Biomedical subjects

Susan M Hasenau

Publications and source records attributed to Susan M Hasenau.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Improving cancer pain management by homecare nurses.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the effects of a program, directed at homecare nurses, of structured educational interventions on the management of pain and opioid-related side effects in homecare patients with cancer. DESIGN: A longitudinal multilevel, randomized, controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Midwestern region in the United States. SAMPLE: 202 nurses caring for patients with cancer recruited from homecare agencies. METHODS: The two-tiered educational program focused on basic and advanced pain management strategies, particularly in the area of pharmacologic options and assertive communication skills. Instruments used were the Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain, the barriers questionnaire, perception of control over pain, and a demographic questionnaire. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Knowledge and attitudes about pain management, barriers to pain management, and perception of control over pain. FINDINGS: Nurses in the intervention group had a significant increase in their knowledge, a more positive attitude about pain management, fewer perceived barriers to pain management, and an increase in perceived control over pain compared to the nurses who did not receive the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The educational program Power Over Pain has beneficial effects for homecare nurses caring for patients with cancer pain. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: A need exists for homecare nurses to gain more insight into pain management strategies and enhance their advocacy skills to improve pain management for patients with cancer treated in the home.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Barriers to pain management by home care nurses.

This study examined home care nurses' perceived barriers to pain management. Major barriers included lack of knowledge, inadequate pain assessment, and difficulty managing opioid-related side effects. Home care nurses with more knowledge about pain management had significantly lower scores on the Barriers Questionnaire. The study documented the need for continued pain management education for home care nurses. Practice implications are provided.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Neural tube defects.

The purpose of this article is to describe the etiology of neural tube defects (NTDs) and the role of folic acid in their prevention. NTDs are all too common and devastating outcomes of many pregnancies. The brain and spinal cord malformations that develop during gestation in the NTD-affected pregnancies are expressed through various anomalies. Estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 1995 reported over 4,000 occurrences of NTDs in the United States alone. Research has demonstrated that the preconception and prenatal addition of folic acid can greatly reduce the incidence of NTDs. Recent advances in genetic studies have increased awareness of the important role of folic acid in preventing NTDs. Identification of a genetic marker will allow for specific treatment of those women at high risk for NTDs. Despite recommendations from the CDC for folic acid supplementation, there is insufficient awareness of these guidelines by both the public and by healthcare providers. A National campaign to promote awareness of the role of folic acid in the prevention of NTDs has been initiated, and has been successful at reducing NTDs's by 19%. Nurses can be instrumental in the dissemination of information not only to women of childbearing age, but also to other nurses and physicians.

Female↗