Assessment of the public's knowledge of venous thromboembolism.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major public health problem impacting 600,000 people and causing 100,000 deaths annually. Nurses are in a unique position in all health care settings to educate patients and the public to prevent and provide early detection for this devastating complication. A dearth of information exists regarding the knowledge level of those affected. This manuscript presents a study that investigates and quantifies the general public's knowledge level of VTE through a 13-question survey of 325 participants. The results indicate that >70% of the general, nonmedical participants involved in the survey were not familiar with VTE. The findings suggest the need for nurses to consistently and systematically educate patients and the public about VTE to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Roles and strategies of diabetes support group facilitators: an exploratory study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore the roles and strategies implemented by diabetes support group facilitators. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory design that included 2 in-depth interviews and 1 group interview of 6 diabetes support group facilitators was implemented over a 2-month period. RESULTS: The participants described the role of facilitator as involving 4 major aspects: (1) a philosophy of shared authority and group ownership; (2) a conception of diabetes as a highly complex disease interconnected with all aspects of one's life; (3) a focus on quality of life; and (4) recognition of perfectionism as neither possible nor desirable in self-management. These role aspects formed the context for facilitator strategies in working with support groups. Four strategies were identified based on the individual and group interviews: (1) connecting, (2) exchanging information, (3) managing group dynamics, and (4) promoting problem solving. A facilitator support group model was developed from the study results. CONCLUSIONS: A clear need exists to develop and teach best practices for support group facilitation. Education in this area should occur systematically at the baccalaureate and master's levels as the role of health providers increasingly expands to include populations living with chronic diseases. Health care providers who are functioning in this role need continuing education to provide proficient care in this area of practice.

Implementation of routine HIV testing in an acute care hospital in Rhode Island: a nurse-initiated opt-out pilot project.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded HIV screening of adults ages 13-64 years in 2006 from risk based to routine. Early detection and treatment improve patient outcomes and prevent disease transmission. This article describes a pilot program in which nurses in an adult inpatient unit at an acute care hospital offer HIV testing to all patients ages 18-64 upon admission through standing orders. The pilot, Standing Orders for Routine Testing (SORT), is a response to changes in state law and regulations in the majority of states including Rhode Island, which have occurred following the CDC policy change. The SORT pilot involves collaboration with interdisciplinary partners and education of unit nurses.