Articles
As an experienced professional in a variety of healthcare and rehabilitation fields, Susan has authored and co-authored a number of papers appearing in respected journals and publications. A selection of those articles are available below in PDF format (you may require a free PDF reader). All of the articles appear with permission of the publisher.
The Essential Role of the Rehabilitation Nurse in Facilitating Care Transitions (PDF)
A White Paper by the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, an Executive Summary | Jan. 2014
This white paper discusses the difficult and often inefficient transfer of care for patients with disabling conditions and offers solutions through the implementation of rehabilitation nurse expertise and participation.
excerpt:
"A framework to evaluate the appropriateness of the care setting choice for the patient should include an evaluation of appropriate patient-centered transition of care planning. Pilot studies have demonstrated that when a nurse with an understanding of care transitions is integrated into the process, unplanned 30-day hospital readmission rates decline and other quality outcomes are improved (Congressional Research Service [CRS], 2010)...." Read more.
- The Future is Now (PDF)
The American Nurse | Jan-Feb. 2013
This article details the challenges and required adaptability of modern nurses and healthcare providers.
excerpt:
"Staff nurse Joanne Pugh and case manager Susan Wirt are both longtime RNs who can easily step into the role of 'nurse of the future' as called for in the Institute of Medicine..." Read more.
- Healing Art (PDF)
American Pain Society Bulletin | April-May 1994
This article, coauthored by Susan Wirt, relates the experiences of four individuals with chronic pain and the use of art as part of the rehabilitation process.
excerpt:
"Medicine is part science and part art (in the broadest sense of these terms). The greatest scientific advances of 20th century medicine are visibly manifested in the technology which flls the cathedrals of science - the modern hospital..." Read more.
- Latex Allergy: When 'Protection' Becomes the Problem (PDF)
Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting | January 2003
A historical review of the development of latex allergies and the implications for legal nurse consultants are discussed in this article, authored by Susan Wirt.
excerpt:
"Walbaum reported the earliest documented use of gloves or glove-like apparatus in the medical community in 1758. Sheep cecum was fashioned into gloves before the introduction of rubber by explorers in Central and South America. Cook used rubber for surgical gloves in 1834, yet it was another 10 years before Goodyear, founder of Goodyear Tire, developed the process of vulanization, making rubber more stable in a variety of temperatures..." Read more.
- Medical Literature Research 2000 (PDF)
Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting | April 2000
Susan Wirt and co author, Linda McKinley, offer tips and techniques improving medical literature searches on the Internet.
excerpt:
"A broad-based search for 'spinal cord injury' resulted in 305 hits. The search was narrowed to 'spinal cord injury costs' resulting in 37 hits. Finally, the search was narrowed to 'spinal cord injury rehabilitation costs' and returned 11 sites. Included in the 305 original sites was the Universay of Alabama Physical Medicine and Rehabiliation website..." Read more.
