Journal Articles By BWH Nurses
Christine Agius, MSN, RN, NP-C, nurse practitioner in Breast Oncology, and Anne Kelly, MSN, RN, NP-C, AOCNP, nurse practitioner in Breast Oncology for the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, published an article on improving adherence to endocrine therapies in Oncology. With the trend toward the use of oral therapies rather than intravenous therapies for cancer, non-adherence to treatment has become an increasing concern. Advanced Practice nurses are in a good position to assess and monitor adherence to oral endocrine therapies. Recognizing factors that may lead to non-adherence can provide a framework that they can use to identify potential problems and to work collaboratively with patients.
“Improving Adherence to Endocrine Therapies: The role of Advanced Practice Nurses.” Oncology, Volume 20, Number 10, Supplement 7.
Donna M. Rosborough, MS, RN, Division of Cardiac Surgery, published an article in Critical Care Nurse about cardiac surgery in elderly patients. With more people living into their 80s, the prevalence of cardiac disease and life expectancy, the number of elderly patients referred for cardiac surgery most likely will increase. Although patients greater than 80 years old are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality because of co-morbid conditions, especially in urgent or emergent cases, carefully selected patients may continue to lead a full life after recovery from cardiac surgery. The overall improvement in outcomes for older patients may be due to better selection of very elderly patients undergoing surgery or to the increased experience and skill acquired by operating on more octogenarians over time.
“Cardiac Surgery in Elderly Patients: Strategies to Optimize Outcomes.” Critical Care Nurse. Vol 26, No. 5, October 2006. pages 24-32.
Vincent M. Vacca, Jr., MSN, RN, CCRN, nurse educator for the Neuroscience ICU, published an article on Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), a rare but potentially deadly disorder. HAE can be triggered by conditions including infections, allergic reactions and minor trauma such as a dental or surgical procedure. Once triggered, HAE quickly can lead to severe airway occlusion, which, if not recognized and treated promptly, can result in respiratory failure.
“Gasping for Breath in the ED:Nurses can learn to recognize the signs of a deadly hereditary disorder”
Nursing Spectrum, New England Edition, Oct. 9, 2006, pg. 11.
Vacca published a related article focusing on how any minor trauma can trigger HAE.
“What’s Wrong With This Patient?”
RN Vol. 69 No. 10 pg. 25
Have you written a journal article that other nurses should read? E-mail bwhnurse@partners.org