Implementing a Service Project During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This brief report describes our experiences and the holiday service project that was safely conducted at the height of the COVID-19 resurgence in Michigan. As COVID-19 resurgence emerged in the United States and Europe, many establishments were forced to decrease their services and or cease functioning altogether. While other organizations faltered, our chapter found the means to continue to work during the pandemic.

Running a cardiology consult service during a pandemic: Experiences from the front lines.

ABSTRACT: Millions of deaths worldwide have been attributed to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As case counts increased in the United States and resurgence occurred in Europe, health care systems across the country prepared for the influx of acutely ill patients. In response to this, our cardiology consult service was called to aid in the management of COVID-19 patients. We describe our experiences and the changes that were implemented.

Employment Status and Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation: DOES ENCOURAGING EARLIER ENROLLMENT IMPROVE ATTENDANCE?

PURPOSE: For patients hospitalized for a cardiac event, an earlier appointment to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) increases participation. However, it is unknown what effect hastening CR enrollment might have among employed patients planning to return to work (RTW). METHODS: Using 2 complementary data sets from Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) and Mayo Clinic, we assessed when employed patients eligible for CR anticipated a RTW, the impact of an earlier appointment on CR enrollment, and the effect of employment status on the number of CR sessions attended. Patients at HFH attended CR at either 8 or 42 days (through randomization), whereas Mayo Clinic patients attended 10 days after hospital discharge per standard routines. RESULTS: Among 148 patients at HFH, 65 (44%) were employed and planned to RTW. Of these, 67% desired to RTW within 1 to 2 weeks, whereas 28% anticipated an RTW within 1 to 3 days. Home financial strain predicted nonparticipation in CR (P < .001) and was associated with an earlier planned RTW. Among 1030 patients at Mayo Clinic, 393 (38%) were employed. Employed (vs nonemployed) patients enrolled in CR 3.3 days sooner (P < .001), but attended 1.6 fewer CR sessions (P = .04). In employed patients from both health systems, an earlier (vs later) appointment to CR did not result in additional exercise sessions of CR. CONCLUSIONS: Employed patients plan to RTW quickly, in part because of home finances. They also enroll earlier into CR than nonemployed patients. Despite these findings, earlier appointments do not seem to favorably impact overall CR participation.

Role identity and the work role after myocardial infarction.

This study was designed to determine the roles most salient for individuals following a myocardial infarction (MI) and identify relationships among worker demographics, depression, illness intrusion, role identity, and self-esteem. Thirty participants 18 years or older, paid employees working 20 or more hours per week immediately prior to the MI, receiving care at one of the identified clinics, able to read English, and having a diagnosis of an acute MI within the past year completed questionnaires regarding role identity, illness intrusion, self-esteem, and depression. The results demonstrated the work role was significant for individuals after an MI. In addition, participants felt their current occupation had much to do with how they felt about themselves. The correlation between being employed now and an individual's occupation supported the finding that workers value their work role.

Pulse oximetry in adults.

Pulse oximetry, a straightforward method for estimating arterial oxygen saturation, can detect hypoxemia early; it's used often and in a variety of settings. But what's not always clear is how frequently-or even whether-patients should be monitored, and unless guidelines are understood and followed, pulse oximetry can be misused or overused. This article reviews the technology and its limitations and discusses current guidelines and their implications for nurses.