Welcome to the College of Nurses – News Update.
No. 126, Wednesday 24 October 2012
From NZ media this week
Elderly care tool brought forward
Aged-care providers say they have not been given enough time or money to train nurses in how to use a new clinical assessment tool for the elderly that has been brought forward by a year.
Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/Elderly-care-tool-brought-forward/tabid/423/articleID/273452/Default.aspx#ixzz29xm8ZXKx
Fast track for aged clinical care assessments
Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew has accelerated the timeframe for the roll-out of a comprehensive clinical assessment tool in aged residential care to improve the quality of life and care of residents.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/fast-track-aged-clinical-care-assessments/5/138249
DHB braces for shortage of midwives
Wairarapa could face a shortage of midwives early next year, as the DHB works through the options for cover as a result of several departing.
http://www.times-age.co.nz/news/dhb-braces-for-shortage-of-midwives/1591026/
Health for youth woes described
The Government has been accused of paying lip service to youth mental health issues after a Taranaki youth health centre closed and similar centres in Kapiti and Christchurch also appeared to be under threat.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7841612/Health-for-youth-woes-described
Suicide comments cause expert alarm
Mental health experts are alarmed that hundreds of people have backed an online opinion that says suicide should not be regarded as important as child abuse - because suicide victims choose to die.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10841874
Merger fear as health boards pool resources
Wellington's three health boards will move to share services and management in a radical move described by some as a merger in disguise.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7836029/Merger-fear-as-health-boards-pool-resources
Why many of us are avoiding GPs
Many people are deterred from seeking medical help because of the fees charged by general practitioners, a survey has found.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10841992
DHB contrite after sending private records to Herald
Auckland District Health Board staff have blundered by sending a journalist an envelope filled with personal clinical and other medical information and are now apologising to the two people involved.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10842077
Patient felt duped by virtual checkup
An under-pressure hospital department is using "virtual appointments" to diagnose patients by letter.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7844405/Patient-felt-duped-by-virtual-checkup
Hospital friends help in a crisis
Doctors and nurses attend the clinical needs of patients who visit Taupo Hospital's emergency department, but who supports patients and their families while they wait for treatment?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/taupo-times/news/7786095/Hospital-friends-help-in-a-crisis
Student nurses get a head start
A trial unit at a community aged care facility is helping student nurses learn to look after elderly patients.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/eastern-courier/7821661/Student-nurses-get-a-head-start
Shake-up for capital's health boards
The Wellington region's three health boards will undergo major changes to gradually integrate - including sharing senior management and services
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/7832173/Shake-up-for-capitals-health-boards
Price hike for cigarettes
The cost of cigarettes will rise to more than $20 a pack over the next four years after Parliament passed the Government's Budget Day promise to the tax on tobacco.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7826429/Price-hike-for-cigarettes
Prescription medicines in demand for illegal highs
Selling or forging prescriptions is a "major issue" in Canterbury, with morphine and Ritalin being most in demand on the black market, police say.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/7830622/Prescription-medicines-in-demand-for-illegal-highs
Innovative programme speeds up patient recovery
Health Minister Tony Ryall says faster recovery for patients is just one benefit of a new programme being used by public hospitals across the country.
http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/un-doctored/2012/october-2012/17/innovative-programme-speeds-up-patient-recovery.aspx
Caring about Hand Hygiene Earns MidCentral DHB Top Spot in Video Competition
From bugs and busters, to singing, dancing, and cleverly designed Lego videos; competition was stiff between teams vying to win Hand Hygiene New Zealand’s (HHNZ) national hand hygiene video competition.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1210/S00083/midcentral-dhb-scoop-top-spot-in-video-competition.htm
International media
NMC admits PREP 'not fit for purpose' (registration required)
Revalidation for nurses will not be introduced for at least three years, despite the head of the Nursing and Midwifery Council admitting current arrangements are “not fit for purpose”.
http://www.nursingtimes.net/5050750.article?referrer=e1
The Reviews are in: Nurses Shine in New Documentary
Nurses came out in full force Oct. 11 for the world premiere of a feature-length documentary that highlights both the intellect and compassion of real nurses, and provides keen insight into their hearts and minds as they share their joyful and bittersweet moments meeting the needs of patients, from tiny babies to the remote-living Navajo elderly.
http://www.nursingworld.org/HomepageCategory/NursingInsider/Nurses-Shine-in-New-Documentary.html
Simple interventions can help mental health of ICU patients (registration required)
More than 50% of patients discharged from intensive care go on to suffer adverse psychological problems, according to UK researchers.
http://www.nursingtimes.net/5050776.article?referrer=e3
'Whistleblowing' charter launched
A whistleblowing charter has been signed by health unions, employers and regulators, which pledges to support staff who raise concerns.
http://www.nursingtimes.net/5050632.article?referrer=e1
St. John's works to prevent readmissions, emphasize quality over quantity
http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x470402918/St-Johns-works-to-prevent-readmissions-emphasize-quality-over-quantity
California Hospitals Expanding Their Palliative Care Offerings To Improve Care, Reduce Costs
In a California Healthline Special Report by Kenny Goldberg, experts discussed how palliative care services are becoming more prevalent as California hospitals seek to improve patient care and lower costs.
http://www.californiahealthline.org/special-reports/2012/california-hospitals-expanding-their-palliative-care-offerings-to-improve-care-reduce-costs.aspx
OFWs ask P-Noy to drop higher gov't fees
A migrant workers' sectoral group based in New Zealand on Monday called on President Benigno Aquino III to withdraw the implementation of Administrative Order no. 31, which effectively hikes all government fees.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=862186
Pressure to heal
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a growing field of medicine now widely used in the treatment of chronic wounds. Linda Belardi reports on the world’s most advanced facility
http://www.agedcareinsite.com.au/pages/section/article.php?s=News&idArticle=24575
Nurses welcome training funding
The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) says federal government funding for new aged care teaching centres will assist in the development of urgently needed aged care workers across the country.
http://www.agedcareinsite.com.au/pages/section/article.php?s=Education+%26+Training&idArticle=24580
Nurses take action over inadequate breaks
Nurses are taking Queensland Health to court amid claims they were not compensated for inadequate breaks between shifts.
http://www.ncah.com.au/news-events/nurses-take-action-over-inadequate-breaks/1497/
New nursing and midwifery research network launched
New South Wales is now home to a new nursing and midwifery research initiative.
http://www.ncah.com.au/news-events/new-nursing-and-midwifery-research-network-launched/1495/
Germany looks to China for nursing support
Germany is facing a nursing shortage: 40,000 specialists are urgently needed now, and that figure is expected to jump to 110,000 in the foreseeable future. To make up the shortfall, Germany is looking to China.
http://www.dw.de/germany-looks-to-china-for-nursing-support/a-16310640
Nursing Workloads Multiply Likelihood of Death among Black Patients over White Patients
Older black patients are three times more likely than older white patients to suffer poorer outcomes after surgery, including death, when cared for by nurses with higher workloads, reports research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/sia/Pages/Nursing-Workloads-Multiply-Likelihood-of-Death-among-Black-Patients-over-White-Patients.aspx
Guidance on communicating with dementia patients (Registration required)
Guidance to help friends, relatives and carers overcome the stigma of communicating with people with dementia has been published by Bupa.http://www.nursingtimes.net/5050429.article?referrer=e5
You can find more here: http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/care-homes/understanding-dementia
Public health
Fat-fighting tactics include better labels
Gastric bypass surgery for teenagers may increasingly be needed, health experts warn.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/7846012/Fat-fighting-tactics-include-better-labels
Kiwis losing their war on growing girth
Gastric bypass surgery for teenagers may increasingly be needed as New Zealanders lose the battle of the bulge, health experts warn.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7845436/Kiwis-losing-their-war-on-growing-girth
Depression, stress and anxiety in post-quake Christchurch
Increased alcohol consumption and significantly higher levels of depression, acute stress and anxiety have been linked to residents living in worst affected areas of the quake-hit Christchurch.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10842153
Nurses in History
Audio file – either listen online or download
MAXINE ALTERIO - NURSES AT WAR
Maxine Alterio's historical novel 'Lives We Leave Behind' was inspired by the torpedoing of the British troopship Marquette by a German U-boat on 23 October 1915 - 10 New Zealand nurses were among the casualties. The book focuses on the work and experiences of kiwi nurses who served with the No. 1 Stationary Hospital in Egypt and France during the First World War.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/audio/2536180/maxine-alterio-nurses-at-war
Article of interest
A Perfect Storm: A Window of Opportunity for Revolution in Nurse Practitioner Education [Editorial}
Journal of Nursing Education
October 2012 - Volume 51 · Issue 10: 539-541
http://www.healio.com/nursing/journals/JNE/%7B193C03A4-B3F2-4161-AD4A-FA347927F96A%7D/A-Perfect-Storm-A-Window-of-Opportunity-for-Revolution-in-Nurse-Practitioner-Education
Teaching the Culture of Safety
Although a healthcare culture of safety has been a practice priority for many years, there has been less attention to incorporating culture of safety content into the education of healthcare professionals. Students need to become knowledgeable about system vulnerabilities and understand how knowledge, skills, and attitudes promoting utilization of safety science will lead to safer care for patients and families. Learning about both patient safety and system vulnerabilities needs to begin in pre-licensure programs and become an integral part of learning in all phases of nursing education and practice. In this article the author will begin by reviewing the essential elements of a culture of safety and consideringwhat students need to know about a culture of safety. She will describeactivities that promote safety, high reliability organizations, and external drivers of safety, and conclude by offering strategies for integrating a culture of safety into the curriculum.
http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-16-2011/No3-Sept-2011/Teaching-and-Safety.html
Role of Professional Organizations in Advocating for the Nursing Profession
Professional organizations and associations in nursing are critical for generating the energy, flow of ideas, and proactive work needed to maintain a healthy profession that advocates for the needs of its clients and nurses, and the trust of society. In this article the author discusses the characteristics of a profession, reviews the history of professional nursing organizations, and describes the advocacy activities of professional nursing organizations. Throughout, she explains how the three foundational documents of the nursing profession emphasize nursing advocacy by the professional organizations as outlined in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements. The author concludes by encouraging all nurses to engage in their professional organizations and associations, noting how these organizations contribute to the accountability and voice of the profession to society.
http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-17-2012/No1-Jan-2012/Professional-Organizations-and-Advocating.html
New from the Ministry of Health
Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm 2013/14 to 2015/16: Outcome of Consultation
SummaryOn 10 August 2012, the Ministry of Health released its Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm: Consultation Document. The document comprised a gambling harm needs assessment, the Ministry’s draft service plan for 2013/14 to 2015/16, and draft problem gambling levy rates for the three-year period.During the consultation period, general consultation meetings were held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin; Māori, Pacific, and Asian viewpoints meetings were held in Auckland; and two meetings were held in Wellington for the gambling industry.At the close of the consultation period, on 7 September 2012, the Ministry had received a total of 37 written submissions representing a range of groups and individuals. An external contractor, Allen and Clarke Policy and Regulatory Specialists Limited, analysed the submissions and produced a report (available for download in the box above). This report and the submissions informed the Ministry’s final proposals
http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/preventing-and-minimising-gambling-harm-2013-14-2015-16-outcome-consultation
Online resources
New Zealand Nephrology Nursing Knowledge and Skills Framework
The New Zealand Nephrology Nursing Knowledge and Skills Framework (NZNNKSF) published in this document describes the knowledge and skills required by nurses in order to practice in a specialty nephrology role. It will benefit nephrology patients, nurses and health providers by:
http://www.hiirc.org.nz/page/35787/new-zealand-nephrology-nursing-knowledge/?contentType=251§ion=8959
Improving Patient Safety Systems for Patients With Limited English Proficiency: A Guide For Hospitals.
Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; September 2012. AHRQ Publication No. 12-0041.
Research suggests that adverse events affect patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) more frequently, are often caused by communication problems, and are more likely to result in serious harm compared to those that affect English-speaking patients. This guide focuses on how hospitals can better identify, report, monitor, and prevent medical errors in patients with LEP.Prepared by: The Disparities Solutions Center, Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA and Abt Associates, Cambridge, MA under Contract No. HHSA290200600011I.The authors of this guide are responsible for its content. The opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Statements in the guide should not be construed as endorsement by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Free full text: http://www.ahrq.gov/populations/lepguide/
Conferences and professional development opportunities
AFRICA BUILD 1st International Conference
Call for Abstracts & Posters - Deadline 3 November 2012
The Institute of Tropical Medicine (Antwerp, Belgium), institutional member in the ISfTeH, announces the Call for Abstracts & Posters for AFRICA BUILD 1st International Conference. They invite you to submit your abstracts and participate in the Conference.
AFRICA BUILD ( http://africabuild.eu ) is a Coordination Action aiming to support and develop advanced Centres of Excellence in health care, education and research in the African countries, through Information Technologies.
The first AFRICA BUILD conference will be held in Cairo on December 2nd, 2012, co-located with the Closing Event of the EU-Egypt Year of Science and Innovation 2012, organized by the "Research, Development, and Innovation Program (RDI)". It will provide showcases targeted at attracting and informing decision makers from industry, government, education and research organizations.
The topics of interest for this conference include but are not limited to:
• Biomedical Informatics tools for Health Research in Developing Countries
• e-Learning
• e-Health
• Collaborative platforms for virtual health research
• Mobile Technologies & Applications
• Sustainability of training and biomedical Web applications in developing countries
• For more information of the Call for Abstracts and Posters:
For more information on the Call for Abstracts and Posters, see http://africabuild.eu/files/call.pdf
The above information has been collated for the College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) Inc by Linda Stopforth, SNIPS and is provided on a weekly basis. It is current as at Tuesday 23 October 2012
If you have any feedback about content - what parts are most useful or what you would like added - please email admin@nurse.org.nz
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