| Autor: |
Sampson, Michael, Lovegrove, Amy, Gillam, Laura |
| Zdroj: |
British Journal of Cardiac Nursing; Apr2010, Vol. 5 Issue 4, p180-187, 8p, 1 Illustration, 2 Charts, 7 Graphs |
| Abstrakt: |
Tilt testing is used to investigate syncope, dizziness and falls. It may also be used to test a diagnosis of epilepsy. This article discusses the rationale for tilt testing, and the method used. Practical considerations and recommended practice are outlined. Interpretation of results is also considered, and the common conditions for which tilt testing can aid diagnosis. These include reflex syncope, orthostatic hypotension and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. This provides the background to the redesign of a tilt-testing service at a metropolitan hospital. The physician-led service was inefficient, with frequent delays, overruns and cancellations. Waiting times were long, and adherence to recognized test protocols was variable. The service was redesigned to be led by nurses and physiologists and the test protocol set out in a formal policy document. Test reporting was improved, and service capacity increased. An audit carried out after 12 months showed that the new service had reduced waiting times, increased adherence to the test protocol and increased patient satisfaction. Safety was not compromised by the removal of direct medical supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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