When I saw this device, the Bruin Biometrics Sub-Epideral Moisture Scanner I was intrigued. Being able to identify pressure ulcers at an even earlier stage would be very interesting. Then I remembered technology still does not address behaviour. Therefore, the device would only really use if it did mean that health care providers were better implementing pressure ulcer prevention protocols.

For those of you who don't know a pressure ulcer is a breakdown of the skin and vascular tissue to to a lack of circulation. It is usually caused by mobility, moisture and friction issues. It is now considered a preventable illness and has very serious risks to a patient. The reason they are considered preventable, is often with simple interventions such as regular turning of patients, changing moist bedding, and reducing friction they can be reduced and prevented. The reality though is healthcare providers need the knowledge and the time to actually do this.

Regarding this device, my thought is this. It would be fantastic, but the increase cost to purchase and train staff may lead to a tighter budget that increases staff load and actually prevents them from taking the time to implement the measures to reduce and prevent pressure ulcers. This is not a guarantee, but often with technology we think about the potential and not the limitation.

I think with all technology we need to remember what IMPACT a device will have. Does it help with the required behaviour or is it just impacting marginally around the behaviour. Where would the better spend in money be for patients.

For those of you feeling tired, or that you feel you could use new energy these events are great to attend. Whether you are in Toronto or not, finding events and places to connect with others that are passionate, interested, and enthusiastic is important. Hearing other's perspective is a great way to learn, and hear about other things that are exciting.

The other event that I attended had nothing to do with healthcare, it was an event called DemoCamp Toronto. This is an event that brings together designers, developers and marketers to share what they are working on. It was a packed audience of over 300 people, and the energy in the room was palpable. The reason I attend this event is the energy and insight for my entrepreneurial side. The way they share ideas, innovate, and get passionate about creating new and great businesses is something that makes me jealous. I have NEVER been to a healthcare event with that much energy. This to me is a model I would love to see in healthcare. People getting 5 minutes to demo/explain what they are working on, and then 5 minutes for questions. Going through 6 or 7 groups in an hour, with short, to the point, and great questions & answer periods. Then heading straight to a near by pub to continue conversations and discussion of ideas.

I know it took time away from my work and studies, but the investment is more than worth it. I learned a lot and came back feeling so refreshed and energized. No matter where you live, I highly recommend you get connected to local events or things that energize and inspire you.

Here is the video and slides.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or feedback. I am not perfect, but hopefully this is a first step to continually improving as a speaker.

So far I have two people joining in the research challenge, and it is not to late if you want to take part.

• J Doe - 1 article a week
• Terri Schmitt - 1 article a week

One of the great parts about having others take part in the challenge is that it is pushing me to catch up. I have been doing more reading this semester, but they are for my classes and I have not been writing them up. I am still sharing some via Mendeley, but Terri and J Doe both beat me to publishing summaries of articles. So here is my first one:

Hiestand, W. C. (2000). Think different: Inventions and innovations by Nurses, 1850-1950. October, 100(10), 72-77.

This is not a typical "research" paper, meaning it was not using quantitative or qualitative research methods. However, it was a paper I found when researching a keynote speech for the Canadian Nursing Students' Association's National Conference. The paper gives uses interesting historical anecdotes to illustrate how nurses have been involved with innovation and developing technology.

There are numerous cases that they draw upon. From the first simulation mannequins in 1911 to the less successful "sexual armor" that was created in 1908 to restrain children from the evils of masturbation. Not every invention is a success, however the article does illustrate how nurses have a long standing history of taking part in innovation and making medical devices work. I liked this article because it was a refreshing lesson and one that is often lost, especially in the digital age of innovation. Hopefully this article will entertain and help to illustrate nurses role in development and creation of new technology.

Lianne Jeffs RN, PhD(c)

Director Nursing & Clinical Research

Research Scientist - Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute

In her current role at she contributes globally to evolving patient safety science as her program area of research is patient safety. Her work focuses on the generating knowledge on the design and delivery of safer health-care systems. In this interview we talk about the Research Advancing Practice initiative that was start at St Michael's Hospital to get clinical nurses to start generating research relevant to their areas of practice

Links

• Research and Reflection for RAP artists (2009) The Standard. College of Nurses of Ontario.
• The art and science of caring
• RNAO Leadership Award in Nursing Research - Lianne Jeffs Research Advancing Practice

Research

• Jeffs, L., Smith, O., Wilson, G., Kohn, M., Campbell, H., Maione, M.,
  Tregunno, D. & Ferris, E. (in press). Building Knowledge for Safer Care:
  Nursing Research Advancing Practice. Journal of Nursing Care Quality.
  24(3).
• Fineout-Overholt, E., Melnyk, B., Schultz, A. (2005) Transforming Health Care from the Inside Out: Advancing Evidence-Based Practice in the 21st Century, Journal of Professional Nursing, 21(6), 335-344.
  

Questions

• Lianne: Have you been involved in a similiar process or program? What are the difficulties, challenges and enablers where you are practicing and how do you bring research to your daily work?
• Rob: Do you see yourself as a researcher, and feel a need to contribute to nursing knowledge? If you hospital offered a program like this would you take part?

Dr. Claire Mallette RN, PhD

Director of Education, Placement and Development

University Health Network

Links

• UHN Facebook Group
• UHN Nursing Website

1. What do you want to know or see provided through sources like the UHN facebook group, what would bring you back?
2. Have you applied to any job advertisements from Facebook, has your organization been successfully recruited nurses through Facebook ads?