Objective: The objective of this literature review was to examine what has been published about variability in clinical practice from the focus of nursing. Methods: We performed a literature search in the principal international databases, selecting those most relevant works. Results: The results were clustered into five groups: studies about variations with respect to guidelines and protocols;...

In parallel with developments in medicine much has been written in the nursing press, particularly over the past few years, on quality assurance and audit. In nursing early approaches focused on broad, proselytising statements about the nature of nursing, why quality was often not achieved, and the changes required.'1 Later, nursing practice was compared with pre-formulated standards and criter...

This article discusses the role of the ophthalmic nurse in the care of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration who are undergoing intra-vitreal therapy. It provides an overview of the condition, its classification, clinical features, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment, and explains the implications for future nursing practice. A proactive, evidence-based and holistic approach to nurs...

Quality of nursing care across hospitals is variable, and this variation can result in poor patient outcomes. One aspect of quality nursing care is the amount of necessary care that is omitted. This article reports on the extent and type of nursing care missed and the reasons for missed care. The MISSCARE Survey was administered to nursing staff (n = 4086) who provide direct patient care in 10 ...

Whether community nurses are involved in supporting patients and families, providing information, symptom management or administration of treatment, they play an essential role in improving the patient experience and as such, require relevant knowledge and skills. Inevitably, cancer treatments often come with a range of sideeffects, and the nursing care for patients being treated with radiother...

UNLABELLED Theme: Ethical issues - dignity and humanity. INTRODUCTION The child with special health care needs in a rehabilitation center for their vulnerable condition requires a clinical practice centered on ethics and humanization. OBJECTIVES To know the parents' and nurses opinions on humanized care in a paediatric rehabilitation unit and to identify needs and strategies that promote th...

The role of the licensing board is to establish minimum standards for education, licensure and practice and to provide information to practicing nurses. However, the licensing board cannot and should not make decisions for its licensees. The law (Code of Virginia) and Board regulations require the licensee to provide nursing care services within parameters consistent with education, skills, exp...

BACKGROUND Fatigue, stress and pain are common symptoms among cancer patients, affecting the quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of distant Reiki on pain, anxiety and fatigue in oncology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants in the control group received usual medical and nursing care during their stay. The intervention group received usual car...

BACKGROUND Individualized care is a cornerstone of patient-centered nursing care. To foster individualized care, influencing factors should be known. The aim of this study was to identify the individual and organizational factors influencing hospitalized patients' perception of individualized care. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted of 606 patients from 20 wards from five hospitals...