Pre- and postvasectomy counseling: strategies to improve patient knowledge

Abstract Background We report the results of an observational study of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) cannulation and haemostasis practices in France. Methods The study (sponsored by Brothier Pharmaceutical Inc.) was conducted in 150 dialysis units. Data obtained from 150 supervisory nurses, 1538 nurses and 3588 patients with an AVF were analysed. Results The nurses reported using rope-ladder, area or buttonhole cannulation techniques in 68, 26 and 6% of cases, respectively. Metal needles were used most frequently (64%), with mainly a diameter of 15 G or 16 G. The needle was introduced with the bevel up in 56% of cases. Compression applied using dressings (in particular, pure calcium alginate dressings) was the method of choice for haemostasis of the puncture sites and was assessed as being strong by most of the nurses and very strong in cases of prolonged bleeding. Most (82%) of the patients reported the use of local anaesthetic before cannulation and 23% reported an allergic skin reaction to the anaesthetic. Bleeding of the puncture sites lasted for >10 min for 48% of the patients and it reappeared between two sessions for 29% of the patients. Whereas the nurses appeared to have a good understanding of AVF, more than half of the patients did not know how to care for it, with 55% requiring more information. Conclusions This study underlines the lack of national consensus concerning AVF cannulation practices. It suggests that haemostasis methods of the puncture sites can be improved and it highlights the need to improve patient knowledge.

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Impact of Pharmacist Counselling on Clozapine Knowledge

Schizophrenia Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2017/6120970 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ciara Ní Dhubhlaing ◽

Ailish Young ◽

Laura J. Sahm

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Patient Information ◽

Side Effect ◽

Information Sources ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

University Hospital ◽

Patient Knowledge ◽

Specific Knowledge ◽

The Impact ◽

Improve Patient

Clozapine is the only antipsychotic with evidence for efficacy in treatment of resistant schizophrenia but it carries a high side effect burden. Patient information is provided but may be poorly retained. This study aims to examine the impact of pharmacist counselling upon patient knowledge of clozapine. Outpatients, aged 18 years and over, attending St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, participated in this study between June and August 2015. The intervention consisted of pharmacist counselling on two occasions one month apart. Knowledge was assessed using a 28-point checklist devised from the currently available clozapine patient information sources, at baseline and after each counselling session. Ethics approval was obtained. Twenty-five participants (40% female; mean age 45.1 years, SD 9.82; 64% unemployed, 28% smokers) showed an improvement in knowledge scores of clozapine from baseline to postcounselling on each occasion with an overall improvement in knowledge score, from baseline to postcounselling at one month, of 39.43%; p<0.001. This study adds to the evidence that interventions involving pharmacist counselling can improve patient knowledge, whilst the specific knowledge gained relating to recognition of side effects may help patients towards more empowerment regarding their treatment.

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