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Author |
Richardson, S. |
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Title |
Coping with outbreaks of the norovirus |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year  |
2005 |
Publication |
Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
11 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
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Keywords |
Infection control; Risk management; Occupational health and safety; Hospitals |
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Abstract |
The author presents an overview of the impact and management of novovirus infections in New Zealand. The impact of this highly contagious virus on hospital settings is serious. With staff shortages already a problem, any outbreak of contagious disease has the potential to result in unsafe staffing, either through low numbers or poor skill mix. A report from New Zealand Environmental Science and Research (ESR) showed 35 reported norovirus outbreaks in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2004, resulting in 890 cases of the disease. Norovirus outbreaks are characterised by a rapid spread of infection, high uptake rate, and a high proportion of cases presenting with projectile vomiting. The author provides a definition of the novovirus, and looks at transmission, the management of hospital outbreaks, and the impact on emergency departments and hospital wards. Procedures include in-patient isolation. She notes there are no simple answers or “quick fixes” to the problem of norovirus outbreaks. While ongoing surveillance, recognition and isolation are key elements, there are wider structural and political implications that need to be acknowledged. These issues include overcrowding and staff shortages. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
981 |
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Author |
Fitzwater, A. |
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Title |
The impact of tourism on rural nursing practice |
Type |
Book Chapter |
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Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Jean Ross (Ed.), Rural nursing: Aspects of practice (pp. 137-43) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ministry of Health publications page |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Rural nursing; Tourism; Advanced nursing practice; Occupational health and safety |
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Abstract |
This chapter reviews some effects of the growth of tourism, including adventure tourism and the numbers of tourists over 50, on rural nursing practice. Tourism contributes to socio-cultural change within a community, and health resources that previously met the needs of the local community may not meet the expectations of growing numbers of tourists. The transient visitor includes both the tourist and the seasonal worker, and has become a feature of rural nursing. Major effects on rural nurses include the increased volume of work, the advanced scope of practice required to meet more complex needs of visitors, and challenges to personal and professional safety. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ 773 |
Serial |
757 |
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Author |
Börner, Heidi.E |
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Title |
Evaluating safe patient handling systems: Is there a better way? |
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Year |
2008 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
ResearchArchive@Victoria |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Patient safety; Evaluation research; Occupational health and safety |
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Abstract |
This observational study analyses the responses of 38 nurses from two similar units that use different patient handling systems to test the reliability and validity of the Safe Patient Handling Survey (TM) SPH Survey(TM), a perception survey and improvement tool for employees and employers. Currently there is a lack of tools for evaluating patient handling systems. The survey contains 55 questions divided into 6 clusters, staff and patient injury and violence questions, and picture questions depicting unsafe techniques. The data were analysed to see how the SPH Survey(TM) scores correlate with incidents, and its ability to detect differences between the two units. The results of the Pearson and Cronbach(TM) alpha tests show strong reliability, validity and consistency of the SPH Survey(TM). ANOVA comparison of means and Spearman(TM) rho tests shows that higher (better) scores on the SPH Survey(TM) clusters correlate with lower numbers of patient injuries, lower reports of verbal and physical violence episodes, and lower staff injuries. Differences were detected between the units with Unit 2 scoring higher than Unit 1 in all SPH Survey(TM) clusters and scoring lower in staff and patient injuries and violence incidents. Although the analysis was limited by the small sample size, the study has created a sound basis for further investigation. The SPH Survey(TM) is shown to be an easy way to reliably evaluate patient handling systems and workplace culture, target improvement initiatives, and continually monitor the level of patient handling risk in the workplace. Low-risk patient handling gives health care providers the means to focus on delivering high quality patient care, without endangering their own health and well-being. |
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Call Number |
NRSNZNO @ research @ |
Serial |
1224 |
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