[abstract] BAROMEDICAL NURSES ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES FOR STANDARDS OF CARE FOR THE PATIENT RECEIVING HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The guidelines for the Standards of Care were developed from a combination of the guidelines from the Aspen Standards of Care for Hyperbaric Medicine written by Diane Norkool, RN, and a revised version of the Standards of Care from Presbyterian Hospital, Denver, by Malissa Penny-Forsythe, RN. METHODS: A review committee did the initial revisions, and these revision were reviewed by the Baromedical Nurse Association (BNA) Executive Board. Each Standard was examined for relevant and safe nursing practice. RESULTS: The Guidelines for Standards of Care for the Patient Receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy was approved by the Executive Board of the BNA November 1996. The Standards are available upon request from the BNA executive secretary. CONCLUSION: These guidelines for Standards of Care were written as a foundation for nursing practice which can be adapted to fit the needs of any Hyperbaric facility.