(Press-News.org) A new study has found that Spanish nurses trained specifically to resolve acute health problems of low complexity provide care of comparable quality to that of general practitioners. Published early online in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, the findings suggest that nurses may be able to take on some of the care generally provided by physicians.
Mireia Fàbregas, MD, of the Institut Català de la Salut, in Barcelona, Spain, and her colleagues randomized 1461 adult patients who requested same day appointments to see either nurses trained to respond to problems with low complexity or to see general practitioners. The study was conducted in 38 general practices in Catalonia, Spain, and 142 general practitioners and 155 nurses participated. The investigators measured how well patients' symptoms resolved and how satisfied patients were two weeks after the visit.
The investigators found that nurses successfully solved 86.3% of the cases. The health problem that nurses solved with greatest ease was burns, followed by injuries and acute diarrhea. Nurses were less successful at resolving low back pain, acute mild upper respiratory symptoms, and urinary discomfort. "This lower resolution could be explained by the fact that these problems require more complex physical examinations that are not usual in a nurse's daily work," said Dr. Fàbregas. Patients who saw nurses were equally satisfied with their visit as those who saw doctors. When patients were asked about their preferences regarding which professional they would like to visit if a similar health problem arose again, more than 40% of patients in each group expressed indifference.
"This study could help to reduce resistance to change in both physicians and nurses, as well as in the general population, generating confidence in the care provided by nurses," said Dr. Fàbregas. She and her co-authors noted that having nurses solve acute diseases of low complexity could help improve overall health care efficiency.
###
URL Upon publication: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/jan.12120
Nurses provide care comparable to that of doctors for resolving health problems of low complexity
2013-03-21
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Obesity alone may not affect knee replacement outcome or increase overall complication risk
2013-03-21
CHICAGO -- Obesity alone may not diminish outcomes or increase the risk of complications in total knee replacement (TKR) patients, according to two research studies presented today at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). However, TKR replacement patients may face significantly longer hospital stays and related costs.
Total knee replacement in obese patients previously has been associated with increased post-operative complications and lower clinical function scores in multiple research studies.
In the study, "The Effect of ...
Knee implants designed specifically for female patients may not improve outcomes
2013-03-21
CHICAGO – Anatomic differences between male and female knees have resulted in the creation and regular use of gender-specific implants. However, a new study presented today at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) finds that a specialized prosthesis may not improve overall outcomes in female total knee replacement (TKR) patients.
Female implants are narrower, with an atypical angle and a thinner anterior flange (front rim), reflecting the unique characteristics of the female knee. These knee components are used frequently in TKR ...
98 percent of total knee replacement patients return to life, work following surgery
2013-03-21
CHICAGO — Ninety-eight percent of total knee replacement (TKR) patients who were working before surgery returned to work after surgery, and of those patients, 89 percent returned to their previous position, according to new research presented today at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Another related study highlights the life-restoring outcomes of total hip replacement (THR).
Total knee replacement, or arthroplasty, among the most widely performed procedures in the world, is known to successfully relieve pain and restore ...
Moffitt Cancer Center researchers study use of dasatinib for patients with high-risk MDS
2013-03-21
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have completed a phase II clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of dasatinib for patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or acute myeloid leukemia resulting from MDS and have failed treatment with azanucleosides. The therapy may not be effective for all patients, but those with trisomy 8 chromosomal disorder have higher rates of stable disease and respond better to treatment with dasatinib, the study shows.
Results of this study appear in the March issue of Leukemia ...
Docking technique to repair torn elbow ligament yields favorable results in teen baseball players
2013-03-21
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) found that a surgical procedure known as the "docking technique" to repair a torn elbow ligament in teenage athletes yielded favorable results. The outcomes were better than those in previously published reports on reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), also known as Tommy John surgery, in this age group and may be attributed to technique-specific factors, according to the study authors.
The paper, titled, "The Docking Technique for Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Insufficiency: Two-Year Follow Up in Adolescent ...
Genes may be reason some kids are picky about food
2013-03-21
Parents may plead, cajole or entice their children to try new foods, but some kids just won't budge. Now, new research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that the reason these kids fear new foods has less to do with what's on their plate and more to do with their genes.
The work, led by Myles Faith, an associate professor of nutrition at UNC's Gillings School of Global Public Health, adds to the growing body of knowledge that genes play a significant role in children's eating behavior, including the tendency to avoid new foods.
"In some respects, ...
Readjusting parenting plans: When a custodial parent wants to move
2013-03-21
Readjusting parenting plans: When a custodial parent wants to move
Article provided by CLEMENT LAW CENTER
Visit us at http://www.clementlawcenter.com
Sometimes life throws curveballs, and you may need to adjust accordingly. When children are in the mix, life changes can be a little more difficult. If you are a custodial parent in Washington and follow a parenting plan with the noncustodial mother or father, you must recognize that parent's rights in the event that you and your child need to relocate to another place. Before you make any changes, be certain that ...
Parenting plans for California children's needs
2013-03-21
Parenting plans for California children's needs
Article provided by Bohm Matsen, LLP
Visit us at http://www.bfka-law.com
Knowing that children are better off with the love and attention of both parents, divorced California parents still want to be a part of their children's lives. Yet, coming to an agreement on how to achieve both parents' participation in their children's care can be challenging.
Creating a parenting plan
In the California court system, divorcing parents draw up a custody and visitation agreement--popularly called a parenting plan--that specifies ...
Moving time? Explore Florida child custody law for parental relocation
2013-03-21
Moving time? Explore Florida child custody law for parental relocation
Article provided by Abel Tobaygo
Visit us at http://www.sarasotafamilyattorneys.com
After a divorce, there may be many good reasons for a parent to move. A parent may wish to pursue a job opportunity in a new community, relocate to be closer to family or move for any number of other compelling reasons. Yet, if the parent who wishes to relocate has primary custody of a child, the other parent (or another interested party who has visitation rights) may oppose the parental relocation in court.
Is ...
Proposed alimony reform laws could limit Florida spousal support
2013-03-21
Proposed alimony reform laws could limit Florida spousal support
Article provided by Abel Tobaygo
Visit us at http://www.sarasotafamilyattorneys.com
When a couple divorces, the higher-earning partner often has to make payments to the lower-earning partner. These payments -- known as "alimony" or "spousal support" -- help maintain the standard of living established in the marriage. Sometimes, spousal support is only temporary, providing the lower-earning party with the resources necessary to acquire education or job training and become self sufficient. ...