PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

W Nicklin

Publications and source records attributed to W Nicklin.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Cutting healthcare costs without preventable clinical incidents--together we can improve.

Medical errors are receiving increasing attention as research results reveal escalation in their numbers. Three elements of this complex issue are reviewed. A systems approach to reducing the number of errors may be less than effective until the negative connotation associated with the phraseology "medical error" is changed. Healthcare restructuring, which results in the destabilization of teams, is another factor that is related to the increase in medical errors. Stabilization of the healthcare environment and/or stronger support mechanisms during change are essential. Finally, the litigious sensitivity of the public and healthcare systems overall intensifies the "error" element. This element is counter-productive to the openness required for the systems approach.

Canada↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Advanced nursing practice: old hat, new design.

Advanced practice nurses positively impact the delivery of healthcare and client outcomes. However, in the past these positions have been seen to have variable value and were often vulnerable during budget cuts. Lack of a clear advanced nursing practice (ANP) framework probably contributed to the compromised effectiveness of these roles and evolution of roles with different titles, scopes of practice and reporting structures. To build the foundation for developing an ANP framework, a task force at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) conducted a literature review related to ANP roles and completed a review of all clinical nursing roles at TOH. In addition, focus groups with nurses and other health professionals elicited ANP perceptions. The ANP framework includes a standardized job description that details competencies under five role components: clinical practice; consultation; research; education; and, leadership. Recommendations for assessment, implementation and evaluation of ANP roles are identified. The process undertaken by our ANP task force proved to be thorough and sound in developing a framework within which to move forward with ANP role implementation throughout TOH. This article, describing the process, may assist other organizations in defining ANP roles to better meet patient needs in changing health care environments.

Clinical Competence↗