Posted: December 16th, 2014
Choosing a Theorist
Order Description
Directions: In a 2-3 page paper, APA format, using a minimum of 3 references properly cited, expand on the following:
A nurse theorist or nursing theory for your research topic;
Why you think this theory or topic will provide the best framework for your research topic
Submit 2 annotated bibliography from peer-reviewed journals that contributes to your review of the literature for your Research Proposal
CURBING EBOLA INFECTIONS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Becky Pence-Brill
Grantham
12/9/14
How can Ebola infections be curbed among healthcare workers (HCWs)? I think Ebola infectivity among healthcare professionals can be curbed by using HCW
survivors of Ebola as caregivers of Ebola patients.
The recent Western Africa Ebola Outbreak has indeed been the worst ever. Many people have died from the virus among HCWs. The death toll is slightly more than 4000
persons (Vogt, 2014). Out of this over 200 nurses, doctors, and other HCWs have died since June (Vogt, 2014). The infection rate is alarming according to the WHO, and
it is, therefore, a prerequisite for an efficient solution to be adopted as quickly as possible.
The people who are likely to get Ebola the highest are persons in contact with infected individuals and more so the healthcare professionals who look after them. With
no approved treatments or vaccines, Ebola outbreaks are lethal (Qiu et al., 2013). Numerous research studies on ways to protect HCWs from contracting the viral ailment
have been done, and governments have put in place various measures but HCWs continue to lose their lives. Previous research studies on the immunity of Ebola survivors
are vague, sketchy and have never been conclusive (Matsuno & Takada, 2007). Just like other viruses Ebola survivors are immune from the ailment. However, it has never
been comprehensible how long the immunity lasts (Vogt, 2014). A research study conducted in 2007 on how the virus can effectively be neutralized by antibody produced
in the natural human infection concluded that survivors develop a natural immunity that can last for about 10 years after Ebola infection (Qiu et al., 2013). In light
of this, the utilization of serum or convalescent blood from survivors of Ebola has been successful in treating new infections. It has since been endorsed by the WHO,
and it has been used in the US fruitfully. It is forth apparent that in the fight to protect HCWs from infections, in poor and highly affected regions, and the best
weapon is encouraging HCW survivors to take part in caring for patients. However, more comprehensive research on Ebola survivors’ immunity to the illness needs to be
carried out without delay.
Further and thorough research is inevitable owing to the fact that there is no approved treatment or vaccine (Matsuno & Takada, 2007). The only way to prevent
more infections lies with the effectiveness of healthcare providers. With approximately 400 HCWs having contracted the deadly virus in the current outbreak, it is
clear that the preventive measures are not to be fully trusted. If HCWs can be convinced and given the necessary support, it is a much better approach to reducing
Ebola infections. It is an unorthodox approach to many but, in fact, the strategy has been effectively used in outbreaks such as that of measles. The research about
the full immunity of Ebola survivors from contracting the illness should be conclusively done. Realizing all technicalities in this research study is imperative so as
HCW survivors and the general public can be confident in their deployment.
Decisive, clear and complete research and understanding on development of protective natural resistance among Ebola survivors is a prerequisite to containing
Ebola. It is saddening to see nurses who have given their all dying. This research will be a vital addition to nursing. It not only be instrumental in reducing
infections but will also give nurses who have survived an opportunity to encourage their patients and to be more involved with them. This approach may be
unconventional to many, but it is not a new strategy altogether.
Annotated Bibliography
Matsuno, K., & Takada, A. (2007). Antibody therapy as a future treatment option for Ebola virus infection. Future Virology, 2(6), 607-614. doi:10.2217/17460794.2.6.607
This journal article affirms that treatment and efficient prophylaxis for Ebola are not available. It goes on to state that antibody therapy has been successful in
guinea pigs and mice. Monoclonal and antisera antibodies specific to the virus proteins have indeed been experimented for passive immunization successfully. However,
evidence for defensive effectiveness in humans is still unclear.
The article is important in giving clear indications of success of the therapy in animals while it is still vague in primates including human beings.
Qiu, X., Audet, J., Wong, G., Fernando, L., Bello, A., & Pillet, S. et al. (2013). Sustained protection against Ebola virus infection following treatment of infected
nonhuman primates with ZMAb. Scientific Reports, 3. doi:10.1038/srep03365
The article starts by giving an extensive analysis of Ebola virus and also gives statistics of its outbreaks over the years. The research study involved testing
animals’ immunity after contracting the virus and majority of those in the experiment survived. The researchers in the article conclude that the immunity of animals
that contract the ailment is assured from a second deadly exposure.
This article is significant in asserting the importance of further and comprehensive research in discovering the development of protective natural resistance among
Ebola survivors.
References
Matsuno, K., & Takada, A. (2007). Antibody therapy as a future treatment option for Ebola virus infection. Future Virology, 2(6), 607-614. doi:10.2217/17460794.2.6.607
Qiu, X., Audet, J., Wong, G., Fernando, L., Bello, A., & Pillet, S. et al. (2013). Sustained protection against Ebola virus infection following treatment of infected
nonhuman primates with ZMAb. Scientific Reports, 3. doi:10.1038/srep03365
Vogt, H. (2014). Liberian Ebola Survivors Return to Help the Sick. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/articles/liberian-ebola-survivor-now-comforts-other-patients-
1413301824
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