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Research process. The authors also learned valuable lessons about the research process. Subjects. Do not overestimate the number of available subjects. Develop a method of identifying potential subjects that is not based solely on referrals from staff nurses. Resolve details in advance, and perform a pilot test to see if the plans are realistic and attainable. Data c~dlection.Methods of data collection need to be consistent to permit accurate data analysis. Develop data collection protocols and procedures and data collector training materials and guidelines to ensure inter-rater reliability. Select and train data collectors carefully, and use only these individuals to collect data. Pilot test the data collection method to determine if it works in a real-life setting. Experimmfa1 treatment. Maintaining consistency in the research protocol is essential. All individuals who perform the experimental treatment must be completely familiar with the procedures and be consistent each time they perform the treatments. Prestudy training sessions are necessary for all personnel involved in the experimental treatment. Perioperative nursing implications. This article is useful to perioperative nurses who want to initiate research programs in their clinical settings.It is imperative that our practice be empirically defined so we can identify perioperative nursing activities and their impact on patient outcomes. Our research must be conducted effectively and appropriately. Unrewarding first attempts at conducting research may discourage perioperative nurses from conducting further research and waste interest, time, and energy. Essenlial details to remember
when deciding to establish a nursing research team include having an identified problem or need, obtaining institutional support, obtaining a broad-based team composed of individuals who are educated and knowledgeable about the research process, outlining the project clearly (eg, specific time frames for completion), setting attainable goals, appointing a permanent record keeper, using valid and reliable research tools, and performing a pilot study.
of therapy effectiveness enhance the value of the information. Implementation factors, such as additive incompatibility and compatibility with other medications at the IV tubing Y-site, also are indicated. One of the most useful aspects of this card system is the space allowed for the student to document why this medication was prescribed for the patient. It allows the nurse to jot down his or her thoughts and truly examine the use of medications in total patient care. The authors have published this information in book form, which would be much more convenient for the nursing unit. The cards also are NANCY GIRARD available in a ring version to keep RN, PHD, CS them together in a more portable NURSINGRESEARCH COMMITTEE form. Blank cards are provided for adding information on medications not reviewed in the box, with headings (eg, indications, actions, interactions) noted on the cards. NURSE'S MED DECK,fourthed The Nurse's Med Deck is availBy Judith Hopfer Deglin, able from F. A. Davis Co, 1915 April Hazard Vallerand 1995,417~~ Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA $28.95cards 19103.
n
emember when you were in nursing school, struggling to obtain information on medications being given to your assigned patients'? This reference is the answer to a nursing student's prayer to find all the pertinent information about commonly prescribed medications. The Nurse's Med Deck is contained in a sturdy cardboard container, much like a recipe file box. Each card is numbered at the top left comer for ease of selection. In addition to the usual information provided on medication cards, the authors have included potential nursing diagnoses associated with the medication administration. Drug and food interactions are plainly stated, and the patient/family teaching section and evaluation 590 AORN JOURNAL
CAROLINE K. GARRETT RN, CNOR SURGICAL ADMITTING, SURGICAL SERVICES DEKALB MEDICAL CENTER DECATUR, GA
ESSENTIALS OF LAPAROSCOPY Edited by Nathaniel J . Soper et a1 1994,285 p p $40 paperback aparoscopy, as defined by this text, is the examination of the abdominal cavity by means of an endoscope. This book is directed toward the inexperienced surgeon, is small enough to fit in a laboratory coat pocket, and is a powerhouse of information. The book provides a brief overview and step-by-step instructions on laparoscopic procedures.
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It is user-friendly and easy to read. erative team members in delivering entertaining list of nonstandard word uses and colloquialisms. 1 intelligent, competent patient care. The book begins with patient would hope that business execuThis book is available from selection and contraindications tives would not need to be informed Quality Medical Publishing, Inc, and suggests OR setups, positionthat “nowhere” is a good substitute 11970 Borman Dr, Suite 222, St ing, review of equipment, and for “nowheres.” techniques specific to laparoscopic Louis, MO 63146. The reference section lists JAMES H. LAUBERT procedures. Also included is inforRN, CNOR acronyms and abbreviations used in mation on the care of pregnant and health care. Again, the list was too DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES pediatric surgical patients, postopENT HEALTH SERVICES, INC brief to be complete for the reader. erative considerations, and trouNORTH OLMSTED, OHIO For example, the acronym TAH was bleshooting equipment problems. defined for the reader, but the word The appendices contain inforTVH was not. I always have wonTHE ASPEN GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE mation on patient teaching, HEALTH CARE CORRESPONDENCE dered what the term ICD-9-CM informed consents, and guidelines stood for, and now I know. By the Aspen Reference Group for peritoneoscopic privileges for My overall conclusion about this 1993,420 p p surgeons. There is a helpful list of book is that it has tried to approach $65 hardcover laparoscopic instrumentation and too broad a topic with too little text. product comparisons of 16 differMore in-depth organization would his book attempts to give a ent laparoscopic instruments. In help with the sample letters’ presenmuch needed reference for addition, 38 laparoscopic instrutation, but it probably would require health care executives lacking ment manufacturers are listed with complete addresses, phone and fax backgrounds in patient care. Unfor- at least 100 extra pages to complete the other reference sections. tunately, it falls short of filling this numbers, and special instruments This book is available from need. A significant detriment to the produced. usefulness of this book is its organi- Aspen Publishers, Inc, 7201 This gtiide offers perioperative zation and the table of contents. The McKinney Circle, Frederick, MD nurses a detailed review of laparo21701-9782. scopic basics. For RN first assischapters are listed in such broad SHARON R. H. HODGES categories that use of the book tants, the information contained in RN, C, BS, CNOR probably would require developing this book can strengthen their EDUCATOR~TAFF NURSE your own referencing or subcategoknowledge and skills to better PIEDMONTHOSPITAL assist the surgeon. This book ry notations. For example, the chapATLANTA ter on general business letters is should be used as a working reference for laparoscopic service mem- more than 150 pages long and conHEALTH POLICY AND NURSING: bers because it gives detailed, logi- tains 115 sample letters and topics CRISIS AND REFORM IN THE US cal descriptions of techniques, ranging from contracts and cusHEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM tomer relations to letters of recomwhich allow team members a betEdited by Charlene Hurrington, ter understanding of their responsi- mendation and special events. Carroll L. Estes While the common theme is busibilities in surgery. 1994,535 p p ness, it is virtually impossible to This book contains more than $37.50 paperback quickly find a specific topic letter. 250 line drawings and adequate The book offers hundreds of illustrationsof some of the equiphis is a textbook of edited good examples of letters for health ment used in laparoscopic procearticles that describe and dures. With the recent advances in care executives and includes tips on examine research reports and video and hard-copy documentation, basic letter writing. This section is studies concerning health care it is unfortunate that the authors did so brief, however, that the reader information. The book is designed could probably ignore it. If a wellnot use real case pictures. as a basic text on health care poliwritten letter can be produced by Laparoscopy is a dynamic, cy for graduate-level nurses and observing the few guidelines preevolving surgical subspecialty that sented, the Gregg Reference Manu- features an extensive history comis experiencing frequent advances in technology. This text helps teach al could be replaced overnight. This ponent. It is divided into four parts covering economics, structure, the fundamentals and guide periopsection, however, does include an 591 AORN JOURNAL