Ultra-thin lithium aluminate spinel ferrite films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and low damping.

Ultra-thin films of low damping ferromagnetic insulators with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy have been identified as critical to advancing spin-based electronics by significantly reducing the threshold for current-induced magnetization switching while enabling new types of hybrid structures or devices. Here, we have developed a new class of ultra-thin spinel structure Li0.5Al1.0Fe1.5O4 (LAFO) films on MgGa2O4 (MGO) substrates with: 1) perpendicular magnetic anisotropy; 2) low magnetic damping and 3) the absence of degraded or magnetic dead layers. These films have been integrated with epitaxial Pt spin source layers to demonstrate record low magnetization switching currents and high spin-orbit torque efficiencies. These LAFO films on MGO thus combine all of the desirable properties of ferromagnetic insulators with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, opening new possibilities for spin based electronics.

Using Experiential Learning to Affect Perceived Knowledge of Disaster Preparedness Among Hospital-Based Personnel.

Perceived knowledge deficits in disaster preparedness are widespread among hospital-based nurses and healthcare professionals. Experiential learning programs provide enhanced disaster preparedness familiarity among hospital-based healthcare staff. A disaster preparedness education class was offered at a midwestern suburban hospital to promote increased knowledge perception. The Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire was administered to assess disaster preparedness familiarity. The posttest scores after the experiential learning yielded statistically significant results ( t = 46.90, p < .001) for increased disaster preparedness familiarity.

Evaluation of a nausea assessment tool in the pediatric oncology population.

PURPOSE: Nausea is a symptom that is often experienced but misunderstood. Its impact is amplified in pediatric oncology patients. Nausea assessments in pediatric oncology are few and not yet widely used. The Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) scale holds promise and is used in some pediatric oncology units. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to evaluate the impact of the BARF scale on nursing assessments in inpatient pediatric hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant settings. CONCLUSIONS: Project work took place on one hematology/oncology unit and one stem cell transplant unit. Thirty nurses completed the acceptability of intervention measure (AIM), intervention appropriateness measure (IAM), and feasibility of intervention measure (FIM) to provide initial feedback on the BARF scale. Nurses used the BARF scale over an 8-week period. Patient demographics and BARF scores were collected during nausea assessments. Twenty nurses completed AIM/IAM/FIM scores postintervention. There were no significant changes in scores, though nurses stated that the tool was easy to use and provided valuable symptom feedback. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Symptom management will continue to be a challenge in the pediatric setting given developmental and disease-specific considerations inherent to the specialty. While this small-scale project did not achieve statistical significance, the evidence and feedback from nursing staff present a compelling case that efforts to investigate and integrate improved methods of assessing nausea and other problematic symptoms are needed to enhance nursing practice and impact patient-centered outcomes.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Nurses During a Pandemic: Implications for Nurse Leaders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between nurses' practice environment (NPE), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and intent to leave among nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: High levels of physiological and psychological stress in the workplace render nurses susceptible to PTSD. To date, little research has focused on the relationship between NPE, PTSD, and intent to leave during a major health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was completed by nurses who were members of northeastern and midwestern state nurses' associations. RESULTS: Approximately 44% of nurses sampled indicated a preference for leaving their position. Significant associations were identified between NPE and PTSD and between NPE and intent to leave. CONCLUSION: This assessment of nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic may inform future mental health strategies and stress management interventions that support nurses continuing to work during a major health crisis.

Preparing Mentors: A Review of the Literature.

The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the preparation provided to nurse mentors. The nine studies reviewed revealed four themes related to preparation of nurse mentors. Nursing professional development practitioners should use current literature to develop nurse mentor preparation tools to improve the outcomes of the nursing mentor-mentee relationship and impact patient care.

Community-Based Home Health Programs and Chronic Disease: Synthesis of the Literature.

PURPOSE OF STUDY: This article reviewed and evaluated literature on the various community-based home health programs and their effectiveness at preventing hospital admissions in adults. The research question addressed is as follows: Do community-based home health programs decrease hospital admissions in adult patients with chronic disease? PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTING: The primary practice setting evaluated in this review of the literature was community-based home health programs. METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE: In this literature review, a seven-step review method was utilized to assess the evidence. Three electronic databases were used to conduct the initial search inquiry: CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Plus with Full Text, Medline, and PsycINFO. The search parameters include research from 2006 through 2016, English-language studies, and research published in peer-reviewed journals. The following search terms were used in multiple combinations: community-based health programs, chronic disease, and home. The primary sample population assessed was older adults with chronic disease. RESULTS: The research identified three common themes that influenced quality-of-life outcomes and health care utilization in participants of a community-based home health program. These themes were encouragement and emotional support, home visits, and multidisciplinary coordination of care. Additional concepts of depression and educational reinforcement were also noted. IMPLICATIONS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE: This literature review indicates that community-based home health programs are a viable solution to providing cost-effective health care to the adult population with chronic diseases. Community-based home health programs have been shown to have a positive impact on the quality of life and a decrease in health care utilization, including emergency department and primary care practitioner visits and hospital admissions, for adults with chronic disease.

Home Telehealth Interventions for Older Adults With Diabetes.

The purpose of this literature review was to explore home telemedicine interventions for the treatment of older adults with diabetes. Eight databases were searched for articles published between 2011 and 2016, in the English language, and in peer-reviewed journals, resulting in 1,274 relevant articles. Following review against inclusion and exclusion criteria, six articles were retained. Studies included participants with a mean age from 68 to 76.8 years and from three different countries, with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The articles reviewed suggest that case management, education, closed-loop feedback and communication, home telemonitoring devices or units, and motivational interviewing or coaching can effectively decrease admissions, costs per person per year, mortality, and cognitive decline in older adults with diabetes. The scarcity of high-quality studies is consistent with findings from previous systematic reviews, and highlights the need for additional investigation before applying the results in practice.