Purpose: To examine the differences in patient satisfaction with care provided by nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and physicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system. Data source: Secondary data was obtained from the VHA’s Survey of Healthcare Experience of Patients (SHEP), a monthly survey designed to measure patient satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were calculated and categorical variables were summarized with frequency counts. Conclusions: Of the 2,164,559 surveys mailed to the veterans, 1,601,828 (response rate 64%) were returned. The study found that satisfaction scores increased by 5% when the number …

Purpose: To describe the association between body mass index (BMI) and frequency of regular mammography over an approximate 6-year period after controlling for the influence of demographic factors, behavioral factors, and medical history. This association was examined overall and by race/ethnicity in a multiethnic cohort of women including African American, Japanese American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and non-Hispanic White women. Data source: Analysis of 81,722 women from the Hawaii and Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) using unconditional logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the …

Purpose: Practice-based Research Networks (PBRNs) have emerged as key laboratories for generating new knowledge that reflects community-based practice; however, the representativeness of nurse practitioners (NPs) interested in PBRN participation is not known. This study describes characteristics of NP members interested in participating in a regional PBRN in comparison with state and national data. Data sources: All 1016 NPs in northeast (NE) Ohio were surveyed by mail and Internet. The survey captured NP demographics, practice characteristics, and gauged interest in participating in future PBRN studies. Survey respondent’s data were compared with …

Purpose: In Australia, nurse practitioner (NP) services are a relatively new development with little being known about the prescribing practices of Australian NPs. The aim of this study was to conduct the first national study of Australian NP prescribing practices. Data sources: Focus groups were conducted to inform construction of an electronic survey that was available for all NPs and NP candidates across Australia to complete. Conclusions: Seventy-two percent of authorized NPs and 39% of NP candidates reported that their practice involved prescribing pharmaceutical agents. Of those respondents who did …

Purpose: To provide both potential and active preceptors with practical information that will help with the decision to become a preceptor, and to develop the preceptor partnership among the preceptor, the faculty, the student, and the patient. The article suggests ways to apply realistic techniques to assure that the preceptorship is successful in today’s fast-paced practice climate. The article also presents successful evaluation strategies for the experience. Data sources: Evidence-based reports, anecdotal experiences, personal conversations, and reports of proven preceptorship techniques. Conclusions: Through a review of available literature and the …

Purpose: To report a case of arterial thrombosis in a 63-year-old female undergoing treatment with multiagent chemotherapy for breast cancer. An overview of the prevalence and pathogenesis of the disorder, clinical diagnosis, and treatment are discussed. Data sources: Case report, diagnostic evidence, and scientific literature. Conclusions: Arterial thrombosis is an extremely rare complication of multichemotherapy treatment of breast cancer. Although the risk of arterial thromboembolism appears to be low, it can have devastating complications that result in significant morbidities and, sometimes, death. Implications for practice: As the risk of arterial …

Purpose: To evaluate research on the vegetarian diet for its safety, effectiveness in reducing heart disease, special considerations, contraindications, and its association with decreased cardiovascular disease risk. Data sources: Selected research and evidence-based dietary guidelines found by searching CINAHL, PubMed, Ovid databases, and the World Wide Web. Conclusions: A carefully planned vegetarian diet with adequate supplementation may be effective for primary prevention of heart disease. The vegetarian diet is cost effective, safe, and relatively easy to implement. Implications for practice: Improved dietary choices can help improve many chronic conditions. Guidelines …

Purpose: To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of postinfectious gastroparesis (PIGP). Data sources: Review of literature using Medscape, the Internet, and PubMed. The following search terms were used: gastroparesis, postinfectious gastroparesis, postviral gastroparesis, and idiopathic gastroparesis. There was no limitation placed on publication year. Only articles in English were used. Conclusions: PIGP is a rare illness that can affect all ages and both genders, although more prominent in middle-aged women. It is defined as delayed gastric emptying after an acute self-limited viral infection in the absence …

mccarthy b & murphy s (2010) Journal of Nursing Management18, 235[ndash]245Preceptors’ experiences of clinically educating and assessing undergraduate nursing students: an Irish contextAim To explore preceptors’ views and experiences of preceptoring undergraduate nursing students.Background Undertaking a preceptoring role is acknowledged internationally as complex and challenging. With the introduction of the undergraduate degree programme in Ireland (2002), preceptors were assigned a more formal role in the teaching and assessing of students. As this was a new programme for students and an additional responsibility for preceptors, it was important to …