Abstract This paper covers numerous ways that wireless technology can simplify health care. It shows that both doctors and patients can benefit from its use in hospitals and ambulances. It not only makes communication within medical facilities easier and faster, but more efficient as well. Patient convenience is increased, while physician stress is reduced. The paper shows that its use is also a cost-effective solution, requiring very little effort to install. An overall improvement to health care could be achieved through the use of wireless technology in the medical field.
From the Paper "Accuracy is also increased by the use of wireless networks. According to Samuel Greengard, hospitals that have adopted wireless networks have reduced errors by as much as fifty percent. Less errors, means less chance for malpractice suits and better quality of care for the patient. Hospitals are often among the last to adapt new technologies because they work in a high-risk field were errors could cost someone's life. But since this technology has been around long enough to prove its reliability, more hospitals should make the move to adopt this technology."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the developing trend in many hospitals of mandatory overtime for nurses. The paper reviews literature regarding the issue to discuss the effects of mandatory overtime on the overall health care of patients and the nurses themselves.
From the Paper "With increasing number of patients requiring inpatient care, nationwide, hospitals are faced with a stiff resource crisis. Invariably, this shortage of nurses is met by implementing mandatory overtime regulations for the nursing staff. However, this has proved to be an unhealthy and dangerous practice affecting the quality of patient care as well as overburdening the nursing staff. Providing extended hours of service on a regular basis, nurses become tired and stressed out which not only increases the attrition rate but also affects the outcome of the patient. Foley of the ANA says, "By far the riskiest result of understaffing is the abuse of mandatory overtime as a staffing tool," [Robert Steinbrook]. Over extended, burnt out and even underpaid, nurses develop job dissatisfaction and as statistics indicate one out of five nurses are contemplating on quitting the profession altogether. Further the increasing patient/ nurse ratio directly implies a serious compromise on personal care to patients. Let us now look into some recent research studies that also confirm the negative effects of mandatory overwork among nurses."
An overall look at Da Vinci's brilliant work during the humanistic period in Europe, which introduced the study of anatomy and functions of the human body.
Abstract This paper provides a look at Da Vinci's humanistic work during the late Middle Ages in Europe that brought the study of anatomy into existence. Though outlawed by the Catholic Church, dissection gave Da Vinci the ability to sketch the human body inside and out.
From the Paper "During the Renaissance, a movement towards humanism brought anatomy from nonexistence to theory to science. Leonardo Da Vinci was a humanist who was a part of the scientific revolution during the 15th and 16th centuries and studied medicine, in addition to mathematics, physics, art, etc. When the shift to realism became important in art, anatomy and the study of the physical body was immensely important to artists in Europe. Da Vinci rebelled against the church to take the first step in portraying the body as how it is, which is important to humanism because it focuses on the physical human body."
Abstract This paper delves into what the word 'hospice' means and the history of the program. It looks at the current concept of the program, costs involved, and the statistics relating to hospice care in the health industry. The author of the paper also uses personal examples.
From the Paper "Hospice care is not just for the patient; it also includes the whole family. Emotional, spiritual, physical, social needs, and practical care are provided following the patient's wishes and family needs (Aupperle, MacPhee, Strozeski, Finn, & Heath, p.430). Hospice provides personalized services and a caring community so that patients and families can attain the necessary preparation for a death that is satisfactory to them. The nature of dying is so unique that the goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each individual and family. Hospice provides continuing contact and support for caregivers for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Most hospices also sponsor bereavement groups and support for anyone in the community who has experienced a death of a family member, a friend, or similar losses".
Abstract The paper begins with a definition of alcohol dependence. It examines the symptoms and the causes of alcoholism and looks at levels of alcoholic tolerance. The paper examines consequences of alcoholic misuse and the various types of treatment available.
From the Paper "The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious-in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated."
Abstract This paper outlines the significant differences between the genders with regard to drug abuse. The paper looks at the differences in all aspects of drug use, including why they seek out drugs, who they get drugs from, the types of drugs used, the level of dependence, and the degree of relapse.
From the Paper "Drug addiction, in women and men, is a disease that has become an epidemic in America and around the world. However, there are significant gender differences in regards to drug abuse, and associated behaviors. Much research exists to show that women and men vary drastically with respect to the circumstances surrounding their initial drug use, the specific types of drugs they grow dependent upon, the level of dependence, and the ability they have to seek treatment for their addiction. From the first time a member of either sex uses drugs until they seek treatment, quit, or relapse, females and males exhibit extreme differences in their behavior."
Abstract This paper explains the pros and cons of human cloning and provides enough information on both sides of the argument for the reader to make his or her own informed decision on whether human cloning is ethical or not. This paper presents several areas, including the definition of cloning, an explanation of why questions concerning the cloning of humans have arisen, and a discussion of the facts and opinions that support cloning.
From the Paper "A young couple were married for only three years when the husband was in a terrible car accident. He was unconscious at the scene of the accident and went into a coma shortly after arriving at the emergency room. Although he eventually awoke from the coma, he never returned to his previous level of consciousness. He had suffered severe head trauma and would live out the rest of his days as a vegetable. The wife was very distraught because they had both wanted to have children and now they would be unable to do so. Over the past several years, she had heard a lot amount cloning but wasn't sure it could be done in her case. She believed it was the only way that she and her husband could have children together. Introduction The ethics of human cloning has become a great issue in the past few years. The advocates for both sides of the issue have many reasons to clone or not to clone."
Abstract This paper explains that stressors in the work setting predispose individuals to stress reactions, physiological responses and psychological responses, which are factors associated with the stress faced by nurses The author points out that the first step in reducing stress is recognizing that stress exists and talking about it; nurses need to have realistic expectations of themselves and others, remembering that nobody is perfect. The paper relates that many women in western cultures experience more stress than men do because, as women entered the workforce, they face the effects of their multiple roles; in addition, women and men appear to have different biological responses to stressors.
Table of Contents
Stress: Wilson Concept Analysis
Isolating Questions of Concept and Answers
Model Case
Contrary Case
Related Case
Culture
Women
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are many sources of stress. Stress can be a result of physical, psychological, and social stressors. Stressors are the stimulus that throws the body's equilibrium out of balance. Stressors can be both internal and external. External stressors include adverse physical conditions su ch as pain or hot or cold temperatures or stressful psychological environments such as poor working conditions or abusive relationships. Internal stressors include physical infections, inflammation or psychological stressors. An example of an internal psychological stressor is intense worry about a harmful event that may or may not occur. Psychological and social stressors are more subjective than physical stress. Stressors in the work setting predispose individuals to stress reactions, physiological responses, and psychological responses."
Abstract This paper explains that America is often referred to as "the greatest country in the world"; but, for approximately 44 million people, when it comes to healthcare, unlike other industrialized countries, America has not fulfilled its promises. The author points out that a majority of the American public have a misguided understanding that the uninsured are unemployed families or families that chose not to work, but more than eighty percent of the uninsured are workers or their dependents. The paper proposes various means of providing better healthcare such as Employer Mandates, which sets employer contribution requirements, or Individual Mandates, which mandates that everyone have at least basic health care coverage, which they could get it from a multitude of different sources, similar to every automobile driver being required to have at least liability insurance. Many charts.
Table of Contents
The Uninsured
Length of Time without Insurance
Why are They not Insured
Effects on the Uninsured
Why Our System doesn't Work
High cost and Waste
System Complexity
Health Care Compared
Single-Payer System
Expenditures
Infant Mortality
Life Expectancy
Other Options
Employer Mandates
Individual Mandates
Tax Credits
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Institute of Medicine reports that an uninsured person is less likely to get medical attention when needed due to the cost. There is much evidence that early detection for many medical problems could prevent further damage or at least arrest the problem in time to have a more positive and less costly outcome. It has been shown that people without insurance are less likely to be admitted to the hospital or receive the full range of services. The uninsured are 37% more likely to die of their injuries.
Abstract The writer of this well-researched paper details the health risks which can and do result, due to the use of hormones in the beef produced in America and around the world. This paper traces the use of hormones in beef back to the 1970s, when the U.S. began using hormones to accelerate the growth rate of animals in an effort to conserve time and money. The writer contends that over 95% of the cattle in the U.S. are currently being administered growth promoting hormones. This paper examines the ongoing conflict between the U.S., the European Union and Canada over the ban on cattle products produced with growth hormones. Since the 1950s, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been researching the effects of growth hormones and it, as well as other scientific experts, have found that there is no difference between beef raised on hormones and those raised without. This paper delves into the various FDA laws which permit the use of hormones in restricted amounts. The writer of this paper also focuses on the health risks involved with the ingestion of these hormones. Scientists and health experts contend that any increase in the level of hormones, above that which occurs naturally in humans, carries a potential risk of carcinogenic effects.
From the Paper "Beginning in the 1970's the United State's meat industry began using hormones to improve the growth rate of animals in an effort to conserve time and money. In 1981, the European Union began restricting the use of growth hormones within the Union itself, and also began restricting the import of meat and meat products derived from cattle that had been given hormones. During the past years, the European Union have updated and/or amended its regulations several times, generally to include more hormones, however, for the most part, the regulations have remained the same. The dispute at the World Trade Organization concerns the use of six scientifically approved hormones used for cattle growth promotion, estradiol, melengestrol acetate, progesterone, testosterone, trenbolone acetate, and zeranol."
Abstract This paper outlines the reasons for the nursing shortage, and how these problems came about. It also explores some of the measures being taken to reverse the trend.
From the Paper "The nursing shortage in the United States and throughout the world is reaching staggering proportions. Cooper Statistics show that half the nursing workforce will reach retirement age in years adding to the problem. Between and the average age of registered...."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the traditional nursing theory of Dorothea Orem (Self-Care Deficit Theory)with the holistic theory of Martha Rogers (Science of Unitary Human Beings). It discusses self-care as a learned behavior.
From the Paper "Dorothea Orem and Martha Rogers are two prominent nursing theorists with distinct theories on nursing. Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory originated in and included three corollary theories ... "
Tags: nursing theorists, Dorothea Orem, Martha Rogers, Self-Care Deficit Theory, Science of Unitary Human Beings
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of Pfizer, the largest American pharmaceutical company, the company's strategic priorities and an analysis of an acquisition. The paper includes a SWOT analysis of the company's strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and threats it faces.
From the Paper "Pfizer is the largest American pharmaceutical company and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. It competes with Merck and Glaxo and markets such well-known medications as Celebrex and Viagra ..."
Abstract This paper explores the importance of cultural diversity in nursing. The paper examines both the legal, and the moral/ethical obligations of professionals in the field to represent and embrace diversity. The paper concludes that in order to reach this goal, nursing education must include more trans-cultural coursework and emphasis.
From the Paper "Developing sensitivity to diversity is not only a legal obligation in the United States. It is also a moral and ethical obligation that speaks directly to aspects of the social contract and the longstanding human need..."
Abstract This paper looks at the role and development of ethics in the nursing profession. The paper begins with a discussion of the important moral principles in nursing. Next the paper assesses the relevance of traditional vs. ethical theories in nursing. The paper also questions the impact of critical thinking on nursing ethics. The paper concludes with an assessment of the importance of moral development within nurses on the continuing development of nursing ethics.