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Biomedical subjects

A Robb

Publications and source records attributed to A Robb.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Role of the nurse: introducing theories and concepts.

This article is a descriptive analysis of the work of nurse theorists in relation to the role of the nurse. It is clear from the literature that nursing is difficult to define but it is possible to identify the core values of nursing and the commonalities that run through the profession. The core components identified by an examination of the literature are the development of systems for the delivery of care, coordinating care, teaching, defending the frail and vulnerable, caring for the ill and the well, and providing technical care. This article aims to provide a baseline picture of what nursing is and how it is described in nursing models allowing readers to examine and compare their own values and image of nursing with what the theorists have written.

Health Services Needs and Demand↗

Clarifying outcomes in clinical practice.

The word 'outcome' is very much in vogue within today's healthcare system, yet its meaning varies between different levels of service, occupational groups and care environments. Using practical examples, this article aims to clarify the concept of outcome, and to explore some of the issues surrounding its use.

Humans↗

Direct fast track admission to a coronary care unit.

An audit of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 1992-93 showed that door to needle time had a median delay of 100 min. After discussion, we devised a new 'fast track' procedure. General practitioners (GPs) were given minimum criteria for diagnosing probable AMI and advised how to admit patients directly to the coronary care unit (CCU) after discussion with a senior CCU nurse. The hospital admitted 180 patients with MI between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 1994, 96 of whom received thrombolysis. Of the 11 admitted by the fast track procedure, eight received thrombolysis (median delay, 13.5 min; range, 5-30 min; p < 0.05 when compared with non-fast track patients). Four other patients were fast tracked to the CCU from other medical wards (time to thrombolysis, 6-12 min). In the following year to 30 June 1995 there were 158 admissions with MI, of whom 85 (54%) received thrombolysis. Four patients were admitted by the fast track procedure. Although the fast track procedure shortened the time to thrombolysis, the service was underused. A postal audit of local practices showed that 18% of GPs were still unaware of the service, in spite of newsletters, postgraduate meetings and direct contact. Most GPs (90%) said they would use the service in the future, but 25% stated later that they would not use it. Twenty per cent of non-fast track AMI patients were admitted by deputising doctors.

Adult↗