of adult brain tumours. Though considered benign, the compressive nature of these relentless tumours can produce catastrophic sequelae. This case study pays tribute to a 33-year-old woman who faced numerous surgeries, adjuvant therapy, and many of the complications associated with a craniopharyngioma. The interdisciplinary neuroscience team, along with colleagues from neuroradiology, ophthalmology, and endocrinology, joined together to care for Kerry and her family to meet their complex health and psychosocial needs. However, it was Kerry who taught us about perseverance, strength, and the power of an unconquerable human spirit.

The aim of this article is to review neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) literature and existing stroke NDT nursing research, as well as explore issues related to professional collaboration in stroke rehabilitation and implications for neuroscience nursing practice. NDT or the Bobath approach is used to encourage stroke patients to use the affected side of their body in order to promote and relearn normal movement and to reduce muscle spasticity. Neuroscience nurses have an important role in facilitating stroke patients to practise transferring out of bed and performing activities of daily living outside of physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions. Neuroscience nurses also care for stroke patients over a 24-hour perio. Therefore, it is important that nurses understand physiotherapy and occupational therapy strategies in stroke rehabilitation.

The rat that wishes to reach the goal of his learning and attain the reward, his very own mountain of cheese, must be able to navigate through the maze (Figure One). So the nurse, to reach the goal of understanding why the outward manifestations of shock occur must learn to navigate through the physiological maze of the body. After considering some general information on shock, we will embark on a tour through the maze created by the shock syndrome.

Patients admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage are monitored for symptoms of vasospasm. A prospective study was designed to compare two monitoring instruments: a standard neurological tool (SNR) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The two assessment tools were compared to evaluate their concordance and to identify areas where efficiency in recording assessments might be improved. We found no statistical difference between the two tools in detecting symptomatic cerebral vasospasm. Substantial discrepancies in the documentation of observations were noted, particularly in the assessment of limb drift. Avoidance of these discrepancies may require further definition in the SNR tool. A qualitative component consisting of a review of the nurses' notes regarding neurological status in the patients' charts was conducted. It was demonstrated that nurses commonly document information in the progress notes that is already captured in the SNR. Further education of nurses in the use of assessment tools is therefore recommended to avoid redundancies and increase efficiency in recording clinical observations.

A biography and record of the times and achievements of Jessie Ferne Young, founder of the Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses.

Much work has been done in the past 10 years to research and document best practices in stroke care along the continuum of care. The challenge now for stroke care practitioners is to turn those best practices into reality in a clinical setting. In spite of a general understanding and acceptance of the benefits to the patient, an organization's culture and limited access to resources can frustrate our best efforts to introduce best practices at the bedside. Trillium Health Centre, a community hospital serving a diverse community of more than one million people, has turned best practice stroke care guidelines into reality by developing a 14-bed comprehensive stroke unit. This innovative approach to care uses specialized stroke teams, an interdisciplinary approach to care, and a single unit where the patient remains in the same bed throughout the acute and rehabilitation stages of care. Commitment to the new delivery model by formal leaders, informal leaders, and front-line staff and a supportive organizational structure contributed to an expedited and successful implementation. All changes were implemented without an increase in the overall resources assigned to the unit. Early results show that the average length of stay is shorter than the national standard and that provider and patient satisfaction have improved.