Abstract
This paper presents two possible message strategies for getting at risk mothers to obtain prenatal care. The strategies are based on social marketing concepts, as well as the health belief model (HBM). The two message strategies contained in this paper are based on two types of message interventions and both consider the HBM. The HBM, developed in the 1950s by social psychologists Hochbaum, Rosenstock and Kegels working in the U.S. Public Health Services, is a psychological model that explains the attitudes and beliefs of individuals that will lead them to take a health-related action (Health Belief Model).

Table of Contents:
Introduction
About the Target Audience
Persuasion-Oriented Messaging
Informed Decision-Making Messaging Strategy
Political and Economic Difficulties
References

From the Paper
"Informed decision-making interventions should be used when persuasion would be inappropriate (Communication for health. Examples include when the evidence is not sufficiently clear to support one behavior over another (e.g., surgical removal versus watchful waiting for men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer), when an individual's values must be taken into consideration to determine the optimal behavior (prevention of sexual assault), or when society has been unable to reach consensus about the optimal recommended behavior (e.g., prevention of teen pregnancy) (Communication for health). Instead of providing evidence that prenatal care can save lives, it relies on the mother wanting to do the right thing and uses a woman who has lost her child to convince her."

Tags:prevention, decision-making, behavior

Abstract
The paper relates that Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is founded on the principle that evidence is applied from a scientific method to medical practice. The paper discusses how EBM assesses the evidence to its quality in being an intervention in treatment. The paper relates that there are times when EBM dictates that there is no treatment necessary; "Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients" according to the Center for Evidence Based Medicine (Glasziou, n.d.). The paper further explains that EBM recognizes the many aspects of patient care that are based on judgment rather than scientific evidence, and an example of a judgment in EBM is the quality of life and value of life judgment for the terminally ill.

From the Paper
"Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is founded on the principle that evidence is applied from a scientific method to medical practice. EBM assesses the evidence to its quality in being an intervention in treatment. There are times when EBM dictates that there is no treatment necessary. "Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients" according to the Center for Evidence Based Medicine (Glasziou, n.d.). EBM recognizes the many aspects of patient care that are based on judgment rather than scientific evidence. An example of a judgment in EBM..."

Tags:evidence, based, medicine

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that Watson's theory of human care is based on a deep respect for all of human life and for the interconnectedness of all things. The writer maintains that the process of human care is founded on a trans-personal caring relationship which allows the nurse and patient to enter into one another's lives and changes them both.

From the Paper
"The clinical situation with Mrs. N demonstrated to me that even though we may have developed a very strong therapeutic relationship with a patient, the nurse's perspective can be very different from that of the patient. This is the type of confusion and ambiguity that Watson's theory of human care is intended to address. This confusion also is addressed in the CNO's (2002) standard of practice related to continuing competence. Competence here is not in relation to skills but attitudes and beliefs. "

Tags:perspective, care

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that child care is a complex rising topic that has become more of a trend in recent years. The use of child care is a choice from the family that can be due for various reasons. Common reasons are because both parents hold occupations and therefore need a caregiver for their child during the day, and also parents who want to spend time with each other without the presence of their child. The writer discusses that no matter what the reasoning may be, there are several aspects to consider when choosing care for a child and in regards to child care in general. The writer discusses that advantages and disadvantages exist for child care based in an institution or home and that ensuring the child with quality care is a must.

From the Paper
"Home based and center based child care are the two main types of existing care options. Home based child care was popular amongst the families in the Child Care in Cultural Context study because it gave them the choice of selecting a particular care giver, rather than in a center based care facility where there are multiple care providers. Along with this benefit, many more are associated with home based child care. Generally, the owner of the day care is the main provider so they are always present. A fewer number of children are present which leads to more individualized attention. The children in the home can be of mixed age groups thus encouraging interaction of different levels of stimulation. Scheduling for food and naps are typically more flexible than in center care facilities, so the child's typical routine can be integrated while out of their own home. Also, home based day care centers are often less expensive for the families."

Tags:development, skills, families, selection

Abstract
This paper proposes a study to review the efficacy of a disease management program for osteoarthritis (OA) in a primary care setting, based on preservation of joint function as well as adequate pain management. For the purposes of this study, the following question is asked: "How does a primary care based medical and educational management program effect the disease progression in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis as evidenced by a reduction in pain and progression of disease?" The author hypothesizes that it is insufficient to provide self-administered education programs for OA patients and that an interactive program containing education, pain management, hands on evaluation and frequent follow up will demonstrate patient reports of reduction in daily pain as well as objective demonstration of preservation of function, as evidenced by serial physical examination.

Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Literature Review
Research Design

From the Paper
"Conversely, a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology reports there was no significant improvement in patient function or pain related to implementation of the Arthritis Self Management Program (ASMP). Subjects were recruited for intervention and evaluated at baseline as well as four months after completion of the course or reading of the ASMP manual (This group functioned as the control for the study). No significant clinical benefits were noted at four months in patients who had been recruited from primary care practices, although the authors were able to note an improvement in other patient groups, such as those who had been referred for specialty care. "

Tags:pain, chronic, disease

Abstract
This paper analyzes Dr Jean Watson's theory of human care and how it is based on a deep respect for all of human life and for the interconnectedness of all things. The paper presents a case study of a clinical situation with Mrs. N and describes how the implementation of Watson's theory affected the way in which the writer related to the patient. It discusses how this relationship improved care for the patient. The paper is written in the first person.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Personal Experience Reflection
Watson's Theory of Human Care
Evaluation

From the Paper
"As a result of the caring moment, both I and Mrs. N were changed. I learned a new level of continuing competence and arrived at a deeper understanding of human care. I learned to clarify my value system and define what it means to be human and caring as a nurse. I also learned that both I and the patient are involved in continuous process of growing, changing, and becoming (Walker & Neuman, 1996). We both came out of the situation essentially learning the same truth that we need a high perception of the other person as a human being. In addition, as a result of the intersubjective flow between Mrs. N and I, Mrs. N was better able to release some of her disharmony of the mind, body and soul. She came to realize that she does need more health teaching and cannot deal with certain situations. What did not work in the situation was that I did not have the patient's perspective at the center. However, the use of Watson's carative factors changed that."

Tags:clinical, competence, healing, understanding

Abstract
This paper examines different types of geriatric care in Australia, especially in light of the demographic transition as the baby boom generation ages along with increased longevity and declining fertility rates. This transition is still in its early stages and is about to become much more serious. In particular, the population of Australia is rapidly aging so that impending challenges will be the development of policies that provide adequate care and services to the elderly in a cost-effective manner. The choice for care of the elderly is between institutionally based care and community based care.

From the Paper
"All industrialized nations are presently experiencing a demographic transition as the baby boom generation ages along with increased longevity and declining fertility rates (Anderson & Hussey, 2000). This transition is still in its early stages and is about to become much more serious. As in all countries around the globe, the population of Australia is rapidly aging so that impending challenges will be the development of policies that provide adequate care and services to the elderly in a cost-effective manner. The choice for care of the elderly is between institutionally..."

Tags:community, institutional, care

Abstract
The paper discusses how health care restructuring has been the impetus for innovative health care delivery models to provide integrated primary care. The paper looks at two of the most widely used strategies to meet the challenges; case management and care management (Doyle, Vallejo, Horgan & Foust, 2003). The paper also relates that among the challenges are patient predictors of improvement and evaluating benchmark outcomes (Holley, Hodges & Jeffers, 1998). The paper then relates that while nursing professional practice is evidence-based practice, the actual implementation of evidence-based models into mental health nursing can be met with opposition. The paper goes on to discuss how despite the challenges, the community care model is effective.

From the Paper
"Health care restructuring has been the impetus for innovative health care delivery models to provide integrated primary care. The two most widely used strategies to meet the challenges are case management and care management (Doyle, Vallejo, Horgan & Foust, 2003). Among the challenges are patient predictors of improvement and evaluating benchmark outcomes (Holley, Hodges & Jeffers, 1998). While nursing professional practice is evidence-based practice, the actual implementation of evidence-based models into mental health nursing can be met with opposition."

Tags:case, care, management

Abstract
The writer states that his/her practicum took place at Mount Sinai Mother and Baby Unit, a place where change is used as a catalyst to enhance quality of care. The writer's project was based on the principles of family centered care. The writer's main learning goal was to understand family centered care and to apply nursing and change theory to his/her own practice of family centered care. It was emphasized during the retreat that family centered care is holistic and that patients and families must be respected and treated with dignity.

Tags:family, centered, care

Abstract
In this article the writer notes that evidenced-based practice (EBP) implies that decisions about treatment options will depend largely on evidence of their clinical effectiveness. Further, the writer explains that the major purpose of EBP is the elimination of the use of expensive, ineffective, or dangerous medical decision-making. This paper presents and analyzes alternatives that could potentially offer a solution to the issue of EBP gaps and barriers to effective health care. The writer concludes that there must be an improvement of the access that is seen where evidence-based resources are concerned and barriers must be eliminated when it comes to making EBP an integral part of the solution to the problem of better patient care and lower healthcare costs.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Problem Identification
Context of Issue
Issue Statement
The Stakeholders Involved
Policy Goal and Objectives
Evaluation Criteria
Policy Alternatives
Comparison and Conclusion
Alternatives
Result Analysis
Recommendation
References

From the Paper
"Many patients today are not seeing the quality of care that they actually need, despite the fact that evidence-based practice (EBP) has been evolving. Patients are too often receiving inconsistent, wasteful, and even harmful interventions when it comes to nursing. There has been an increasing emphasis on the outcomes of patient care, and this is changing the focus of tasks, practices, and opinion-driven decisions to more of a focus on practices that are guided by evidence."
"There are, however, still some problems that remain unresolved, and these include the gap that is seen between evidence and practice, the unnecessary variations in practice, and the rising cost of healthcare, among others."

Tags:clinical, treatment, nursing, care