The Impact Of Electronic Medication Administration Records (e-MAR) On Medication Administration Safety And Nurses' Work
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,675.00
Summary
The demands on health systems, both nationally and internationally, are growing, exacerbated by an ageing population and health workforce shortages. The incorporation of information technology into new health care delivery models promises both improvements in the safety and efficiency of care delivery. Medication errors are one of the most significant safety issues for health care systems. Medication management occupies a significant amount of nurses' time, and is also fraught with error potenti ....The demands on health systems, both nationally and internationally, are growing, exacerbated by an ageing population and health workforce shortages. The incorporation of information technology into new health care delivery models promises both improvements in the safety and efficiency of care delivery. Medication errors are one of the most significant safety issues for health care systems. Medication management occupies a significant amount of nurses' time, and is also fraught with error potential. One-third of all medication errors that cause patient harm arise from medication administration errors (MAEs). Electronic medication administration records (e-MARs) provide the potential to make the administration of medications safer for patients by reducing error rates, and also by allowing nurses to more efficiently manage medication tasks. However there is very limited research from Australia or overseas which has examined whether they computerised system work and in fact reduce error rates or save nurses time. In this project we will conduct prospective, controlled observational studies to determine the effectiveness of an electronic medication administration record (e-MAR) to reduce MAEs and the amount of time nurses spend in the medication administration process. The project will apply innovative data collection tools using PDA software purpose-built for these studies which have undergone extensive pilot testing in clinical settings. The results will have important implications for hospitals across Australia and internationally as they consider the implementation of e-MARs. This research will provide the first comprehensive data of medication administration errors in Australia against which future preventative error strategies can be evaluated. The results will provide the evidence needed to develop recommendations about how to reduce MAEs and improve the design of e-MARs.Read moreRead less
Developing A Research Base For Intravenous Peripheral Catheter Resites. The DRIP Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$440,772.00
Summary
Most Australians will have an IV catheter (IV drip) in their hand or arm during a hospital stay. Catheter insertion is painful and costly. It is repeated during hospitalisation because it was thought catheters could only be used for 3-4 days without vein irritation or infection. Newer catheters and preliminary research suggest catheters can actually be used until no longer needed. This research will confirm whether this approach reduces pain and costs without increasing side effects.
PEACH: Patient Engagement And Coaching For Health: An Intensive Treatment Intervention For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$304,300.00
Summary
Diabetes care is a partnership between health professionals and patients, but each faces difficulties in optimising medical care. The PEACH study exoplores how practice nurses can work with patients to empower them to manage their own condition and medicines better and be more active in working with their doctor to improve their diabetes control. The study could have important implications for patients and the way Governments fund primary care.
Quit In General Practice: A Cluster Randomised Trial Of Enhanced In-practice Support For Smoking Cessation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,117,241.00
Summary
Tobacco smoking remains the most common preventable cause of death and illness in Australia today. Smoking cessation programs are some of the most effective and cost effective strategies that can be undertaken in health care settings, including general practice. This project will test a new approach to supporting smoking cessation in general practice. This involves the practice nurse, GP and Quitline working in partnership to provide a flexible program of suport to meet the needs of smokers.
An Investigation Into The Policies And Provision Of Seclusion In Three Health Care Settings In South Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,088.00
Summary
The study will investigate the policies and practices of seclusion in both traditional nursing and corrections health clinical settings in South Australia; a much under-researched but, nevertheless, important and contentious area. It will compare and contrast the formal policies and guidelines pertaining to seclusion and its place within the therapeutic philosophy of the facility. It will also consider the de facto practices, the physical provisions for seclusion areas and their relationship to ....The study will investigate the policies and practices of seclusion in both traditional nursing and corrections health clinical settings in South Australia; a much under-researched but, nevertheless, important and contentious area. It will compare and contrast the formal policies and guidelines pertaining to seclusion and its place within the therapeutic philosophy of the facility. It will also consider the de facto practices, the physical provisions for seclusion areas and their relationship to the wider ward environment, the ward audit and records of the use of seclusion and related practice. Furthermore, through interviews with direct care staff, it will examine personal and professional reflections on these issues and begin to develop recommendations for best practice. Therefore, by virtue of its clinical and service focus in Nursing and allied health areas, it falls within the criteria for Special Initiative Funding.Read moreRead less
Is Hip Fracture Rehabilitation Cost Effective In Residential Care? A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Rehabilitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,970.00
Summary
Some of the frailest members of our community live in nursing homes and a hip fracture can be devastating to a person with dementia as it can leave them permanently unable to walk. We don't know how best to promote recovery when they break their hips. At present there is an assumption that rehabilitation at this stage of life is not worthwhile but this study will test whether the benefits outweigh the costs. We will test whether an assessment by a geriatrician and rehabilitation improves walking ....Some of the frailest members of our community live in nursing homes and a hip fracture can be devastating to a person with dementia as it can leave them permanently unable to walk. We don't know how best to promote recovery when they break their hips. At present there is an assumption that rehabilitation at this stage of life is not worthwhile but this study will test whether the benefits outweigh the costs. We will test whether an assessment by a geriatrician and rehabilitation improves walking, independence and quality of life.Read moreRead less