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Biomedical subjects

Alison Coull

Publications and source records attributed to Alison Coull.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Class-3c compression bandaging for venous ulcers: comparison of spiral and figure-of-eight techniques.

AIM: This paper reports a study to compare the differences in compression produced on a limb using a spiral and a figure-of-eight bandaging technique. BACKGROUND: Chronic leg ulcers are a major health problem in Western countries. Compression bandaging is the accepted treatment for venous leg ulcers. The spiral and the figure-of-eight techniques are traditional methods of applying compression bandages. But their performance in terms of pressure profiles is unknown. Despite a lack of evidence about technique, class-3c compression bandages are not currently recommended for application in a figure-of-eight as this is thought to produce dangerously high pressure. METHODS: A cross-over experimental design was used with a sample of 26 nurse bandagers. Consistency of performance was tested. Bandage stretch and overlap were measured and analysed by standard deviation to ensure that the techniques were consistent and repeatable. Pressure probes were then applied to the medial, posterior and lateral aspects of the lower limb of a healthy volunteer. The class-3c compression bandage was applied using both techniques and the pressure profiles around the leg were measured under the bandage. The results of each technique were compared using independent sample t-tests. The data were collected in 1999. RESULTS: The figure-of-eight technique provided statistically significantly higher compression at lower areas of the leg than the spiral technique. Mean pressure difference was 20.3 mmHg at the ankle, 22.2 mmHg at the gaiter, 9.4 mmHg at the calf. The pressure differences decrease towards the knee with both techniques and decrease more steeply with the figure-of-eight technique. CONCLUSION: The spiral technique was a safe and comfortable method of bandage application. The figure-of-eight also provided graduated compression but with some high areas of pressure, notably overlying the Achilles tendon. However, before firm practice recommendations are made, replication of the study using a padding layer and a larger sample is needed.

Bandages↗
PubMed2006

Analysis of the impact of a national initiative to promote evidence-based nursing practice.

Best Practice Statements (BPS) are designed to facilitate evidence-based practice. This descriptive, exploratory study evaluated the impact of five of these statements in Scotland. A postal survey of 1,278 registered nurses was undertaken to determine use of these statements and their perceived benefits (response rate: 42%). Use of the BPS differed across clinical sites and some statements were more likely to be used than others. Identified barriers and drivers to their use were similar to factors known to encourage or hinder evidence-based practice generally. Although approximately 25% of clinical respondents reported using the BPS, most respondents reported perceived benefits to patients usually through quality improvement. Results highlight the importance of facilitation and supportive contexts in encouraging clinical use of these statements. Findings suggest that variation in clinical implementation of the BPS need to be addressed locally and nationally if their benefits are to be maximized.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2005

Nursing best practice statements: an exploration of their implementation in clinical practice.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore implementation of the first five Best Practice Statements from the perspective of nurses involved in their development. BACKGROUND: Best Practice Statements were introduced in Scotland to encourage consistent evidence-based nursing practice. As a new initiative, research was required to investigate their clinical implementation. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this descriptive study, semi-structured interviews of a purposive sample of nurses (n = 15) were undertaken. Content analysis was used to identify themes emerging from the interview data. FINDINGS: Four main themes emerged from analysis of transcripts: variations in use of the Best Practice Statements; benefits to patients; benefits to practitioners; and, barriers and drivers to use. Amongst participants, personal users adopted the statements in their own practice but enablers also actively encouraged others to use the statements. Whether participants acted as enablers depended on individual, team and organizational factors. The ability of participants to act as leaders was influential in determining their ability both to facilitate local implementation and to encourage others to regard the Best Practice Statements as a priority for implementation. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study highlighted examples of patients and practitioners benefiting from the Best Practice Statements. Such findings suggest these statements could become a useful tool in promoting evidence-based nursing practice. However, implementation of the Best Practice Statements varied between participants and their organizations. Nurses who were most effective in promoting local implementation of the Best Practice Statements adopted facilitator and leadership roles within their organizations. RELEVANCE TO PRACTICE: By relating research findings to the literature on guideline and research utilization, this study gives further insight into the implementation of evidence-based practice by nurses. In particular, it supports the conclusion that to be truly effective, initiatives to promote evidence-based practice require nurses to act as local facilitators and leaders.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗