December 9, 2022
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Foreign-language material reinforces teaching and improves outcomes
If an educational piece is important for teaching English-speaking patients, then it equally is important that non-English-speaking patients receive the piece as well, says Etta Short, MS, a health educator at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. -
For cost-effectiveness, set translation criteria
Translating patient education materials into foreign languages is costly, so it is important to select those that would benefit the most patients. Without criteria to evaluate each piece, it is difficult to determine which ones should be translated. To take the guesswork out of the process, the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle created a set of criteria. -
Accurate translation is not always enough
When creating written materials for a multicultural population, translation from English to the target language is not enough. There are many other factors that must be taken into account to make sure the target audience understands the information. -
Notebooks designed to fill the gap help rural patients
Although Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO, had used grant money to purchase a comprehensive breast cancer notebook, the book did not fit its patient population. It was a great resource; but it wasnt entirely applicable to our valley, so we customized it, says Susan Laws, RN, MS, education resources manager. -
Avoid PCA errors with education, wise selection
Medication errors associated with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps most often are caused by inadequate patient and staff education, misuse by well-intentioned family members, and improper patient selection, according to results of a recent survey by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. -
Ergonomics program gives a lift to morale
Ergonomics is more than a way to lift patients. As Butler (PA) Memorial Hospital found, it can lift morale and employee satisfaction as well. The challenge is to overcome negative perceptions and convince staff that hospital administration is serious about reducing injuries. -
Watch for SADS signs; killer runs in the family
Heart problems that cause sudden death in children often are uncovered following a tragedy. At that time, health care professionals look at other members of the family to see if there is a heredity disorder that resulted in the death. -
Campaign promotes kids’ E.N.T. health
After well-child visits, three of the top five reasons parents take their children to pediatricians are for ear, nose, and throat problems such as ear infections, sinusitis, and tonsillitis. Parents need education on how to manage these common conditions in an era of resistant antibiotics.