Research Programs
The focus of the research program conducted through the Nursing Research Centre focuses on the delivery of safe, high quality evidence-based clinical care in the acute settings. Case study methodology using mixed methods are used to investigate clinical practice within complex clinical environments.
Living with an artificial heart: Experiences of patients and carers
Early detection and management of ischaemia-reperfusion injury following lung transplantation
The effectiveness of symptom management practices for patients with cancer.
Medication safety in the acute care environment in the context of single checking policy.
Patients' communication of pain in acute care contexts
Barriers and facilitators to patient participation following cardiac surgery.
Living with an artificial heart: Experiences of patients and carers
(contact Judy.Currey@deakin.edu.au )
The introduction of artificial hearts in the palliation of patients with end-stage heart failure improves quality of life due to superior symptom control and out-of-hospital management, and may preserve life beyond previous expectations. This advanced technology is being applied more and more frequently, however it imposes a heavy burden on patients and carers, including medical risks and complications, fears and uncertainties, and stresses on crucial relationships. This project aims to develop a systematic understanding of the practical, physical, and psychosocial experiences of patients and carers in order to identify strategies that health professionals might employ to improve outcomes.
Early detection and management of ischaemia-reperfusion injury following lung transplantation
(contact Judy.Currey@deakin.edu.au )
Following lung transplantation, patients are at risk of developing a syndrome that involves severe lung damage and breathing difficulties within the first 72 hours. The syndrome is associated with prolonged periods of mechanical ventilation; prolonged intensive care (ICU) lengths of stay; and increased mortality. Although little is known about how to prevent such severe lung injury, early detection and management can reduce the adverse effects of the syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of implementing findings that have emerged from recent research for the early detection and management of the syndrome following lung transplantation on associated adverse outcomes.
Implementing a core dataset for the systematic reporting of medication incidents by critical care nurses
(contact Judy.Currey@deakin.edu.au )
In this project, nurse interventions related to medication incidents using a standardised reporting system (core dataset) will be described in order to improve medication safety. The overall aim of this project is to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of the core dataset in capturing nurse interventions. Specific objectives include the following:
1. To compare the number, types and risk of the nurse
interventions reported pre- and post-implementation of the core dataset reporting project.
2. To explore potential relationships between nurses' experience
and the frequency and risk rating of nurse interventions.
Evaluating the quality of 24-hour acute care delivery: Describing functional outcomes of older people using a model of best practice
(contact Lenore.beddoes@deakin.edu.au)
The purpose of this research program is to develop a model to evaluate and enhance the 24 hour management of the independent functioning of older patients admitted for acute general medical care. Specifically, the findings will provide understanding of current 24 hour management of functional status of acutely ill older patients according to best practice.
Aims
The aims of this study are to: 1) develop an ecologically valid framework of quality indicators that represents best geriatric practice within the Victorian health system; 2) test the capacity of this quality indicator framework to evaluate current 24-hour management of functional status management in general medical patients aged 65+; and to 3) implement this framework to evaluate current 24-hour management of functional status is this patient group.
Research Methods
A literature search identified current best geriatric practice recommendations for the prevention of functional decline in older hospitalised patients. Best geriatric practice recommendations were operationalised as quality indicators in a preliminary framework to evaluate care across the 24 hour acute care continuum. A single case study (one institution) design, using a multi-method approach (interviews, observation, chart review and focus groups) will be used to test the preliminary quality indicator framework and to evaluate current functional status management of older people in acute care. Additionally, barriers and facilitators of independent functioning of older hospitalised patients will be identified. Measurement of these quality indicators will enable continuous practice improvement to promote independent functioning of older adults in acute care
The effectiveness of symptom management practices for patients with cancer
| Contact: emma.cohen@deakin.edu.au
Background
|
