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This integrative literature review examined the role of an anaesthetic nurse specialist (ANS) in the perioperative anaesthetic nursing management of morbidly obese patients associated with elective orthopaedic surgery. The responsibility of the ANS is to provide high-quality perioperative anaesthetic care to ensure patient safety. Morbid obesity is increasing globally, with significant implications for healthcare delivery, care and treatment, including perioperative care. The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland emphasises that the perioperative management of these patients presents significant organisational and practical issues. However, there are limited data or guidelines on whether surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses routinely take special precautions in managing morbidly obesity patients undergoing elective orthopaedic operative procedures. The authors carried out a search of databases, followed by an integrated literature review and synthesis of 11 studies. The main findings revealed significant clinical challenges and resource requirements for perioperative anaesthetic management of this patient group. Recommendations are made to prepare for and manage these surgical patients, from preoperative assessment to postoperative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective and efficient caseload management requires extensive skills to ensure that patients receive the right care by the right person at the right time. District nursing caseloads are continually increasing in size and complexity, which requires specialist district nursing knowledge and skills. This article reviews the literature related to caseload management with the aim of identifying the most effective method for district nursing teams. The findings from this review are that there are different styles and methods of caseload management. The literature review was unable to identify a single validated tool or method, but identified themes for implementing effective caseload management, specifically caseload analysis; workload measurement; work allocation; service and practice development and workforce planning. This review also identified some areas for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]