Nurse-led care to reduce cardiovascular disease risk
An Australian study is aiming to develop a nurse-led evidence-based model of care to reduce the heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease currently experienced by breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer treatment increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, Australia’s biggest killer, yet researchers say no formal clinical pathway exists to prevent, monitor and manage the larger […]
Homebirths as safe as hospital births
Homebirths in a well-integrated midwife setting are as safe as hospital births for low-risk pregnant women, a large international study shows. Canadian researchers found low-risk pregnant women who intended to give birth at home had no increased risk of perinatal or neonatal death than those who gave birth at hospital. “More women in well-resourced countries […]
Be kind to yourself
Having aspirations help lead a meaningful life but can cause distress when hopes are left unfulfilled, research shows. An Edith Cowan University (ECU) study found that it’s not failing to make progress toward our ‘ideal-self’, but rather the tendency to focus on lack of progress in a negative way that leads to psychological distress. It’s […]
A simple snack best on night shift
A simple snack such as a muesli bar is the best choice for maximising alertness and productivity while working a night shift, according to new research from University of South Australia. The study set out to investigate whether altering food intake during a night shift could optimise how shift workers feel during the night and […]
Study to explore nurses’ heavy drinking culture
Researchers from La Trobe University’s Centre for Alcohol and Policy Research (CAPR) will investigate the heavy alcohol consumption culture among nurses and lawyers in Victoria in a bid to help curb problem drinking. The project, made possible by a $237,000 Australian Research Council Linkage Grant, is hopeful of triggering new campaigns to reduce harmful drinking […]
Older nurses and midwives: perspectives on workplace roles and experiences
This study seeks to gain a greater understanding of the role and experience of being an older nurse and midwife in Australian workplaces. Australia’s older nurses and midwives are the fastest growing sector of the labour force. Anti-ageing employment legislation and changes to the aged pension qualifying age mean people are choosing or being required […]
Reducing low value and unnecessary care
A national scale-up of an initiative to reduce low value care and reduce unnecessary treatment was the focus of a nationwide meeting recently. The Choosing Wisely Australia national meeting was held in Melbourne in late May and showcased innovative projects both national and international. A nurse discontinuation protocol of telemetry implemented at Johns Hopkins Hospital, […]
Nurse-to-patient ratios have saved lives in Qld
A world-first evaluation of Queensland’s legislated nurse-to-patient ratios has confirmed they have resulted in a significant reduction in avoidable deaths, hospital re-admissions and reduced bed days. The findings were presented at the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) Annual Conference in Brisbane last Friday. The extensive international research was undertaken by Qld Health, the Queensland […]
Report: People with mental illness die up to 20 years earlier
People with mental illness experience a range of health disparities and face a gap in life expectancy of about 20 years in a plight classed as a “human rights scandal”, according to a new ground-breaking study. Led by Australian researchers, the report found a broad range of mental illnesses are connected to health problems including […]
Reducing low value and unnecessary care
A national scale-up of an initiative to reduce low value care and reduce unnecessary treatment was the focus of a nationwide meeting recently. The Choosing Wisely Australia national meeting was held in Melbourne in late May and showcased innovative projects both national and international. A nurse discontinuation protocol of telemetry implemented at Johns Hopkins Hospital, […]