Well, its been awhile since I have posted....busy time in the semester and I'm sure you know what I mean!
New research validates that children's pain is under treated in the hospital. A little history on this: it has been insinuated for years (by actions) that infants don't have pain. When baby boys were circumcised, there was little to no pre-procedure pain control. But,with studies like this http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/abstract/cmaj.101341v1
there is a changing approach (yeah!). Health care providers are starting to realize that although the infants can't verbally tell us 'it hurts' --but they cry!!!!! and any parent knows the pain cry. The article goes on to recommend non pharmacological actions (giving a pacifier, toy) for specific activities like a prick for blood or IV insertion. (For long term - Cancer- or surgical pain, there isn't as much of an issue --they are medicated). Read more about the issue and recommendations - use the link above.
Think about how you would feel as the parent....how can health care providers educate themselves to meet the needs of those who are the most vulnerable and totally dependent on us?
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Feb 7-13
This week will focus on one article from the Bakersfield Californian on Health Care reform: Latinos have the biggest stake. I'm not writing to focus on the specifics of The Affordable Health Care Act (aka the HC reform bill) but the article points out staggering statistics. Approximately 2.1 million of the 3.9 million uninsured in California are Latino according to a study by the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network in Nov 2010.--this does not include undocumented immigrants. WOW!! Currently many Latinos do not qualify for Medi-Cal because they exceed the poverty level income requirement. Based on those stats alone--here's what's going on: this population has no insurance, so if there is a chronic or acute illness, there is often no medical attention. Then when necessary the Emergency Department is used as the primary source of health care. This results in no continuity of care for the chronic illnesses. Other issues that may arise-- can they afford the medications? will they follow up as needed? how does this affect their life expectancy? their family earnings?
Think about the impact (potential and real) on public health: think about what this means for you as a health care provider and as a consumer. Does this affect your health care? your insurance? your access?
This was only one point of the article but you should read the entire story and THINK ABOUT IT.
To read the entire article go to http://www.bakersfield.com/, search Health care Reform.The article date is Feb 4, 2011.
Other useful links http://www.healthcare.gov/ and http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Think about the impact (potential and real) on public health: think about what this means for you as a health care provider and as a consumer. Does this affect your health care? your insurance? your access?
This was only one point of the article but you should read the entire story and THINK ABOUT IT.
To read the entire article go to http://www.bakersfield.com/, search Health care Reform.The article date is Feb 4, 2011.
Other useful links http://www.healthcare.gov/ and http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Sunday, February 6, 2011
January 31-Feb 6
Well this has been a busy week in health news but for now I'll focus on just a few topics. Next week, I hope to get topic contributions for you!
#1-- here is a link to a CNN report regarding post mastectomy breast reconstruction. The startling statistic is that for every 10 women who qualify for breast reconstruction only 3 are informed. WOW! As a health care provider, this is the take away...nurses are actively involved in educating their patients at different access to assist the patient so they are completely and accurately informed.
Listen for yourself and think about it! breast reconstruction
#2 latest and greatest use of technology in health care (maybe). Read all about it and think how this could impact the practice of medicine- if you were a patient would you want to know if your physician used his phone to evaluate your CT? Cool or creepy?
ct's on mobile devices
Keep reading and listening to stories of interest and always think about the potential effect on health care --now or later.
#1-- here is a link to a CNN report regarding post mastectomy breast reconstruction. The startling statistic is that for every 10 women who qualify for breast reconstruction only 3 are informed. WOW! As a health care provider, this is the take away...nurses are actively involved in educating their patients at different access to assist the patient so they are completely and accurately informed.
Listen for yourself and think about it! breast reconstruction
#2 latest and greatest use of technology in health care (maybe). Read all about it and think how this could impact the practice of medicine- if you were a patient would you want to know if your physician used his phone to evaluate your CT? Cool or creepy?
ct's on mobile devices
Keep reading and listening to stories of interest and always think about the potential effect on health care --now or later.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Welcome to Spring 2011- January 17-24
Well, the semester is underway... and moving right along.
For my Success class (Nurs B100), here is a link about Dick Cheney's heart device.
Heart pump device.
stay tuned for more news you can use!
For my Success class (Nurs B100), here is a link about Dick Cheney's heart device.
Heart pump device.
stay tuned for more news you can use!
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