Over the past decade, outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry
have been reported worldwide, particularly in neighbouring countries. Most of
these cases have occurred from direct or close contact with infected poultry
or contaminated surfaces; however, a few rare cases of human-to-human spread
of H5N1 virus have occurred, though transmission has not continued beyond one
person. Nonetheless, because all influenza viruses have the ability to mutate,
scientists are concerned that H5N1 virus one day could be able to infect humans
and spread easily from one person to another. In order to reduce the risk of
health-care associated infections, a comprehensive infection control infrastructure
has been set up. Each major public hospital has its own infection control team
to oversee infection control polices and practices. However, the best protection
against influenza is by building good body resistance. This can be achieved
through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, reducing stress and
no smoking.
The first article "Life experiences of Thai families with thalassemic children:
a qualitative study" had identified the physical and psychological impacts on
the families with thalassemic children. These findings had suggested that a
holistic, culturally sensitive nursing approach should be considered when caring
for these families.
The second paper "Evaluation of the effectiveness of a caring protocol in two
convalescent hospitals" had shown that the caring protocol was an effective
way in enhancing professional caring in both acute and convalescent hospitals.
The protocol was also well accepted by the nursing and supporting staff and
had a significant demonstrable impact on supporting staff.
The third paper "A retrospective study on the outcomes of a collaborative restraint
reduction project by a residential home for older people and a hospital-based
community geriatric assessment service" had examined whether there was any relationship
between fall and restraint rates prior to and after implementation of a restraint
reduction program in an old age home.
The fourth paper "A role enhancement plan for nurse-midwives in Hong Kong SAR,
China" is a reflective article in which the author had demonstrated her awareness
on the development of nurse-midwives in Hong Kong and proposed an enhancement
plan for initiating a new role of Certified Nurse Midwife in Hong Kong.
Issue Editors
在過去十年，全球各地不時有報導禽流感在家禽野鳥間爆發，特別是在香港鄰近地區。大多數個案皆源於直接或間 接接觸禽鳥或受傳染物沾污的接觸面所致；幸好H5N1病毒的傳播仍未致發生人傳人的情況。不過，由於流感病毒
有能力變異，科學家的最大憂慮是H5N1病毒終有一天發展成人傳人的致命疾病。為了減低醫護服務相關的風險， 感染控制基礎設施已經建立起來。每所大型的公立醫院皆具備感染控制小組監督感染控制政策和措施的執行狀況。
不過，最有效的對抗流感措施是透過均衡飲食，規律的運動，足夠的休息，適當控制生活壓力並且並不吸煙來加強 身體對疾病的抵抗力。
本期第一篇文章"Life experiences of Thai families with thalassemic children: a qualitative
study" 研究在泰國thalassemic的兒童對家人身心狀況的影響。研究結論建議有關方面就那些照顧thalassemic的兒童的家庭提供整全和合乎文化特質的
護理照顧。
第二篇文章 "Evaluation of the effectiveness of a caring protocol in two convalescent
hospitals" 顯示不論在急症醫院或延續護理醫院，推行標準護理協定皆能提升專業護理的果效。而且標準護理協定皆受到護理人員和護理支援工作人員的 認同，並且對護理支援工作人員的工作表現具有顯著的影響。
第三篇文章 "A retrospective study on the outcomes of a collaborative restraint reduction
project by a residential home for older people and a hospital-based community
geriatric assessment service" 研究在護老院中捽跌事故和約束物品使用率的關係，並且研究應用減少使用約束物措施後的影響。
最後一篇文章 "A role enhancement plan for nurse-midwives in Hong Kong SAR, China"
為一篇反思文章，作者就香港註冊助產護士的的未來發展提出她的觀點，並且建議增強註冊助產護士的專業角色的計劃。
今期主編