Nursing and Evidence Based Practice Essay - 861 Words

Evidence based practice (EBP) is the utilisation of best available, contemporary research in the management of individual patient care (Sackett et al. 2000). Combined with the personal experience of the healthcare professional, EBP facilitates problem-solving that takes patient preferences and values into account (Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt 2005). The approach respects the patient as an individual and as a partner in the planning and receiving of care. EBP aims to reduce the use of ineffective healthcare interventions and encourage clinical decision-making that is based on modern credible evidence (Stevens 2013). Concisely, it aspires to achieve best outcomes for patients hence increasing the standard of care nurses provide to their†¦show more content†¦Adolescence is a transitional stage of development where teenagers enter as dependent children and ideally leave as independent, functional adults. During this time puberty, social groups and family impact the teenagersâ⠂¬â„¢ physical and psychosocial attributes. Apparent differences such as diabetes during this stage can direct unwanted attention onto adolescents oftentimes increasing their stress and anxiety during puberty. These negative feelings can affect the teenager’s management of their diabetes. It is important to acknowledge that the healthcare and psychological needs of teenagers with type 1 diabetes are substantially different from children and adults (Court et al. 2009). Moreover some teenagers may choose to act out during adolescence and the individual and their families may require additional support. Type 1 diabetes is the third most common chronic health condition in childhood (Spencer, Cooper and Milton 2010). Worldwide incidence is increasing yearly (Mullier 2012). Type 1 diabetes is a life-long autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the body’s immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells resulting in the stoppage of insulin production, which is necessary to regulate blood glucose levels (Mullier 2012). Individuals with Type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin or acquire it through a pump to live. Many health-related complications can arise as a result of poor management of diabetes. These include retinopathy,Show MoreRelatedEvidence Based Practice in Nursing1565 Words   |  7 PagesTitle: Evidence Based Practice in Nursing Name Course Tutor April 20th, 2013 Introduction The paper herein provides a critical discussion of evidence based practice (EBP) in nursing. It clearly elaborates on the meaning and definition of EBP as used by nurses as well as the importance of evidence based decision making as it relates to nursing care. It broadly examines the concept of EBP in nursing care and its relevance to nursing practice and to the delivery of quality patient careRead MoreEvidence-Based Practice in Nursing1012 Words   |  4 PagesNursing Evidence-Based Practice Findings of evidenced based practice have to be disseminated to ensure that innovations for practice are replicated or applied in other settings by stakeholders in the health fraternity and healthcare professionals (Forsyth, Wright, Scherb Gaspar, 2010). One of the objectives of dissemination should be to improve the practice. Dissemination of evidenced based practice findings in nursing is very critical in knowledge synthesis, translation, and translation. It isRead MoreEvidence-Based Nursing Practice952 Words   |  4 PagesRunning head: EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING PRACTICE Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Karen Medley Walden University NURS 4000 Section 05, Research and Scholarship for Evidence-Based Practice) July 22, 2012 Abstract For patients that have indwelling catheters, with the evidence-based practice and standards of care, UTI’s does still continue to be an ongoing problem today. In one of the large hospitals in my area had recently developed a poster and video approach with special focus on alternativesRead MoreEvidence Based Practice For Nursing Practice2100 Words   |  9 PagesEvidence-Base practice (EBP) is defined as: â€Å"based on problem identified from the practitioner’s area of practice; a combining of best evidence and professional expertise and an integration of this into current practice; about ensuring patients receive quality care, being part of quality improvement processes; about collaboration and requiring a team approach† (French, 1999). Scott and Mcsherry (2008) supported the French’s assertion, proposing the key elements of EBP are that it is a theory-drivenRead MoreEvidence Based Practice For Nursing Practice2023 Words   |  9 PagesHeitkemper Buche r (2014), â€Å"Evidence-based practice is a problem-solving approach to clinical decision making. It involves the use of the best available evidence in combination with clinical expertise and patient preferences and values to achieve desired patient outcomes.† Using evidence based practice in nursing is extremely important, because evidence-based practice is the result of others trying a practice one way but needing to change some of the guidelines to make the practice safer and over all betterRead MoreEssay on Evidence Based Practice in Nursing703 Words   |  3 PagesWithin this essay Evidence based Practice will be identified and the significant effect it has on the nursing profession, barriers will also be explored in the implementation of Evidence Based Practice. Individuals need specific care tailored to them, it is vitality important to have the correct professional and appropriate personal care. In order to receive this we need to get the patient involved in the decision process, listen to their views and opinions and receive the relevant, accurate, professionalRead MoreEvidence Based Practice Effects Nursing Practice Essay1643 Words   |  7 Pagespatient’s rate of infection. This paper will analyze the information found and explore how evidence based practice is useful to nurses. Introduction This paper will discuss how evidence based practice effects nursing practice and how nurses can apply what they learn to their practice. Evidence based practice is a great way to improve the quality of care we provide. â€Å"Evidence based practice means using the best available research findings to make clinical decisions that are mostRead MoreEvidence Based Practice : Nursing Implications1399 Words   |  6 Pages Evidence Based Practice: Nursing Implications Misty DelCiampo Submitted to Sarah P. Combs PhD, MPH, RN in partial fulfillment of NR460 Evidence Based Practice in Nursing Regis University August 3rd, 2015 Evidence Based Practice Nursing Implications As the health care environment is becoming more complex, and technology is developing rapidly, the expectations of nurses has increased more than ever before. Times are rapidly changing and to keep up with these changes, nurses areRead MoreIntegration of Evidence-Based Practice Into Professional Nursing Practice1511 Words   |  7 PagesIntegration of Evidence-Based Practice into Professional Nursing Practice In this paper we will discuss the integration of evidence based practice into professional nursing practice. Scott amp; McSherry (2008) define evidence based practice as the combination of individual, clinical, or professional expertise with the best available external evidence to produce practice that is most likely to lead to positive outcomes for a patient. Despite literature surrounding what evidence based nursing is and isn’tRead MoreImportance Of Evidence Based Practice And Nursing Research1006 Words   |  5 Pages Significance of Evidence Based Practice and Nursing Research Rina Desai Widener University â€Æ' The significance of nursing research and evidence-based practice has gained a huge momentum in nursing. Research findings, knowledge from basic science, clinical knowledge, and expert opinion are all considered ‘evidence’. Thus, the practices based on research findings are more likely to result in the desired patient outcomes across numerous clinical settings. In addition, the pressure of healthcare

African American Music And Its Impact On African Americans

Music in the 1900 s had meaning , music was how African Americans got through a long working day . Music then was something that no man could take away . That still applies to the 21st century music , back onto the 1900 s African Americans were not given the same privileges as they are today . Music was the less threatening way for African Americans to get there point across . The music was not always about them wanting equality , there was loving songs , upbeat songs , songs about what they are doing . There were always those songs that would get a person in there feelings . The music that tells a person life story on what all they may have been through . Most the listeners were African American which is good , then there may have been some white but not many . African American music to some was not as important to them as to others . The African American music has evolved from the 1900 s to now , also the amount of people that listen to African American music has also evolved . At a farm in Mississippi is an example of how African Americans used music to get through a hard working day . Music while working usually help the time go by faster . The music in which was sung in the fields or in the cabins for entertainment later became known as The Blues . Blues music is usually written from the heart it is an emotional genre of music , the lyrics or the feeling in the blues comes from a place in someone that may be hurting or struggling . But the blues are unique to theShow MoreRelated The Impact of the Violent African-American Stereotype in Rap Music4585 Words   |  19 Pageswill show that the stereotype of the violent, criminal African-American portrayed in rap music lyrics can become a self-fulfilling prophecy for African-Americans. Repeated and long-term exposure to this stereotypical behavior in rap music lyrics can lead to increased aggression and this stereotype becoming accepted as a social norm by African-Americans. I intend to support my argument w ith examples and analysis of the violent African-American stereotype, and by explaining how the stereotype can becomeRead MoreAfrican American Music Culture1490 Words   |  6 PagesAfrican American Music Culture Jakiella James â€Å"African-American gospel music is a major influence in nearly all genres of modern popular music, from rhythm ‘n blues to jazz, from soul to rock ‘n roll. The musical genre is a unique expression of the black experience in America? The emotionally-charged, wailing vocals and syncopated rhythms give the music a distinctive style. The singing is accompanied not only by instrumentals, but often also by hand-clapping, foot-stomping and shoutingRead MoreThe Legacy Of Soul Music1509 Words   |  7 Pagesis a music genre that over five decades or so remains very popular in the music industry. This may be due to the fact that soul has had a huge impact upon other genres. Shuker defines soul as a â€Å"secular version of gospel, soul was the major black musical form of the 1960s and 1970s and remained evident in various hybrid styles since, for example, contemporary neo-soul and soul jazz (312). The history of soul music is notable for producing a range of artists who have assisted African-American societiesRead MoreHarlem Renaissance : The Cultural And Artistic Explosion745 Words   |  3 Pagesmost influential movement where African Americans came together and created multiple things that was unique to their race such as; music, literature, poetry, and much more which really impacted the way African Americans stood up together in a country controlled by whites. After the end of slavery, many African Americans from the south migrated to industrial northern cities. This event was also known as The Great Migration. The urbanization of african americans was an important contributor toRead MoreThe Beauty Standards Set For African American Women1688 Words   |  7 PagesThe beauty standards set for African American women has shifted drastically in the past decades due to the change in popularized stereotypical images portrayed through the explicit lyrics of hip hop and rap music. How African American women are portrayed in the music industry has had a profound impact on how black women view themselves as well as other races, it promotes unrealistic body sizes/images, and colorism in the black community because of how the new age rap and hip hop stigmatizes andRead MoreAfrican American Culture in the Americas741 Words   |  3 Pages African Americans brought over a distinctive culture into America from Africa. The Africans can create many different sounds that we never knew about. They revived the way we held church and worship, and brought joy to many citizens. African Americans enslaved by the South created a truly magnificent culture in slavery using new music, oral traditions, and religious ideas. Many African countries are known for their spectacular music, and during the time of slavery many African American slavesRead MoreThe Critical Impacts Of The Harlem Renaissance1066 Words   |  5 Pagesunderlines the trouble of ethnic issue knowledgeable by African Americans all through the twentieth century. There were numerous critical impacts, for instance, artistic the growth. The Harlem Renaissance was an energetic affiliation amongst the 1920s where African Americans started composed and transported artistry and writing one of a caring to their race, motivating a countless many darks kin to complete in a white overwhelming society. While the American war was a disaster for the confederate south leavingRead MoreAfrican American Vernacular Traditions: Integrated Into Modern Culture1292 Words   |  6 PagesAfrican American Vernacular Traditions: Integrated Into Modern Culture African American vernacular traditions have been around for many centuries and still cease to exist in their culture. The vernacular traditions of the African Americans started when slaves were existent in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. It is believed that the slaves spoke a mix of Creole and partial English, in which they had to create in order to communicate between them discreetly. The vernacular traditions originatedRead MoreAnalysis Of The Song Crazy Blues 1172 Words   |  5 Pagesto record other African American singers. Noble Sissle’s version was recorded later that same year, and had similar success. Despite the large quantity of blues recordings during the 1920’s, â€Å"Crazy Blues† is considered the first successful blues song recorded by an African American artist.9 Ironically, â€Å"Crazy Blues† is considered more of a popular song than a blues song despite many references to â€Å"blues† throughout the track. Nevertheless, t his song paved the way for black music makers into a thenRead MoreThe Blues : A Very Short Introduction Essay1689 Words   |  7 PagesWhen music enthusiasts or even music novices such as myself think of the blues, thoughts of hardship, adversity, and regret rush to mind. An individual loses his or her job, they get the blues. A close relative passes away, you feel the blues. Indeed, blues music is all too often associated with trials and tribulations. Yet, the blues itself seemingly encompasses much more than simply a sense of misery and unhappiness. Rather, the blues more so embodies overcoming hardship, moving past adversity

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Free Essays

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was one of the most influential and beloved President’s of United States history.   However, his death is shrouded in mystery.   When all is said and done, conspiracy theorists have left virtually no stone unturned in an attempt to explain the tragedy of November 22, 1963. We will write a custom essay sample on John Fitzgerald Kennedy or any similar topic only for you Order Now    Clearly Lee Harvey Oswald was present and did shoot a gun.   But did his bullet kill JFK?   Did he act alone?   Many people have their own ideas of what really happened that day. One common theory is that the Cuban government ordered a hit on the President.   The President had attempted to invade Cuba, and though the plan failed, Castro knew that further plans were in the works.   Likewise, Kennedy had made several unsuccessful attempts on Castro’s life.  Ã‚   Getting rid of Kennedy would certainly enable Castro to keep control of Cuba (Anders 1993). A similar theory is that anti-Castro Cubans killed Kennedy.   Perhaps they were hoping that if the suspicion were focused on Castro, America would demand retaliation.   Later, evidence seemed to surface from a former Castro operative that Oswald was actually hired by the Cuban government (Anders 1993, McAdams 2004).   With Oswald’s death, the facts of these reports could not be verified, though Castro staunchly denies this report. Similarly, Russia, the US cold war opponent, was bothered by JFK’s youth and erratic nature.   He would be capable of elevating the cold war to a full blown World War III.   With the introduction of nuclear technology, the fear of a US strike on Russia was also a concern.   Therefore, the Russians planned the assassination.   In a related theory, this order came from Nikita Khrushchev himself (Anders 1993). Another popular theory is that the mafia ordered a hit on Kennedy.   Initially, some big name crime bosses such as Sam Giancana worked with Jimmy Hoffa and the teamsters to get President Kennedy elected, particularly through votes in Ohio ( Unfortunately, President Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy, the US Attorney General, had later stepped up prosecutions of mafia members to an unprecedented high (Odoni 2005; McAdams 2004) J. Edgar Hoover, who was not friendly with President Kennedy, was due to be forced into retirement from his position of the Director of the FBI. Hoover had a history of neglecting to prosecute mafia members.   His retirement would mean mean the end of these favors, especially if JFK appointed his brother Robert to that position. After Kennedy’s death, Hoover remained as the head of the FBI for ten more years. During that time, mafia prosecutions fell dramatically. James Files, a mafia hit man, actually confessed to the murder, indicating that Giancana had ordered the hit.   Oswald’s killer, Jack Ruby, was a small time gangster with a few major mafia connections.   He could have killed Oswald to silence him (Odoni 2005). Two equally argued theories that are more alarming are those that implicate the United States itself.   Many suspect Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson.   He gained the Presidency after Kennedy’s death, though he was not liked by the public; Kennedy was planning to drop Johnson from his ticket in 1964.   He was involved in four major criminal investigations involving bribery, money laundering, contract violations and misappropriation of funds, at the time of Kennedy’s death. In fact, Kennedy often complained that he had been manipulated into appointing Johnson by the FBI and that Johnson acted as a spy for J. Edgar Hoover.   After he became President, Johnson’s criminal investigations were dropped (Ayton no date). Another US based theory is that the CIA itself had killed the President to cover up or redirect attention from its new practice of assassinating foreign leaders.   The Church Committee was formed to look into this possible scandal but concluded that while the CIA was increasing in national and international power, it was not responsible for the death of the President (Ayton no date). The Warren Commission heard testimony from 552 witnesses and 10 federal agencies over the span of 10 months as it investigated the assassination and all the related conspiracy theories.   Published in October of 1964, it concluded that, basically, Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, shooting three bullets from the sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository (McAdams 2004). The single bullet that wounded Connally and killed JFK hit him from behind as the motorcade passed by the Depository. However, the issue has not been laid to rest.   Four of the seven members of the investigatory team seemed to indicate skepticism about the Commissions findings (McAdams 2004).   Several individual pieces of the Commission’s findings also have been called into question since its completion. Kennedy was struck by two bullets.   One hit him in the back, and one hit him in the head.   The second hit killed the President.   The single bullet theory was born because Oswald’s gun would not have been able to fire fast enough to hit both Kennedy and Connally with separate shots (McAdams 2004). However, the idea that a single bullet traveled through Kennedy’s back, exited his throat, passed through the seat of a car, entered Connally’s back, exited his chest, passed through his wrist and entered his thigh has been seriously questioned by evidence from eye witnesses, including passenger Nellie Connally, and forensic evidence (McAdams 2004) Now this theory is known as the magic bullet theory.   The bullet which had such an incredible journey ended up on a hospital stretcher in near pristine condition (McAdams 2004). Medical examinations and missing x-rays and autopsy pictures also add to the mystery.   Kennedy was taken first to Dallas’ Parkland Hospital where 44 doctors and medical staffers claimed that the exit wound was at the back of JFK’s head.   This would have been impossible if the shot came from the Depository and lended itself to the grassy knoll theory (Odoni 2005). However, two doctors at Bethesda Medical Center, the second hospital Kennedy was taken to, reported that the exit would was at the front of the head (McAdams, 2004).   Why then did over 44 doctors and medical staffers claim that the wound was at the rear of the head?   X-rays that a Parkland Hospital technician claims to have taken have never been found.   Pictures of the autopsy that emerged up to four years after the assassination are suspicious and do not match accounts given by witnesses. All in all, the Warren Commission seemed to ignore 44 doctors and 20 eye-witnesses at the murder scene.   Other evidence was destroyed.   Governor Connally’s shirt from the day of the shooting was dry cleaned at Johnson’s request within 24 hours (McAdams 2004).   The car carrying the Kennedys and the Connallys was immediately cleaned and refurbished instead of being thoroughly examined for ballistic evidence.   This was also ordered by Lyndon B. Johnson (McAdams 2004). Any forensic evidence that may have been provided by these items was lost. Nobody will ever really know what happened that day in 1964.   However, it seems that the â€Å"facts† are clearly not what they seem and that the Warren Commission did not delve into the discrepancies too   deeply.   The theories mentioned here are all viable theories that were not examined closely, if at all, by the authorities. The idea of a â€Å"magic† bullet is preposterous.  Ã‚   It seems that something is being covered up. But what? References Anders, P. (1993). An Introduction to JFK Conspiracy Theories. Stay Free 4. Available from:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.stayfreemagazine.org/4/jfk.htm [accessed 10 August 2006] Ayton, M. (no date).   Questions of Conspiracy. Spartacus UK. Available from: [accessed 10 August 2006] McAdams, J. (2004). The Kennedy Assassination. Available from: http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/home.htm [accessed 10 August 2006] Odoni, Martin. (2005). Who Killed JFK?   Current Affairs. Available from:     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://havetstorm.tripod.com/currentaffairs/id7.html   [accessed 10 August 2006] How to cite John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Essay examples

ERGONOMICS IN OFFICE AND CLERICAL ENVIRONMENTS Essay Example For Students

ERGONOMICS IN OFFICE AND CLERICAL ENVIRONMENTS Essay ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT 200GROUP PROJECT WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTErgonomics is becoming one of the most important aspects of administrative management. Since the introduction of computers, offices are becoming more technologically based. Employees are spending greater amounts of time in the office and therefore must be comfortable to remain productive. Workers that feel stressed and do not like their work environments lose morale and spend more time away from the office than usual. Furniture, climate, training procedures, lighting and many more aspects are related to ergonomics in the office and clerical based environments. Keeling and Kallaus (1996;384) says that office furniture and equipment has traditionally been manufactured and used with a view of using efficient office space and cost saving. Although these factors are vital to work within the budget, managers fails to consider the ergonomics need of the employees. Sleeth (1996;10) defines ergonomics as a study of the office environment to allows employees to work productively. Ergonomically designed work environment that takes into consideration both psychological and physical needs increases job satisfaction and prevents injuries (Hess:1996;28). Troyer (1996;20) says that employers have become extremely concerned about potential discomforts associated with extended use of repetitive duty on computers and other office equipment. These discomforts can cause serious bodily injuries and force organisation to lose millions of dollars in loss hours of work, hospital cost and workers compensation claim. Organisation became aware of the high cost associated with injuries therefore ergonomic furniture and equipment became an important issue in the work place. Ergonomic furniture and equipment is an important issue that management should consider because it decreases the medical cost, insurance cost associated with injuries and also increases workers efficiency in the workplace (Allie;1996;20). Keeling and Kallaus (1996;384) says that in order to consider the ergonomic furniture and equipment for the office, the manager must firstly understand the type of work being performed and the ergonomics needs of the employees. Allie (1996) argues that it is also vital to educate employees about ergonomics, provide proper adjustable furniture and equipment. Managers should also understand employees needs and ways to help them work more safely. Troyer (1996;20) states that it is difficult to really determine which furniture and equipment will provide the ergonomic needs for the employees. The author suggests that when evaluating whether certain furniture and equipment can provide the necessary ergonomic need, it is important to find out how the manufacturer design their products. It is important to consider whether the manufacturers uses ergonomics expert, is the product adjustable, does the product provide comforts for the eyes, neck, wrist and back. It is also vital to find out how the manufacturer test the claims they make for their products and the manufactures reputation for making ergonomics product. When buying office furniture and equipment, the purchases that gets the most investigation and examination are usually the one that will last longer. Keeling and Kallaus (1996;386) suggests that when selecting office furniture the following must be taken into consideration, firstly, it should provide adequate safety and comforts to the employees. Secondly, it should be made of good quality materials, build strongly and provide ease for the work to be done. Thirdly the furniture should be adjustable and can be used for different purposes. Finally it should meet the preferences of all the employees who are going to use them. For example when the organisation is looking for chairs for its employees, the key factors management should consider is adjustability. Marston (1996;39) mentions that an ergonomic chairs should able to be adjusted up and down according to the desired height, should have lumbar and arms support, comfortable cushioning, provide backward or forward tilt and the adjustment can be easily made by anyone using the chairs. Beside providing ergonomically design furniture, a variety of office equipment are also required. Equipment such as photocopying, telephones, facsimile and computers. These office equipment facilitate the office task in less time and with greater accuracy (Keeling and Kallaus:1996;391). The guideline provided by Keeling and Kallaus for selecting office equipment, is firstly, the equipment should be made available to employees if it makes their job more efficient. For example in selecting between a typewriter and a computer, the computer will be more faster and efficient than the typewriter but the cost would be higher. In the long term the computer will save the organisation in hours of working time. Secondly, equipment should be considered when they are simple to operate, flexible to use in different situations, easy to move around and be able to adapt to existing office. Thirdly, the equipment that are less expensive and the availability of reliable maintenance service should be se lected in place of other equipment. Fourthly, the rates of accuracy that the equipment will provide must also be taken into consideration. Finally the things that the equipment can do and also its limitations also need to be considered. THE AIR ENVIRONMENTThe air environment refers to the total atmosphere created in the office by the principal air factors. They are temperature, humidity, circulation (ventilation) and cleanliness. It is used the term air-conditioned office literally. it is an office where the air has been carefully conditioned for human comfort, including the control of temperature, humidity and cleanliness. Workers consider the air environment, especially air circulation and the right temperature as very important to their jobs. It properly maintained air environment improves mental activity. boosts efficiency, increase productivity and decreases absenteeism. On the other hand, stale, dry and dusty air dulls the mind and reduces the output of work. Moreover, according to Labar, most indoor air problems involve the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Due to it was not designed and installed properly, is not being adequately maintained or is simply wearing out. According to a survey of 4300 workers in 47 buildings performed by Building Use Studies, 34 per cent of the workers described the air in their offices as uncomfortably dry, hot or stuffy, over 50 per cent reported symptoms such as lethargy, headaches or eye, nose or throat irritation while at work, and 25 per cent felt that the working condition reduced their productivity over 20 per cent. (Journal of General Management, 1992)TemperatureTemperature refers to the relative hotness or coolness of the air measured in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. If the temperature too hot or too cold in a office environment this can interfere with productivity thorough sickness of the worker. the American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineers suggest that the most comfortable and healthful temperature for work is below 70 F. With normal office activities, such as lighting, heat from computers, body temperature increase discomfort to the operators. A Broken Wing EssayIn the article Here Ye Hear Ye Noise Guidelines Needed, Walt Clawson offer ten guidelines for managing office noise:Examine the layout of the Workstation For example, position telephones in a way that there is no direct path between two workstations. This allows for quieter telephone conversations thus reducing office noise. Taller panels offer more privacy It also helps to manage office acoustics. Invest in a masking sound system These speakers generate a sound resembling moving air in order to reduce the high pitches in speech and provide more privacy. Examine the quality of the acoustical ceiling tiles in the space Tiles can absorb sound waves thus reducing noise. Blocking sound is paramount This is of greater importance than absorbing sound. Carpeting has little impact Carpet only absorbs little office sound, concentrate on the ceiling. If there is a way for sound to creep through, it will Make sure that all openings between rooms are sealed in order to prevent sound travelling too far. Panel construction can make a difference Find panels that are able to block noise efficiently. Dont clutter you panel The placement of notes on panels can greatly reduce the sound blocking qualities that make the office louder. Office workers need a bit of din Workers need some noise in order to be productive. This can be provided in the way of soft music. Ergonomics does not just involve computers, furniture and office equipment, it includes aspects such as employee age, time spent working with computers, training in ergonomics procedures and actual office design. Most valuable employees are relatively older than employees in training and as such are often overlooked. When designing an office, it is important to take into account the effects of aging and the increased care needed by such individuals. According to (Materials Handling Engineering, Jun 1996) stature begins to decline after thirty years of age and flexibility and strength are significantly reduced after the age of forty five years. Lower back pains and hand problems are the main symptoms of a poorly designed office. A typist spends most of the day using a keyboard and therefore will experience hand problems in their lifetime. Loss of hand function is the number one reason that a person enters a nursing home (Materials Handling Engineering, Jun 1996). Experts say that people that spend more than four hours at a keyboard each day are most likely to suffer from some kind of repetitive strain injury, (Managing Office Technology, Jul 1996). A natural straight posture during keying with the wrist laying horizontal is the best way to avoid such RSIs. The mouse has to be kept as close to the keyboard as possible and can be rotated to each side of the keyboard to minimise dominant hand overuse. The introduction of computers into the workplace has reduced the need to move constantly and often leads to a more sedentary employee. This in turn produces higher levels of discomfort and reduces worker productivity. Sun Microsystems has mostly eliminated this problem with a series of training programs and employee inclusion when selecting furniture and computer components. Such training programs increased ergonomic awareness and resulted in three times as many symptom reports, (HE Solutions, Jun 1996). This program has reduced injury rates, allowed for employee feedback, created a greater respect for management and generally increased employee productivity. Video display terminals are found in almost every office throughout the world and therefore must be examined when discussing ergonomics. Many older offices have considerably older computer desks that are dangerous for the eyes. The terminal is often placed too high and can result in eye strain and muscular complaints. Ideally the monitor should be placed 15 to 20 degrees above the horizontal line of sight and angled so the employees eyes are closer to the bottom of the screen than the top. The actual monitor should also be placed about 18 to 24 inches away from the user, (Electrical Apparatus, Nov 1996). Another cause of eye strain is the placement of reference material in conjunction to the computer terminal. Books and reports that are placed to the side force the employee to constantly turn their head and may result in stiffness of the back and neck muscles. One aspect often overlooked when using a computer is the position of the legs. If the legs are allowed to dangle, they can often fall asleep, which can lead to circulation problems in the future. Foot rests are a god way to resolve such a complaint. When designing a workstation, there are many aspects that must be considered if ergonomics is to be a contributing factor (HR Magazine, Aug 1996). Adjustable furniture is an absolute must to allow for the difference in employee stature. A light dimmer system helps to reduce glare and eye strain. Bright carpets are considered by most to be ergonomically correct. A well cleaned ventilation system that brings in a plentiful supply of oxygen to eliminate sick building syndrome. Flexible ergonomic chairs that insist on a correct posture to reduce back and neck complaints. All such systems are likely to improve employee morale and increase productivity levels. Sick days will undoubtedly decline and employee enthusiasm will begin to climb. It is for these reasons that we consider ergonomics to be an essential factor when examining office and clerical environments. REFERENCESKeeling B.L, Kallaus N.F 1996 Administrative Office Management 11th EdUSA South West PublishingSleeth J.E. 1996 Ergonomics can prevent injuries, Save money. Canadian Banker V103 Number 6 pp10. The perils of video display terminalsElectrical-Apparatus.Nov 1996; v49n11, pp. 44-45Building a better ergonomics programFacilities-Design-and-Management.Nov 1996; v15n11, p. 28Design a safe workstationHRMagazine-.Aug 1996; v41n8, p. 71Adopting an integrated approach to ergonomics implementationHE-Solutions.Jun 1996; v28n6, pp. 18-23Healthy keyboarding: What you should knowManaging-Office-Technology.Jul 1996; v41n7, pp. 27-28Integrating ergonomics into great office designManaging-Office-Technology.May 1996; v41n5, pp. 21-26The ergonomics of agingMaterial-Handling-Engineering.Jun 1996; v51n6, p. 34Marston C.B. 1996 Make Yourself look comfortable Office Systems V13 Number 6 pp38-40Furniture: Increasing productivity and the bottom lineTelemarketing-and-Call-Center-Solutions.Sep 1996; v15n3, pp. 20,134+Troyer C. 1996 Sorting out the confusion about Ergonomic Products, Telemarketing and Call Centre Solutions V15 Number 5 pp20.