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Biomedical subjects

S C Hylka

Publications and source records attributed to S C Hylka.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

The role of advanced practice nurses in surgical services.

Many of the changes in health care delivery systems have had detrimental effects on nurses; however, some of these same changes are providing opportunities for acute care advanced practice nurses. Advanced practice nurses ensure continuity of care, manage use of resources, and coordinate patient services, which often results in cost savings. This article describes how advanced practice nurses in the department of surgery at Memorial Health Care, Worcester, Mass, are caring for surgical patients with acute and chronic conditions.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1991

Implementation of a patient-controlled analgesia program under the direction of the nursing department.

New methods of postoperative pain control offer alternatives to traditional intramuscular injections of narcotic. One such method is patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), in which patients self-administer predetermined, controlled doses of intravenous narcotic "on demand." The PACU is a desirable unit in which to initiate PCA since pain is often acute in the immediate postanesthesia period. Implementing and maintaining a PCA program involves planning and education for patients and hospital staff. PCA is often initiated and controlled by the anesthesia department in large institutions. However, at The Medical Center of Central Massachusetts-Memorial, the program was successfully implemented under the direction of the Nursing Department.

Analgesia, Patient-Controlled↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The quality improvement process: one approach to education.

Quality improvement (QI) is a practice now expected of the healthcare industry. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has incorporated continuous QI into its standards; furthermore, the implementation of QI is a major challenge facing healthcare institutions today. The authors describe the educational approach taken by one institution as it implemented the QI process in a facility that recently merged three acute care hospitals and explain the necessary commitment and structure for a successful QI program. The importance of the educational process cannot be overemphasized.

Education, Continuing↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparative cost analysis of surgical procedures in an ambulatory eye center.

At the Medical Center of Central Massachusetts, a 500-bed acute and ambulatory teaching hospital, a comparative analysis of labor and supply costs was initiated. The multidisciplinary approach resulted in collaboration, support, and ultimately in financial savings to the institution.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nurse practitioners, cost savings, and improved patient care in the department of surgery.

As competition increases and health care demands continue to rise, it is essential to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of health care provided while delivering cost-effective care which is safe and results in quality outcomes. The addition of nurse practitioners to the department of surgery is not another layer of health care workers doing tasks, but rather it is a process. The role of nurse practitioners and the impact of cost savings and improved care in one department of surgery are described.

Adult↗