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Aim: To assess the feasibility of collecting electronic pain data from thalassaemia patients, based on its acceptability and convenience to the participants and study team. Methods: Participants in the Thalassemia Clinical Research Network Assessment of Pain Survey Study completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) quarterly by paper or phone interview. Participants in a substudy completed the BPI Short Form daily over three non-consecutive transfusion cycles through an automated telephone system. Results: The consent rate for the main study was 93%, with 93% retention. The substudy had 75% retention, with more than 75% of scheduled calls completed. Regular monitoring of enrolment, missed calls, data quality, and the performance of the subcontractor for the automated system was crucial to fulfillment of the study goals. Conclusions: Use of electronic data collection for patient-reported outcomes was convenient for both patients and study personnel but required human interactions beyond the automated system to maximise data quantity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study, which was part of a large national case study of nurse practitioner (NP) integration in long-term care (LTC), was to explore the NP role in providing palliative care in LTC. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, data was collected from five LTC homes across Canada using 35 focus groups and 25 individual interviews. In total, 143 individuals working in LTC participated, including 9 physicians, 20 licensed nurses, 15 personal support workers, 19 managers, 10 registered nurse team managers or leaders, 31 allied health care providers, 4 NPs, 14 residents, and 21 family members. The data was coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: NPs provide palliative care for residents and their family members, collaborate with other health-care providers by providing consultation and education to optimise palliative care practices, work within the organisation to build capacity and help others learn about the NP role in palliative care to better integrate it within the team, and improve system outcomes such as accessibility of care and number of hospital visits. Conclusions: NPs contribute to palliative care in LTC settings through multifaceted collaborative processes that ultimately promote the experience of a positive death for residents, their family members, and formal caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study conducted to assess the effect of continuous pressure imaging technology on strategic turning of inpatients at risk of pressure ulcers (PUs). It is mentioned that the study involves a control phase where continuous pressure imaging is not available to health-care providers and an intervention phase where it is available. It is concluded that continuous pressure imaging technology can positively impact the frequency of patient turns by care providers.

The role of the assistant practitioner (AP) needs to be defined so they have clear career pathways and opportunities for professional development. The author sought to learn from other countries where a sustained effort had been made to support practitioners fulfilling this intermediate role. The equivalent of an AP in Canada is the licensed practical nurse (LPN); LPNs are subject to clear regulation and practice within their remit of their license. The author travelled to Alberta, Canada, and performed a qualitative study to investigate the role of the LPN. LPNs undertake a 2-year diploma-level course and have the opportunity to enhance their careers through specialist courses or to train as a RN. LPNs benefit from careful regulation, enabling them to have a clear scope of practice, a career structure with opportunities for development and consistent ethical standards. Lessons can be learned from the LPN model and put in practice in the UK; APs need a consistent education programme, a career pathway that promotes development and effective regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]