1. |
- Andersson, Bodil T., et al.
(author)
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Radiographers' areas of professional competence related to good nursing care
- 2008
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : Blackwell Munksgaard. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 22:3, s. 401-409
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Radiographers’ ability and competence is a matter of vital importance for patients. Nursing care is an integral part of the radiographer’s work. The demand for high competence in clinical activities has increased in diagnostic radiology and has had an impact on the development of the profession.Aim: The aim was to describe the radiographer’s areas of professional competence in relation to good nursing care based on critical incidents that occur in the course of radiological examinations and interventions.Method: A descriptive design with a qualitative approach, using the Critical Incident Technique was employed. Interviews were conducted with a strategic sample of registered radiographers (n = 14), based at different hospitals in Sweden.Ethical issues: The appropriate ethical principles were followed. All the participants provided informed consent, and formal approval for conducting the research was obtained according to national and local directives.Results: The data analysis resulted in two main areas; direct and indirect patient-related areas of competence, which describe the radiographers’ skills that either facilitate or hinder good nursing care. In the direct patient-related area of competence, four categories emerged, which illustrate good nursing care in the patient’s immediate surroundings. In the indirect patient-related area of competence, four categories illuminated good nursing care that is provided without direct contact with the patient.Conclusions: The study highlights the different areas of the radiographer’s unique professional competence. The findings provide insight into the radiographer’s profession, on one hand as a carer and on the other as a medical technologist as well as highlighting the importance of each role. The radiographer’s work encompasses a variety of components – from caring for the patient to handling and checking the technical equipment.
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2. |
- Elgán, Carina, 1962-, et al.
(author)
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Being in charge of life : perceptions of lifestyle among women of retirement age
- 2009
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 23:4, s. 730-735
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of lifestyle among women of retirement age. BACKGROUND: Women go through many transitions during their lives, which impact on their lifestyle and possibly their outlook on life. Family circumstances such as motherhood and marital status change over time and the menopause is also likely to influence their view of life. METHOD: Data were collected through interviews with 20 women, aged 61-70, selected by means of strategic sampling. The interviews were analysed using a phenomenographic approach. FINDINGS: Three structural aspects emerged: being healthy as life turns out, living life in their own way, and taking care of everyday life. The women described lifestyle as a means of being healthy, having an active role in society, being content with what one has and the need to adapt oneself to limiting circumstances. Lifestyle was also associated with being in charge and making one's own choices in life based on one's own values. They reported that they were independent and made decisions about their life. The informants considered that lifestyle was an asset that helped them to cope with everyday life and to make the most of each day. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle is a tool that requires independence, the right to self-determination over everyday life and adjustment to limitations in order to ensure the psychological well-being of women of retirement age. Further research is needed in order to delineate the possible association between lifestyle and psychological well-being.
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3. |
- Axelsson, C, et al.
(author)
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Characteristics and outcome among patients suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with the emphasis on availability for intervention trials
- 2007
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In: Resuscitation. - : Elsevier Ireland Ltd. - 0300-9572 .- 1873-1570.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: To describe all patients treated for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) according to the Utstein criteria and their characteristics and outcome with emphasis on whether they were available for early intervention trials. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a study where data were collected prospectively. SETTING: The Municipality of Goteborg/Molndal in Sweden. PATIENTS: All patients suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the Municipality of Goteborg/Molndal in whom cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was attempted between May 2003 and May 2005. INTERVENTIONS: Part of the study cohort, i.e. patients with a witnessed, non-traumatic, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were distributed (cluster) to mechanical (LUCAS) or manual chest compression. RESULTS: The overall survival to discharge from hospital among the 508 patients was 8.5%. The corresponding value for non-cardiac cases was 5.1% and for cardiac cases if crew witnessed 16.1%, bystander witnessed 12.7% and non-witnessed 1.4%. Fifty-nine percent of the patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the trial and had no exclusion criteria and 9.7% of these survived to discharge. Ten percent of patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria but were excluded and 20.4% survived to discharge. Thirty-one percent of patients did not fulfil the inclusion criteria and 2.5% survived. Among patients included in the LUCAS group, many of the survivors, 10/13 (77%), experienced a rapid return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) before the application of the device. CONCLUSION: Among patients with OHCA in whom CPR was started 8.5% survived to hospital discharge and 59% were theoretically available for an early intervention trial. These patients have a different outcome compared with patients not available. However, among those available, the majority of survivors had a rapid ROSC before the application of the intervention (LUCAS). This raises concerns about the potential for early intervention trials to improve outcome after OHCA.
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4. |
- Axelsson, Christer, 1955, et al.
(author)
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Clinical consequences of the introduction of mechanical chest compression in the EMS-system for treatment of hospital cardiac arrest. A pilot study.
- 2006
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In: Resuscitation. - 0300-9572. ; :71, s. 47-55
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gothenburg EMS-system, GoteborgAIM: To evaluate the outcome among patients suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) after the introduction of mechanical chest compression (MCC) compared with standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (SCPR) in two emergency medical service (EMS) systems. METHODS: The inclusion criterion was witnessed OHCA. The exclusion criteria were age < 18 years, the following judged etiologies behind OHCA: trauma, pregnancy, hypothermia, intoxication, hanging and drowning or return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) prior to the arrival of the advanced life support (ALS) unit. Two MCC devices were allocated during six-month periods between four ALS units for a period of two years (cluster randomisation). RESULTS: In all, 328 patients fulfilled the criteria for participation and 159 were allocated to the MCC tier (the device was used in 66% of cases) and 169 to the SCPR tier. In the MCC tier, 51% had ROSC (primary end-point) versus 51% in the SCPR tier. The corresponding values for hospital admission alive (secondary end-point) were 38% and 37% (NS). In the subset of patients in whom the device was used, the percentage who had ROSC was 49% versus 50% in a control group matched for age, initial rhythm, aetiology, bystander-/crew-witnessed status and delay to CPR. The percentage of patients discharged alive from hospital after OHCA was 8% versus 10% (NS) for all patients and 2% versus 4%, respectively (NS) for the patients in the subset (where the device was used and the matched control population). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, the results did not support the hypothesis that the introduction of mechanical chest compression in OHCA improves outcome. However, there is room for further improvement in the use of the device. The hypothesis that this will improve outcome needs to be tested in further prospective trials.
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6. |
- Axelsson, C, et al.
(author)
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Mechanical active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ACD-CPR) versus manual CPR according to pressure of end tidal carbon dioxide (P(ET)CO2) during CPR in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
- 2009
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In: Resuscitation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-1570 .- 0300-9572. ; 80:10, s. 1099-103
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: In animal and human studies, measuring the pressure of end tidal carbon dioxide (P(ET)CO2) has been shown to be a practical non-invasive method that correlates well with the pulmonary blood flow and cardiac output (CO) generated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study aims to compare mechanical active compression-decompression (ACD) CPR with standard CPR according to P(ET)CO2 among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), during CPR and with standardised ventilation. METHODS: This prospective, on a cluster level, pseudo-randomised pilot trial took place in the Municipality of Göteborg. During a 2-year period, all patients aged >18 years suffering an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) of presumed cardiac etiology were enrolled. The present analysis included only tracheally intubated patients in whom P(ET)CO2 was measured for 15 min or until the detection of a pulse-giving rhythm. RESULTS: In all, 126 patients participated in the evaluation, 64 patients in the mechanical chest compression group and 62 patients in the control group. The group receiving mechanical ACD-CPR obtained the significantly highest P(ET)CO2 values according to the average (p=0.04), initial (p=0.01) and minimum (p=0.01) values. We found no significant difference according to the maximum value between groups. CONCLUSION: In this hypothesis generating study mechanical ACD-CPR compared with manual CPR generated the highest initial, minimum and average value of P(ET)CO2. Whether these data can be repeated and furthermore be associated with an improved outcome after OHCA need to be confirmed in a large prospective randomised trial.
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7. |
- Axelsson, Åsa B., et al.
(author)
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Good and bad experiences of family presence during acute care and resuscitation. What makes the difference?
- 2005
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In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 4:2, s. 161-169
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Family presence (FP) in the resuscitation room is still controversial, and its appropriateness for patient and family has been discussed. We examined both positive and negative experiences in order to establish the reasons for the difference.Aim: The aim of the present literature review was to describe patients', relatives' and staff's opinions and experiences of FP during invasive procedures and resuscitation.Method: 12 original papers, published between January 1995 and February 2003, were reviewed. Most patients and relatives agreed that they had positive experiences of FP. They described how FP enhanced the feeling of support and connectedness within the family. Family members believed that FP helped them in their grieving process. Most staff members without FP experience felt that FP would increase the risk of psychological distress for the family. Those who had participated in an FP programme believed that FP was not only beneficial for the family but also for staff.Conclusion: Family presence during resuscitation and acute care has the potential to enhance the care of the patient and to benefit everyone involved. However, implementation of FP during resuscitation must take account of potential problems.
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8. |
- Andersson, Bodil T., et al.
(author)
-
Radiographers' areas of professional competence related to good nursing care
- 2008
-
In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : Wiley. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 22:3, s. 401-409
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Radiographers' ability and competence is a matter of vital importance for patients. Nursing care is an integral part of the radiographer's work. The demand for high competence in clinical activities has increased in diagnostic radiology and has had an impact on the development of the profession.AIM: The aim was to describe the radiographer's areas of professional competence in relation to good nursing care based on critical incidents that occur in the course of radiological examinations and interventions.METHOD: A descriptive design with a qualitative approach, using the Critical Incident Technique was employed. Interviews were conducted with a strategic sample of registered radiographers (n = 14), based at different hospitals in Sweden.ETHICAL ISSUES: The appropriate ethical principles were followed. All the participants provided informed consent, and formal approval for conducting the research was obtained according to national and local directives.RESULTS: The data analysis resulted in two main areas; direct and indirect patient-related areas of competence, which describe the radiographers' skills that either facilitate or hinder good nursing care. In the direct patient-related area of competence, four categories emerged, which illustrate good nursing care in the patient's immediate surroundings. In the indirect patient-related area of competence, four categories illuminated good nursing care that is provided without direct contact with the patient.CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the different areas of the radiographer's unique professional competence. The findings provide insight into the radiographer's profession, on one hand as a carer and on the other as a medical technologist as well as highlighting the importance of each role. The radiographer's work encompasses a variety of components--from caring for the patient to handling and checking the technical equipment.
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9. |
- Axelsson, Åsa B., 1955, et al.
(author)
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A nationwide survey of CPR training in Sweden: Foreign born and unemployed are not reached by training programmes.
- 2006
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In: Resuscitation. - : Elsevier Ireland Ltd. - 0300-9572 .- 1873-1570. ; :70, s. 90-97
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: To determine the number of CPR trained adults in Sweden, and the willingness of the non-trained population to attend a CPR course. An additional purpose was to investigate differences related to sex, age, residential area, socio-economic classification and country of origin. METHODS: Five thousand adults in Sweden were surveyed, which yielded 3167 valid responses, a response rate of 63%. The sample was selected at random and stratified to correlate to the geographic distribution of the population. RESULTS: The mean (S.D.) age was 46 (16) years, 54% of the respondents were females and 11% were people of foreign origin. Forty-five percent had participated in some form of CPR training. Younger respondents, those living in rural areas, those born in Sweden, employees, students and military conscripts were trained more frequently in CPR. Of the respondents with no CPR training, 50% expressed a willingness to attend a course. The most common reason for not being trained in CPR was that the respondent did not know such courses existed or that they did not know where to go for training. CONCLUSION: Somewhere between 30 and 45% of the adult population of Sweden had participated in CPR training. Half of the non-trained population was willing to learn CPR but frequently did not know that such courses existed or where they were held. Elderly people, people of foreign origin, or those not included in the workforce were less likely to have participated in CPR training.
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10. |
- Axelsson, Åsa B., 1955, et al.
(author)
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European cardiovascular nurses and allied professions’ practical skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- 2009
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In: Cardiology. - 0008-6312. - 9783805591430 ; 113:S1
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to test practical skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in European cardiovascular nurses and allied professions. Methods: Eighty-six delegates at the Spring Meeting on Cardiovascular Nursing in Malmö, Sweden, in 2008, were recruited for this study. Laerdal Resusci Anne SkillReporter manikins connected to a computer with the Laerdal PC SkillReporting System were used. The participants were told to perform CPR according to the “new”guidelines from 2005; 30:2 for three minutes. Results: 88% of the tested participants were nurses and 79% were female. Mean age were 42 years (range 19–63 years). They came from 14 different European countries, though one third was from Sweden. About two thirds had trained CPR within the last year. Seven per cent had no previous CPR training. According to practical skills the average inflations per minute were five (SD+1.5), average inflation volume 992 ml (SD+423) and average flow rate 857 ml/second (SD+401). According assessment of chest compressions the average compression rate was 121 (SD+22.5), average compression per minute 79.5 (SD+14.4), average compression depth 43.8 mm (SD+9.4) and average compression duty cycle 43.8% (SD+5.7). Hand position “too low”was the most common committed error. Conclusion: The practical skill in CPR among the tested delegates was rather satisfying regarding chest compressions. However, there were wide ranges as shown by large standard deviations. Regarding ventilations, too large volumes together with flow rates as high as those performed by many of these delegates may easily lead to gastric inflation during clinical CPR.
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