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Biomedical subjects

H J Krouse

Publications and source records attributed to H J Krouse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Efficacy of immunotherapy based on skin end-point titration.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of skin end-point titration (SET) as a method of assessing skin responsiveness, selecting antigens, and initiating treatment for successful inhalant immunotherapy. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind investigation. Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: an experimental group treated for all positive antigens, and a control group treated for all positive antigens, with the exception of the study antigens. Quality of life was assessed with 3 dependent measures, and response to nasal challenge and nasal endoscopic evaluations were conducted. Ten patients completed the 6-month study. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the emotional component of sinus-related disability, in response to nasal challenge, and in the endoscopic appearance of the mucosa, regardless of patient group. There was a trend toward improved quality of life among experimental subjects. CONCLUSIONS: SET-based immunotherapy reduces self-rated disability over time. In addition, SET-based immunotherapy allows decrease in nasal reactivity and normalizes the endoscopic appearance of the nose.

Adult↗

Smokeless tobacco and smoking cessation: a program evaluation.

During the 1998 mid-winter Board of Directors meeting in Tampa, Florida, the leaders of the Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Nurses (SOHN) discussed the vision and mission of SOHN. Part of the vision that emerged was a long-overdue educational program on smoking cessation. SOHN members wanted a self-contained program to use in their clinical practice or in the community that was simple, easy, and comprehensive. In response to this request, a program was developed and presented at the 1999 SOHN Spring Seminar and repeated at the 1999 SOHN Annual Congress. Program participants increased their knowledge on the subject and expressed positive attitudes about utilizing their knowledge as assessed by two novel evaluation tools. This paper discusses the process of tool development and use as well as the detailed responses of the participants. Directions for future training programs and strategies for increasing implementation of smoking cessation programs in otorhinolaryngology (ORL) nursing practice are also discussed.

Head and Neck Neoplasms↗

Patient use of traditional and complementary therapies in treating rhinosinusitis before consulting an otolaryngologist.

OBJECTIVES: It has been estimated that 50 million Americans are bothered with symptoms of allergic disease and sinusitis. Patients treat these symptoms with a variety of traditional and complementary therapies. This study examined the use of these therapies by patients before consulting an otolaryngologist. STUDY DESIGN: This investigation involved a prospective clinical survey. METHODS: The sample consisted of 120 adult patients seen in a community-based otolaryngology practice, who presented with complaints of sinusitis and rhinitis. Patients completed a set of questionnaires at their initial office visit to assess the various traditional and complementary therapies they had used. In addition, they completed a questionnaire evaluating the various symptoms with which they presented to the physician. All data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that patients had been symptomatic for a mean length of 3.5 years before seeking therapy from the otolaryngologist. In addition, 87% of patients had previously seen a primary care provider, and 42% of patients had previously consulted an otolaryngologist. While traditional therapies including medications were commonly used, many patients also attempted a variety of complementary treatments, including dietary management, herbal therapy, exercise, and chiropractic. Patients who had previously seen an otolaryngologist were commonly treated with surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that patients employ both traditional and complementary therapies before seeking the care of an otolaryngologist. In addition, findings suggest that, despite aggressive medical and surgical therapy, many patients continue to remain symptomatic.

Chronic Disease↗

Complementary therapeutic practices in patients with chronic sinusitis.

Understanding patient use of alternative and complementary modalities to treat chronic health conditions is an important component to providing holistic care. This study sought to identify traditional and complementary therapies used by patients with chronic sinusitis. Eighty-one percent of patients with chronic sinusitis engaged in physical exercise to relieve symptoms. Additional complementary therapies utilized included herbal therapy (32%), chiropractic therapy (16%), biofeedback (13%), acupuncture (11%), and chelation therapy (7%). Medications were commonly used by patients (60%), especially those with severe symptoms. By recognizing and incorporating effective complementary therapies into care for chronic sinusitis, nurse practitioners may help patients to improve their clinical outcomes.

Adult↗

Innovations in office-based surgery.

Innovative surgical procedures in the office setting have increased in the practice of otolaryngology. Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), middle ear endoscopy, powered nasal surgery, and endoscopic lipodebridement are frequently performed in the office. This paper focuses on some innovative procedures, the office environment, safety guidelines, and emergency preparations required for successfully implementing office-based surgery.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

Powered functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

The use of powered instrumentation in functional endoscopic sinus surgery has been a revolutionary development in the surgical treatment of chronic sinusitis. Several studies have demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and ease of use of this new technique. To provide support and coordinate the surgical process in powered functional endoscopic sinus surgery procedures, perioperative nurses must have an appreciation for its specific equipment handling and for appropriate patient care. This article describes a specific protocol that perioperative nurses can use to facilitate efficient and safe surgical environments for patients who undergo powered endoscopic sinus surgery procedures.

Chronic Disease↗

Endoscopic sinus surgery in otorhinolaryngology nursing using powered instrumentation.

Powered instrumentation has gained increased popularity in otolaryngology because of its safety and effectiveness in sinus surgery. An understanding of the principles and techniques of powered dissection of the sinuses, setup and handling of instrumentation, and pre- and postoperative care is necessary for otolaryngology nurses in management of patients undergoing these procedures.

Humans↗

Negotiated and nonnegotiated nurse-patient interactions: enhancing perceptions of empowerment.

Ninety-eight students with upper respiratory symptoms participated in a study to determine differences in patient perceptions of two types of nurse-patient interactive styles. Subjects participated in either an actively negotiated process of decision making (n = 53) or a nonnegotiated approach (n = 45) with a nurse. Findings revealed that subjects in the negotiated group perceived significantly greater feelings of control and power in the nurse-patient relationship than did the nonnegotiated group. No significant correlations were found between motivation and patient perceptions of the interaction. Study results demonstrate that nurses can engage in an active negotiation process with patients and strongly influence feelings of control in decision making.

Adolescent↗

Psychological adjustment of women to gynecologic cancers.

Successful physical and psychological adjustment for the woman with gynecologic cancer is an involved and often lengthy process. Nurses can provide comprehensive therapeutic interactions that maximize the woman's own adaptive style and strengths. A recognizable pattern of adaptation is exhibited by the woman, providing the nurse with opportunities to assess, plan, and implement a variety of supportive and therapeutic approaches for individuals, families, or groups of patients. The psychological component in the recovery of women with gynecologic cancers plays an essential role in the total rehabilitative process.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Adaptation to surgery for head and neck cancer.

We examined the postoperative adjustment of 45 patients who underwent surgery for cancers of the head and neck: 23 who had laryngeal cancer, 18 who had oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancers, and 4 who had cancers of other sites. Patients were assessed preoperatively, and at 3 months and 9 to 12 months postsurgery. Interviews and questionnaires were used to assess depression, body image, limitations, pain, financial problems, need for help at home, and social interaction. Results revealed that pain, fatigue, weakness, and loss of speech were major concerns. Pain and financial concerns were worst at 3 months and then improved. Physical limitations increased steadily with time. Depression was a major factor in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. Of note, patients who underwent postoperative radiation therapy had the most difficulty adapting to their illness and treatment, with persistent limitations in function and social isolation. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Activities of Daily Living↗

The nursing research committee.

Establishing a strong commitment to nursing research poses both rewards and challenges for nurse executives. The authors address the purpose and review process of the nursing research committee from the researcher's and reviewer's perspectives. A greater understanding of this process, its implications, and its benefits for nursing executives will further facilitate nursing research in the service setting.

Boston↗

Preliminary validation of a nurse-patient interaction tool.

This paper presents initial data on the development and validation of a Nurse-Patient Interaction Tool. Factor analysis of this 44-item Likert-type scale yielded two major factors, Control vs Powerlessness and Agreement with Plan. These factors showed adequate reliability and utility in assessing responses of patients to varying styles of nurse-patient interchanges in a simulated health-care setting. Further validation is necessary to explore its usefulness with various patient populations.

Attitude to Health↗

Enhancing self care through active negotiation.

The concept of self care, increasingly popular over the last decade, is based on a return of individual power and control. The use of an active negotiation process can increase the client's participation and sense of control, thus enhancing self care. A three-phase active negotiation model is presented that suggests specific behaviors that nurse practitioners can use to facilitate client involvement in decisions about their care.

Humans↗