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Continued development of mobile technology now allows access to information at the point-ofcare. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of one such tool on a mobile device, from the carer perspective. Caregivers across 12 aged-care facilities were supplied mobile devices to access a Picture Care Plan (PCP), a specific tool designed around the role of the personal carer. An anonymous questionnaire was subsequently completed by 85 carers with questions relating to participants' experience. Perceived helpfulness of the PCP at the point-of-care was high (87%). A significant number of participants believed the use of the PCP increased resident safety and quality of care (76%). Practical components related to the carrying of the device, network speed and the requirement to maintain communication with senior members of staff to ascertain updates were also expressed by participants. Findings suggest that staff are receptive to adoption of mobile devices to access care directives at the point-of-care and that the technology is useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To determine whether differences in care practices and demographics between two long‐term aged care facilities affected the incidence of residents’ skin wounds. Methods: A retrospective analysis of care plans and clinical outcomes was conducted for a 6‐month period in 2016 at two aged care facilities, N = 39 Home 1 and N = 45 Home 2. Skin tears, pressure injuries and usual care practices and associated health demographics were recorded. Results: Over the 6‐month period, 84 residents were found to have a total of 206 aged care acquired skin wounds (skin tears, pressure injuries, haematomas, rashes, infections). The frequency of skin tears or total wounds did not differ between the homes. Several factors were identified that influenced the skin wounds. A reduction in skin tears was associated with the use of heel protectors and antiembolic stockings, whilst a diagnosis of vascular dementia was associated with increased prevalence of skin wounds. Pressure injuries were significantly higher at Home 2. Increased use of strategies to moderate‐risk activities, such as tray tables and bed rails, and impaired cognitive function were associated with higher pressure injury prevalence. Conclusion: A number of care factors and health demographics influenced the rate of skin wounds. A holistic approach to skin management is needed. Relevance to clinical practice: Practices, such as repositioning and skin hygiene, are well known to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries and skin tears; however, there are other care practices that take place in homes as part of usual care that also impact skin wounds that have been largely ignored. This study highlights those care practices, as well as resident characteristics and comorbidities that may increase the risk of skin wounds, requiring further monitoring/mitigating strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

wollin j.a. & fairweather c.t. (2012) Journal of Nursing Management 20, 20-27 Nursing education: a case study of a Bachelor of Science Nursing programme in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Aim The aim of the present study was to report the process and outcomes of a collaborative venture to offer a Bachelor of Science Nursing programme in Abu Dhabi. Background An international educational collaboration between the Abu Dhabi government in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Griffith University (GU) Australia, successfully established a College of Health Sciences offering a Bachelor of Science Nursing (pre- and post-registration). Methods The report was written to reflect the chronological order of events as the Bachelor of Science Nursing programme was rolled out in Abu Dhabi commencing in 2007. Results The results of this initiative included the successful delivery of the programme and the gaining of initial accreditation in Abu Dhabi. Conclusion The paper presents important insights into the collaborative nature of the agreement and the unique outcomes; dual awards from UAE and Australia. Implications for nursing management The success of this initiative required ongoing commitment from the collaborating partners. The programme required ongoing support from the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Australia. Griffith University provided the Head of School and Deputy Head of School for Abu Dhabi and the curriculum. The academic and administrative support from Australia was significant and must be incorporated into any business plan when planning such a venture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A better understanding of the workplace difficulties experienced by people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) may be critical to developing appropriate vocational and rehabilitative programs., Objective: We aimed to assess the factor structure, internal consistency and validity of the new Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire (MSWDQ)., Methods: Work difficulty items were developed and reviewed by a panel of experts. Using the MSWDQ, cross-sectional self-report data of work difficulties were obtained in addition to employment status and MS disease information, in a community-based sample of 189 PwMS., Results: Exploratory Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis on the draft questionnaire yielded 50 items measuring 12 factors. Subscale internal consistencies ranged from 0.74 to 0.92, indicating adequate to excellent internal consistency reliability. The MSWDQ explained 40% of the variance in reduced work hours since diagnosis, 40% of the variance in expectations about withdrawing from work, 34% of the variance in expectations about reducing work hours, and 39% of the variance in expectations about changing type of work due to MS., Conclusion: The MSWDQ is a valid and internally reliable measure of workplace difficulties in PwMS. Physical difficulties, as well as cognitive and psychological difficulties were important predictors of workplace outcomes and expectations about future employment.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which pain-related beliefs and coping strategies predicted measures of adjustment to pain among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), over and above that accomplished by demographic and clinical variables., Methods: Participants were a community-based sample of people with chronic MS-related pain (N=105) who completed postal surveys and standardized interviews that included measures of demographic and MS-related variables, typical pain intensity, psychologic functioning, pain interference, pain beliefs, and coping strategies., Results: Pain-specific beliefs and coping strategies were associated with and explained a significant proportion of the variance in adjustment to pain (24% to 34%) among people with MS, over and above that accomplished by demographic and disease-related variables and pain intensity. Compatible with previous studies, greater endorsement of pain constancy and catastrophizing were significant predictors of poorer adjustment, whereas perceived ability to decrease pain and increasing behavioral activities in response to pain were related to positive adaptation., Discussion: These findings provide support for the premise that psychosocial factors remain central in disability-related pain and suggest the possibility that interventions targeting these variables would reduce the negative impact of pain among people with MS.