A comparative evaluation of three point-of-care tools by registered nurses

Objective:This study compared three point-of-care tools (PoCTs) to determine which PoCT was rated highest based on key features and characteristics by registered nurses.Methods:The PoCTs reviewed were Nursing Reference Center Plus, ClinicalKey for Nursing, and UpToDate. Nurses were asked to use each PoCT to answer three clinical questions and then rate their experience based on the following areas: currency, relevancy, layout, navigation, labeling, and use of filters. They were also asked to indicate their familiarity with each PoCT, their overall opinions, and demographic information.Results:Seventy-six nurses completed the entire survey. Ratings of PoCTs did not differ by participant characteristics. Participants were most familiar with UpToDate, and average ratings were similar across all three PoCTs. Answers to open-ended questions suggested that nurses'' experiences searching and locating relevant information to address clinical questions varied and that brand recognition might have impacted preference.Discussion:None of the PoCTs was significantly preferred over the others, nor received high ratings, which suggests that organizations need to survey their nurses to determine which PoCT is preferred by their staff. Findings also suggest that institutional priorities can guide the decision whether a library should license multiple PoCTs, nursing, and/or non-nursing specific PoCTs. Research is needed to understand how PoCTs could better meet the information needs of registered nurses. Librarians should learn more about what types of information nurses are seeking and explore opportunities to educate nurses on how to better utilize PoCTs for their practice.     

Systematic review of the evidence to support expert practice in the education and care of children and young people with special educational needs and disability in the UK

Scopus, EBSCO, ERIC and British Education Index were interrogated in a systematic review of primary research since 2014 addressing expert practice and outcomes in education and care for young people with special educational needs and disability in the UK. Grey literature and studies of medical settings, preschool children, mainstream education or professional education were excluded. Quality was gauged by effect sizes, risk of bias and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. The search identified 7058 items. Twenty-eight studies were included, with 1839 participants of 4–22 years. Risk of bias was low, with effect sizes from small to extremely large. The qualitative studies were rigorous. Expert practice with positive outcomes was evidenced in comprehensive assessment, enhancing engagement and personalised interventions. Correction of visual problems, use of humanoid robots, and tested models were generally effective. There was rigorous evidence for efficacy of frameworks and reasonable evidence for creative approaches to physical activity. Drama lessons were valued. Standing frame use improved peer interaction or caused segregation. Disparity between problem identification and planned support in education health and care plans, and addressing personal and physical health factors were problematic. The voice of young people was lacking. More training was required in augmented and alternative communication.     

Confronting Prejudice and Stereotypes: A Teaching Model

ABSTRACT : As the demographics of the workforce continue to change dramatically and the globalization of the marketplace escalates, it becomes increasingly important for employees, managers, and leaders to value differences and to work effectively with people who have various cultures, backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, and languages. The competencies and skills necessary for effectively working across these boundaries do not necessarily come naturally, and it is increasingly essential for organizations to provide opportunities for people to develop the capacity to deal with volatile issues such as diversity, prejudice, and stereotyping. These issues, which lie at the heart of many problematic interpersonal conflicts and systemic dysfunctionalities, are extremely difficult to address in learning situations, whether classroom or boardroom. In this article, we present a management development experience based on the notion that sharing accurate information, developing self awareness, and enhancing the capacity for empathy lead to heightened awareness of the negative consequences of prejudice and stereotyping and quite possibly encourage people to consider adopting more effective attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we present a conceptual framework upon which diversity education initiatives may be based and a brief activity entitled, “Prejudice in Our Lives,” which has proven very effective in both higher education and management development venues.