Multiple studies have documented major limitations in the informed consent process for the recruitment of clinical research participants. One challenging aspect of this process is successful communication of risks and benefits to potential research participants. This study explored the opinions and attitudes of informed consent experts about conveying risks and benefits to inform the development of a survey about the perspectives of research nurses who are responsible for obtaining informed consent for clinical trials. The major themes identified were strategies for risks and benefits communication, ensuring comprehension, and preparation for the role of the consent administrator. From the experts’ perspective, inadequate education and training of the research staff responsible for informed consent process contribute to deficiencies in the informed consent process and risks and benefits communication. Inconsistencies in experts’ opinions and critique of certain widely used communication practices require further consideration and additional research.

The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction model of demographic and sociobehavioral characteristics common among older adults with hypertension (HTN) who engage in self-management behavior. A descriptive, correlational predictive design was used to collect data at 14 faith-based and senior citizen organizations in a major urban northeastern city. Participants ranged in age from 63 to 96 with a mean age of 77 (SD 6.9). A 33-item questionnaire was used to gather data on 15 explanatory and 5 outcome variables. Instruments were the Perceived Stress Scale, the Duke Social Support Index, the stage of change for physical activity scale, and the DASH Food Frequency Questionnaire. Correlation and regression analyses were used to test the hypothesis. Results indicate there is a common set of characteristics such as higher stage of change, reading food labels, and higher self-rated health that can predict the older adult's likelihood to engage in hypertension self-management behavior. The significant correlations found in this preliminary study warrant further study and validation. Findings are clinically relevant as knowledge of demographic and sociobehavioral characteristics associated with engagement in self-management behavior enables health care clinicians to support and encourage older adults to improve management of this common, chronic condition.

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The use of algorithms for safe patient handling in the acute care setting has been established and integrated into the standards of practice. This is not the case in the home care setting where the patient and caregivers are at risk for injury during patient transfers. Many factors need to be assessed before recommending a mechanical lift for home use. Some of the factors include the patient's weight-bearing status, cognitive level, and upper extremity strength, and the caregiver's ability to lift more than 35 pounds. All of these factors have been included in the clinical decision-making algorithm described in this article. Two case scenarios are presented to assist the reader with the analysis and application of the algorithm.

The main sources of satisfaction are those which typify the long-term caring role of the community GP. While the reform strategy aimed to address problems with the organization and financing of general practice, the resulting intervention is the focus of dissatisfaction. Among dissatisfied GPs these attitudes may arise primarily from a sense of disillusionment.