AMBLER, Pa. (March 12, 2013) – Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry, today announced a collaboration between Lippincott’s Nursing Solutions and the American Association of Long Term Care Nursing (AALTCN) to develop a new point-of-care support solution for nurses working in nursing homes and other long-term care settings.  The collaboration is creating a new category of the Lippincott’s Nursing Procedures and Skills product designed to meet the needs of long-term care (LTC) nurses.

Charlotte Eliopoulos, Director and Co-Founder of AALTCN, is directing the development project.  Eliopoulos tapped into her organization’s membership to assemble a team of practicing nurses who are currently engaged in LTC settings and were enlisted for their individual expertise and ability to document procedures from a real world perspective. 

“With a growing and clinically complex population coming into long term care and with all of the emphasis on reducing hospital readmissions, there’s a lot of sensitivity about competently caring for this group,” said Eliopoulos.  “To have a cost effective, user-friendly product that can equip us to effectively provide the proper care is essential, and makes this a timely project.” 

“We are really excited to merge the existing strengths and functionality of Lippincott’s Nursing Procedures and Skills together with all of the insight and expertise that AALTCN brings to the profession,” said Carolyn Dalton, Senior Digital Product Manager, Wolters Kluwer Health.  “The end result is LTC focused procedures that will have considerable impact on that space.”

Lippincott’s Nursing Procedures and Skills, part of Lippincott’s Nursing Solutions family of products, gives nurses accurate, step-by-step guidance for over 1,300 evidence-based procedures.  Video clips and/or high-quality visuals that aid in understanding accompany most procedures.  The online resource provides skills checklists and competency tests for each procedure to help facilities verify staff competence.  Each procedure undergoes a thorough annual review process to ensure the most up-to-date clinical information is provided.  Facilities can customize and add procedures to meet their specific needs.

Lippincott’s Nursing Solutions is a comprehensive, integrated application suite of online clinical information technology and professional development products that supports evidence-based practice, standardizes care, enhances productivity, and streamlines workflows for nursing professionals.  Created by nurses for nurses, it is currently helping more than 1,500 healthcare facilities promote clinical excellence by creating a culture of safety and continuous quality improvement.  Key products under its umbrella include Lippincott’s Nursing Advisor; Lippincott’s Professional Development Programs; and Lippincott’s Nursing Procedures and Skills.

The agreement with AALTCN includes the creation of 75 new and/or modified long-term care procedures that are being added to the existing Lippincott’s Nursing Procedures and Skills product.  The additions will start rolling out in April and will be completely populated by the end of the year.  The enhancements are targeted at health systems with LTC departments, nursing homes, assisted living communities, community care programs and other long-term sub-acute care providers.  To learn more, visit its website or call (855) 695-5070.

About American Association for Long Term Care

The American Association for Long Term Care Nursing (AALTCN) unites all levels of nursing staff to advance excellence in the specialty of long-term care nursing. The association encourages respect for long-term care nursing staff by informing colleagues and consumers about the complexities, competencies, and commitment of the special caregivers who commit to this specialty. As the nation’s largest network of caregivers, the mission of the American Association for Long Term Care Nursing is to create community and teamwork, provide educational resources, support and promote excellence in care, and advocate for an improved status and voice for long-term care nursing staff.

About Wolters Kluwer Health

Wolters Kluwer Health (Philadelphia, PA) is a leading global provider of information, business intelligence and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Serving more than 150 countries and territories worldwide, Wolters Kluwer Health’s customers include professionals, institutions and students in medicine, nursing, allied health and pharmacy. Major brands include Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Ovid^®, Medknow, UpToDate^®, Medi-Span^®, Facts & Comparisons^®, Pharmacy OneSource^®, Lexicomp^® and ProVation^® Medical.Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company. Wolters Kluwer had 2012 annual revenues of €3.6 billion ($4.6 billion), employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, and maintains operations in over 40 countries across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

Contacts:

Robert Dekker
Director of Communications
Wolters Kluwer Health
+1 (215) 521-8928
Robert.Dekker@wolterskluwer.com

Tom Kivett
Kivett & Company Communications
212-727-2935
tkivett@kivettandco.com

Philadelphia, Pa. (March 18, 2012) – Nurses are the largest group of health care professionals and have the most interaction with patients.  Yet previously, there has been limited research regarding nursing’s contributions to improving the quality of care.  A special April supplement to Medical Care provides an update from the Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative (INQRI) — an ongoing program, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), to “generate, disseminate, and translate research to understand how nurses contribute to and can improve patient care quality.”  Medical Care is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

The INQRI program was launched in 2005 to help address the lack of evidence linking nursing to the quality of patient care.  The INQRI program is led by Mary D. Naylor, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Mark Pauly, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, in collaboration with RWJF senior program officer Lori Melichar, PhD.

How Do Nurses Contribute to Health Care Quality Improvement?

“Over two and a half million registered nurses provide care in a diverse range of settings across the United States,” according to an introductory article by Drs Naylor, Pauly, Melichar and coauthors.  “Yet there is limited understanding about nurses’ specific and distinct contribution to the quality of care provided to patients, families, and communities.” 

The special issue assembles invited contributions from experts working on various INQRI-funded initiatives, providing an update on the accomplishments of the INQRI program.  The supplement papers discuss timely issues in research design and implementation, placing INQRI research in the context of advances in quality improvement, health policy and health services research.  Naylor and colleagues write, “This edition of Medical Care provides an overview of some of the key discoveries made by INQRI grantees, examines cross-cutting issues experienced by research teams, and describes recommended approaches to advance this line of inquiry and its impact.”

Dr Naylor is also lead author of a comprehensive review of research through the first five years of INQRI.  The review shows significant advances in research supporting nursing’s impact on the quality of care, “reflected in higher rates and quality of publications, enhanced methodologic rigor, and evidence of stronger interdisciplinary collaboration.”   While this progress can’t be wholly ascribed to the INQRI project, “[T]he evidence supports the increased importance of changes consistent with INQRI’s goal of measuring and enhancing nursing’s contributions to the quality of patient care.”

The supplement also presents reviews and updates from INQRI experts in five key areas:

• New tools for quality measurement—A report on four INQRI projects designed to develop “simple, feasible, affordable” tools for measuring health care quality.  INQRI teams are focusing on measures that can be integrated into the health care delivery system and the growing use of electronic health records.
• Challenges to conducting interdisciplinary research—Collaborative efforts across nursing, medicine, economics, engineering, statistics, and other disciplines are viewed as essential, using “the entire continuum of care to provide value-added and cost effective care.”
• Challenges in implementation science—New research methods from the emerging field of implementation science can provide the critical link between effective interventions, clinical practice, and patient outcomes.
• Dissemination and implementation—The experience of INQRI-funded projects to implement new quality improvement initiatives is presented, illustrating the key issues in achieving widespread adoption of effective innovations in care delivery.
• Building the “business case” for nursing.—Experience from INQRI studies highlights the challenges of demonstrating the value of investing in nursing, with the ultimate goal of achieving better patient outcomes in a financially sustainable manner.

“To achieve better care and outcomes while ensuring the efficient use of finite resources, it is essential to advance our understanding of the causal linkages between nurses and the care they deliver,” Dr Naylor and coauthors conclude.  Together with the editors of Medical Care, they hope the special issue will draw attention to INQRI’s role in building the evidence base for nurses’ contributions to “the quality of health delivery and the improvement of that care.”

About Medical Care

Rated as one of the top ten journals in health care administration, Medical Care is devoted to all aspects of the administration and delivery of health care.  This scholarly journal publishes original, peer-reviewed papers documenting the most current developments in the rapidly changing field of health care.  Medical Care provides timely reports on the findings of original investigations into issues related to the research, planning, organization, financing, provision, and evaluation of health services.  In addition, numerous special supplementary issues that focus on specialized topics are produced with each volume.  Medical Care is the official journal of the Medical Care Section of the American Public Health Association

 About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) is a leading international publisher of trusted content delivered in innovative ways to practitioners, professionals and students to learn new skills, stay current on their practice, and make important decisions to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

LWW is part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information, business intelligence and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company with 2012 annual revenues of €3.6 billion ($4.6 billion).

Contacts:

Robert Dekker
Director of Communications
Wolters Kluwer Health
+1 (215) 521-8928
Robert.Dekker@wolterskluwer.com

Connie Hughes
Director, Marketing Communications
Wolters Kluwer Health Medical Research
+1 (646) 674-6348
Connie.Hughes@wolterskluwer.com

Official AANN Journal Introduces iPad App Edition to Aid Practitioners with Fast,
Convenient Access to the Research

Philadelphia PA (March 7, 2013) – The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) will celebrate its 45^th Annual Education Conference designed to help neuroscience nurses explore the critical, evidence-based information of its specialty to support a wide range of patient conditions. In recognition of the field’s advances over the past 45 years, AANN’s official research publication, the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (JNN), will introduce an iPad app edition at the meeting. The AANN Annual Educational Meeting takes place March 9-12 in Charlotte, North Carolina. JNN is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

“Digital access is part of our future and is increasingly how our members and practitioners want to access the Journal,” said V. Susan Carroll, MS, RN-BC, Editor of the JNN.  “We are pleased to launch the Journal app during our annual meeting, reinforcing our focus to make the JNN even more accessible to nurses and practitioners in today’s demanding, quickly-changing field.”

AANN’s 45^th Annual Educational Meeting theme – Listen, Learn, Lead –is designed to explore the critical information of the specialty, which encompasses nursing care for patients suffering a wide range of conditions, including strokes, dementia, brain trauma and injuries, and neurological diseases. This aligns with the JNN’s focus to provide research and information that is directly applicable to neuroscience nursing practice, as evidenced in the March/April issue.  

For example, State of the Science: Use of Biomarkers and Imaging in Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer Disease by Dierdre Brett Faller explores recent techniques that may soon allow a clinical diagnosis before the disease progresses to the point where symptoms become evident – when the benefits of treatment are limited. While still in the research stages, new methods to determine the disease’s pathology at earlier stages have the potential for an immense impact in clinical diagnosis and management.  For neuroscience nurses, this important research is key to putting the techniques into practice as they become more widely available, and being able to discuss them with patients and their families.         

Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases and Their Unique Cognitive Profiles: Implications for Nursing Practice and Research by David E. Vance, Joan E. Dodson, Jason Watkins, Bridgett H. Kennedy, and Norman L. Keltner, highlights the distinct ‘cognitive profiles’ of neurological and psychiatric diseases – which include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, and anxiety disorders.  Knowledge of how these diseases impact a patient’s cognitive function and ability to interact in society helps nurses determine how well the patient may be able to manage important aspects of their care regimen, such as remembering to make appointments or take medications.  Overall, this understanding will help nurses provide the best care, tailored to the individual patient’s needs. 

“Both articles have a strong research and new practice implications focus,” says Carroll. “They directly reflect the quality content in the JNN, and show how the Journal is positioned to help every nurse provide the best patient care.”

JNN for the iPad is Convenient, Accessible

The March/April issue of the JNN is now available as a free download in the iTunes App Store.  Each issue, delivered in a state-of-the art digital format, provides an enhanced print-like reading experience.  Special features include the ability to share articles and content via email, videos, and podcasts.  The iPad app also provides links back to JNNOnline.com, the Journal website, where subscribers can search, access, complete continuing education opportunities, and read the full contents of every issue.

Subsequent issues of the JNN will be available on the iPad on the same bimonthly schedule as the current online and print editions.  Future supplements and special issues will also be posted for download as soon as they are published. During an initial trial period, all readers of the JNN for the iPad will have free full access to the current issue.  After this free introductory period, AANN members and subscribers will continue to enjoy full access via a simple login process.

About  the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing

The Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (JNN), the official journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, contains original articles on advances in neurosurgical and neurological techniques as they affect nursing care, theory and research, as well as commentary on the roles of the neuroscience nurse in the health care team.  The Journal provides information to nurses and health care professionals working in diverse areas of neuroscience patient care such as multi-specialty and neuroscience intensive care units, general neuroscience units, combination units (neuro/ortho, neuromuscular/rehabilitation, neuropsychiatry, neurogerontology), rehabilitation units, medical-surgical units, pediatric units, emergency and trauma departments, and surgery. The information is applicable to professionals working in clinical, research, administrative, and educational settings.

About the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)

Founded in 1968, the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, an organization of more than 4,000 members worldwide, is committed to working for the highest standard of care for neuroscience patients by advancing the science and practice of neuroscience nursing. AANN accomplishes this through continuing education, information dissemination, standard setting, and advocacy on behalf of neuroscience patients, families, and nurses. AANN develops and supports nurses in providing excellence in care and promotes the neuroscience nursing specialty. As the leading authority in neuroscience nursing, AANN inspires passion in nurses and creates the future for the specialty.

About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) is a leading international publisher of trusted content delivered in innovative ways to practitioners, professionals and students to learn new skills, stay current on their practice, and make important decisions to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. LWW is part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information, business intelligence and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company with 2012 annual revenues of €3.6 billion ($4.6 billion).

Contacts:

Robert Dekker
Director of Communications
Wolters Kluwer Health
+1 (215) 521-8928
Robert.Dekker@wolterskluwer.com

Connie Hughes
Director, Marketing Communications
Wolters Kluwer Health Medical Research
+1 (646) 674-6348
Connie.Hughes@wolterskluwer.com

Philadelphia, Pa. (January 22, 2013) –  The most comprehensive review of new legal and regulatory issues affecting advanced nursing practice across the United States is now available in the “25th Annual Legislative Update,” presented exclusively by The Nurse Practitioner: The American Journal of Primary Healthcare.  The Nurse Practitioner is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

Compiled by Susanne J. Phillips, MSN, FNP-BC, the annual supplement presents a comprehensive review of the legislative proceedings, bills, and laws pertaining to advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) practice in every state.  The 25th Annual Legislative Update is now freely available on the journal website

Progress in Evidence-Based Reforms Improving Access to APRN Care

The 25th Annual Legislative Update incorporates current information provided by state nursing boards and APRN associations about the “hot topics” affecting APRN practice in their states.  “Despite attempts by medical boards to limit current practice authority, APRNs succeeded in improving access to APRN care in several states,” writes Phillips. 

The special edition provides an essential update on recent legislative and regulatory activity promoting access to APRN care, prompted by decades of peer-reviewed research demonstrating the quality and safety of APRN practice.  Efforts are ongoing to standardize laws and regulations governing APRN practice across states, and to establish effective consumer protections.

Yet legislation continues to be “vehemently opposed” in many states, according to Phillips.  She discusses steps APRNs can take to “empower legislators to move beyond the outdated, evidence-lacking arguments that APRNs are not educated enough, safe enough, or credentialed enough to care for the nation’s residents.”

This year’s update presents a rundown of the latest developments in the areas of legal authority, reimbursement, and prescriptive authority for all 50 states.  It also includes a table summarizing practice authority for nurse practitioners in every state and the District of Columbia, along with updated statistics and the total number of APRNs reported by state boards of nursing.

Nurses Encouraged to Work Together to Meet Challenges

The past year has seen several important improvements in legal authorization of APRN practice, including passage of legislation and promulgation of regulations in 17 states.  In addition, eight states reported statutory or regulatory activity leading to improvements in prescriptive authority.

But challenges remain, including reports of defeated bills and unsuccessful regulatory reform efforts in five states.  In addition, two states—Kentucky and Missouri—passed legislation limiting APRN practice in specific ways.   Phillips urges APRNs and others interested in ensuring access to evidence-based healthcare to support state APRN organizations.

Nurses are also encouraged to check out the Future of Nursing Campaign for Action, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and AARP, to see what steps are being taken and participate in efforts to improve nursing practice.  Phillips adds, “This is a great way for all of the APRN organizations to work together to implement the recommendations and improve practice in your state.”

About The Nurse Practitioner

The Nurse Practitioner: The American Journal of Primary Healthcare is the leading monthly source for clinical, practical, cutting-edge information for advanced practice nurses and other primary care clinicians. Each issue presents peer-reviewed articles that range from clinical topics and research to political and practice issues. In addition, The Nurse Practitioner provides regular features, columns, continuing education and pharmacology credits, staff development education, and more.  Its mission is to meet the needs of the nurse practitioner (and other advanced practice nurses and clinicians) by providing practical, cutting-edge clinical and professional information.

About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) is a leading international publisher of trusted content delivered in innovative ways to practitioners, professionals, and students to learn new skills, stay current on their practice, and make important decisions to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

LWW is part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information, business intelligence, and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company with 2011 annual revenues of €3.4 billion ($4.7 billion).

Contacts:

Robert Dekker
Director of Communications
Wolters Kluwer Health
+1 (215) 521-8928
Robert.Dekker@wolterskluwer.com

Connie Hughes
Director, Marketing Communications
Wolters Kluwer Health Medical Research
+1 (646) 674-6348
Connie.Hughes@wolterskluwer.com