Applied Nursing Research RSS feed: Current Issue. Applied Nursing Research presents original, peer-reviewed research findings clearly and directly for clinical applications in all nursing specialties. Regular features include "Ask the Experts," research briefs, clinical methods, book reviews, news and announcements, and an editorial section. Applied Nursing Research covers such areas as pain management, patient education, discharge planning, nursing diagnosis, job stress in nursing, nursing influence on length of hospital stay, and nurse/physician collaboration. The Journal is listed in PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Journal Citation Reports published by Thomson Reuters.http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Applied Nursing Research0897-1897231February 2010 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189709001128/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S0897-1897(09)00112-8Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2010-02-01Applied Nursing Research2010-02-01231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4IFCIFChttp://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189709001074/abstract?rss=yesWhat constitutes the evidence for evidence-based practice? Do we necessarily rely only on research and/or scientific evidence? Or are there other dimensions or types of evidence that are equally important or necessary for expert practice?Connecting or disconnecting the dots between research and evidence-based practiceJoyce J. Fitzpatrick10.1016/j.apnr.2009.10.001Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2010-02-01Applied Nursing Research2010-02-01231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Editorial11http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189708000074/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Bacterial vaginosis (BV), often asymptomatic, is associated with increased gynecologic, obstetric, and neonatal risks. This pilot study examined the use of a nurse researcher-developed home self-test system comprised of three components—education, self-test kit application, and a scoring method—with a volunteer sample of 33 nonpregnant, childbearing-age women. The women accurately self-tested for BV using the system and sought definitive professional diagnosis and treatment. The next phase of research would be with pregnant women at risk for preterm labor and delivery to determine use of the system in an effort to reduce maternal and fetal complications.Promoting self-care and secondary prevention in women's health: A study to test the accuracy of a home self-test system for bacterial vaginosisEllis Quinn Youngkin, Pamela Brinker Lester10.1016/j.apnr.2008.02.002Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-01-15Applied Nursing Research2009-01-15231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Original Articles210http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189708000098/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: This study examined types of errors that occurred or were recovered in a simulated environment by student nurses. Errors occurred in all four rule-based error categories, and all students committed at least one error. The most frequent errors occurred in the verification category. Another common error was related to physician interactions. The least common errors were related to coordinating information with the patient and family. Our finding that 100% of student subjects committed rule-based errors is cause for concern. To decrease errors and improve safe clinical practice, nurse educators must identify effective strategies that students can use to improve patient surveillance.Error identification and recovery by student nurses using human patient simulation: Opportunity to improve patient safetyElizabeth A. Henneman, Joan P. Roche, Donald L. Fisher, Helene Cunningham, Cheryl A. Reilly, Brian H. Nathanson, Philip L. Henneman10.1016/j.apnr.2008.02.004Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-01-16Applied Nursing Research2009-01-16231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Original Articles1121http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189708000372/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Older adults continue to experience problems with their medications, such as adverse drug events, incorrect use of prescription medications, and nonadherence to drug therapy. Using the qualitative approach of naturalistic inquiry, 27 community-dwelling adults over age 74 were interviewed and encouraged to describe situations or variables that help or hinder in their cardiovascular medication management processes. Helpful strategies included simplification, use of visual and tactile cues, and development of a medication routine. Hindering situations included decreased mental or sensory alertness, getting out of the routine, and not feeling well. Nurses can devise assessment and interventional methodologies from the themes described.Successful cardiovascular medication management processes as perceived by community-dwelling adults over age 74Susan L. Swanlund10.1016/j.apnr.2008.03.005Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-01-16Applied Nursing Research2009-01-16231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Original Articles2229http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189708000360/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: This descriptive study tests the feasibility of using clinical simulation to understand proxy decision making by emergency department nurses for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Results from a conjoint analysis used to identify decision-making patterns indicated that nurses relied on future health status, functional status, and family input while making important health care decisions for their clients. This information enhances our understanding of the complex array of services and supports that nurses are expected to provide. As individuals with ID age and experience increased morbidity, the role of the nurse and caregivers as critical health care decision makers is increasing.Utilizing conjoint analysis to explicate health care decision making by emergency department nurses: a feasibility studyKathleen Fisher, Fredrick Orkin, Christine Frazer10.1016/j.apnr.2008.03.004Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-01-16Applied Nursing Research2009-01-16231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Original Articles3035http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189708000426/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the unique contribution of the nursing intervention pain management on length of stay (LOS) for 568 older patients hospitalized for hip procedures. Propensity-score-adjusted analysis was used to determine the effect of pain management on LOS. The LOS for hospitalizations that received pain management was 0.78 day longer than that for hospitalizations that did not receive pain management. Other variables that were predictors of LOS included several context-of-care variables (e.g., time spent in the intensive care unit, registered nurse skill mix, etc.), number of medical procedures and unique medications, and several other nursing interventions.The unique contribution of the nursing intervention pain management on length of stay in older patients undergoing hip proceduresPeg Kerr, Leah Shever, Marita G. Titler, Rui Qin, Taikyoung Kim, Debra M. Picone10.1016/j.apnr.2008.03.007Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-01-16Applied Nursing Research2009-01-16231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Original Articles3644http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189708000487/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Patient room design should fulfill the safety needs of most patients. This article addresses the safety concerns related to grab bars and handrails (a United States-based review) and describes our proposed innovative approaches to promote safer hospital stays. The fixed augmentation of high–low grab bars and handrails can economically prevent inpatient falls in the areas commonly used by patients (e.g., patient rooms, patients' bathrooms, and hallways). The optimum grab bar and handrail configurations require further research. Revisions to guidelines for health care facilities related to grab bars and handrails should allow a range that respond to age- and disability-specific needs.Adding additional grab bars as a possible strategy for safer hospital staysHuey-Ming Tzeng, Chang-Yi Yin10.1016/j.apnr.2008.05.003Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-01-16Applied Nursing Research2009-01-16231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Original Articles4551http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS089718970800013X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Nursing is concerned with the well-being of the whole person; therefore, understanding the patient's perspective of the impact of a surgical weight loss intervention (SWLI) is essential. The purpose of this study was to examine the self-reported health-related quality of life of individuals after a SWLI. A convenience sample of participants in a post-SWLI support group completed the SF-12v2, a demographic form and a global quality of life measure. Findings indicate that although overall quality of life was rated excellent or very good, self-report of health-related quality on social functioning, vitality, and mental health was less positive. The findings of this pilot study indicate the need for research regarding the understanding of the meaning of psychosocial and physiological well-being to the person who undergoes a SWLI and a need for a more holistic support focus inclusive of psychosocial development strategies. As nurses committed to the wholeness of individuals, it is critical that we recognize the social and emotional needs of this emerging group of patients and implement strategies to enhance individual wholeness and well-being after SWLI.Health-related quality of life following a surgical weight loss interventionDouglas Sutton, Deborah A. Raines10.1016/j.apnr.2008.01.001Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-01-15Applied Nursing Research2009-01-15231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Research Brief5256http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189709000342/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: This study, based on the Expert Performance Approach, examined the clinical nursing performance of participants who were introduced into a simulated task environment requiring them to administer care to a client experiencing an exacerbation of Congestive Heart Failure. This was undertaken to identify cognitive and physiologic variables that differentiate performance levels among participants. Data on participant actions and verbal reports were coded to characterize their relationship with physiologic responses of the Human Patient Simulator. The results demonstrated that physiologic responses to nursing interventions reflect a reliable pattern that can be used to differentiate performance levels.A study of the relationship of nursing interventions and cognitions to the physiologic outcomes of care in a simulated task environmentJames Whyte, Roxanne Pickett-Hauber, Eileen Cormier, Laurie Grubbs, Paul Ward10.1016/j.apnr.2009.02.004Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-07-10Applied Nursing Research2009-07-10231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Online Articlese1e8http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS0897189709000317/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to examine differences in adverse maternal outcomes between pregnant women with asthma and pregnant women without asthma. A total of 7,777 pregnant patients with asthma were abstracted from a national database. The comparison group was 31,108 women, randomly selected from 541,719 pregnant women without asthma. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship of asthma to 12 maternal outcome measures. Odds ratios were used to approximate the association of how much more likely pregnant women with asthma were to have adverse maternal outcomes. Pregnant women with asthma were more likely to have adverse maternal outcomes than did the pregnant women without asthma.Adverse maternal outcomes in women with asthma versus women without asthmaNancy J. MacMullen, Jay J. Shen, Catherine Tymkow10.1016/j.apnr.2009.03.004Applied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2009-07-10Applied Nursing Research2009-07-10231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4Online Articlese9e13http://www.appliednursingresearch.org/article/PIIS089718970900113X/abstract?rss=yesContents10.1016/S0897-1897(09)00113-XApplied Nursing Research 23, 1 (2010)2010-02-01Applied Nursing Research2010-02-01231S0897-1897(09)X0005-4FrontmatterA1A1