If you are an ARN member or a Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) subscriber, you should soon receive your November/December issue in the mail. Check out a preview of three great articles that will be gracing the pages of this issue, or visit the journal online to read the full issue.
Dosing Patterns in Treatment of Disabling Spasticity With Intrathecal Baclofen
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is used in patients with spasticity that interferes with their comfort, active or passive motion, ADLs, mobility and positioning. This study explored the ITB dosing patterns of patients from six different hospitals over time to identify similarities in dose development. The analyses of these patterns resulted in four different subgroups, highlighting the clinical challenge of predicting dose development over time. The patterns identified in this study may be used as educational tools for patients, family and caregivers. Read the article for more information >
Older Persons and Nursing Staff's Perspectives on Continence Care in Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Study
Continence care is a common concern in geriatric rehabilitation. To better understand this care, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with older persons and nursing staff to learn each group's perspective on incontinence. The results found that the two groups had different opinions on continence care. Moreover, the results suggest that continence could be improved by using an approach that engages older persons instead of only focusing on containment methods. Read the article for more information >
Physical and Cognitive Training to Enhance Intensive Care Unit Survivors' Cognition: A Mapping Review
Advancements in medical and nursing treatments mean many patients are surviving their intensive care unit (ICU) stays. However, a high portion of those survivors have cognitive dysfunction post-ICU. The aim of this study was to determine the best methods to improve cognitive function in these survivors. Using a mapping review, the study examined the current literature on single-task (physical or cognitive) and dual-task (physical and cognitive) training on recovering cognition in adults surviving an ICU stay. Read the article for more information >