Nursing students' evaluation of patient safety culture in three central European countries: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate and compare the perceptions of nursing students regarding patient safety culture (PSC) during the COVID-19 pandemic in three Central European countries. METHODS: Data were collected from 624 nursing students between April and September 2021 using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. RESULTS: The evaluation of the PSC dimensions did not reach the expected level of 75 %. Significant associations were found between the perception of the dimensions of the individual PSC and age, student status, study year, and clinical placement. The overall patient safety grade, the number of events reported, and the number of events reported by nursing students were significantly predicted by several dimensions of the PSC (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of patient safety culture by nursing students offers a unique perspective. Students come with 'fresh eyes' and provide different perspectives that can provide healthcare leaders with a practical opportunity to identify blind spots, review and improve safety protocols, and foster a more inclusive culture that prioritizes patient safety.

Sex-related differences in the impact of nutritional status on in-hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In patients with some cardiovascular disease conditions the result of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and body mass index (BMI) is related to the in-hospital mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic impact of BMI and NRS 2002 on in-hospital mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in relation to sex. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was based on a retrospective analysis of 945 medical records of AMI patients admitted to the Cardiology Department between 2017 and 2019. Patients with a score NRS2002 ≥ 3 are considered to be nutritionally at risk. The WHO BMI criteria were used. The endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression was used to analyse the impact of quantitative variables on dichotomous outcome. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Female patients were significantly older than male patients (73.24 ± 11.81 vs 67 ± 11.81). In an unadjusted model, the risk of malnutrition was a significant predictor of the odds of in-hospital mortality only in female patients (OR = 7.51, p = 0.001). In a multivariate model adjusted by all variables, heart failure (HF) (OR = 8.408, p = 0.003) and the risk of malnutrition (OR = 6.555, p = 0.007) were independent predictors of the odds of in-hospital mortality in female patients. The only significant independent predictor of the odds of in-hospital mortality in male patients was HF (OR = 3.789 p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Only in the case of female patients with AMI, the risk of malnutrition was independently associated with the odds of in-hospital mortality. There was no effect of BMI on in-hospital mortality in both sexes.

The variables in the rationing of nursing care in cardiology departments.

BACKGROUND: The rationing of nursing care is a complex process that affects the quality of medical services. PURPOSE: An assessment of the impact of nursing care rationing on burnout and life satisfaction in cardiology departments. METHODS: The study included 217 nurses working in the cardiology department. The Perceived Implicit Rationing of Nursing Care, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used. RESULTS: A greater emotional exhaustion, the more frequently the rationing of nursing care (r = 0.309, p < 0.061) and the lower the job satisfaction (r=-0.128, p = 0.061). Higher life satisfaction was associated with less frequent rationing of nursing care (r=-0.177, p = 0.01), better quality of care provided (r = 0.285, p < 0.001), and higher job satisfaction (r = 0.348, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Higher levels of burnout contribute to more frequent rationing of nursing care, poorer evaluation of the quality of care provided, and lower job satisfaction. Life satisfaction is associated with less frequent rationing of care, better evaluation of the quality of care provided, and greater job satisfaction.

Association between lung opacities and visceral fat in COVID-19 patients.

Purpose: To assess the relationship between the amount of the epigastric visceral fat area and the severity of pneumonia in the course of COVID-19 using chest computed tomography (CT) examinations. Material and methods: 177 patients (54 female), with COVID-19 infection were included. A routine chest CT was performed to assess the severity of pneumonia. The affected lung tissue as well as semi-quantitative scales such as the Chest CT Score and Total Opacity Score were calculated using SyngoVia VB30A CT Pneumonia Analysis software. The epigastric region area of visceral fat (L1) was also determined. Results: The mean value of the visceral adipose tissue area was 196.23 ± 101.36 cm2. The area of adipose tissue significantly correlated with the percentage of the affected lung tissue (r = 0.1476; p = 0.050), the Chest CT Score (r = 0.2086; p = 0.005), and the Total Opacity Score (r = 0.1744; p = 0.200). The mean area of adipose tissue in the age group ≥ 65 years was 216.13 ± 105.19 cm2, while in the group < 65 years, it was 169.18 ± 89.69 cm2. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The study showed a relationship between the area of visceral adipose tissue and the degree of lung inflammation in COVID-19 disease in patients under 65 years of age.

Self-assessment of Rationing and Quality of Nursing Care.

BACKGROUND: Nursing care rationing has been a widespread problem in everyday nursing practice for many years. PURPOSE: The aim of this research study was to assess the prevalence of care rationing among nurses working in Poland. METHODS: The study was conducted among a population of 1310 nurses. To examine the dependencies between the sociodemographics and unfinished nursing care, the Polish adaptation of the Perceived Implicit Rationing of Nursing Care questionnaire and an investigator-developed questionnaire were used. RESULTS: The mean level of missed care was 1.16 (SD = 0.7). The significant predictors of care rationing were associated with the quality of patient care (ßstd = -.43, P < .001) and general work satisfaction (ßstd = -.15, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Job satisfaction and the quality of nursing care should be constantly monitored as these factors are significantly associated with the levels of care rationing.

New Method of Cardiac Lead Evaluation Using Chest Radiography.

Background and Objectives: There is currently no method that can be used for a precise evaluation of pacemaker leads using X-ray images, which could be a valuable add-on in the follow-up of patients. The aim of this paper was to create a simple method to measure selected points and lines using the chest radiography of patients with cardiac pacemakers. Materials and Methods: The study included 99 patients after permanent pacemaker implantation (72.0 ± 12.9 y; 58 W). The newly created method was used to evaluate the course of the leads based on an X-ray of the chest in an AP (posterior-anterior) projection (standing up) with optimization. The chest X-ray was applied to the original measurement grid, which was determined by specific anatomical points. For the purpose of this paper, a number of measurable parameters have been proposed. Results: The technical quality of the images was very good (4.50 ± 0.72). There were no gender-specific differences: women 4.46 ± 0.75/men 4.56 ± 0.67; p = 0.5183. The quality of the imaging of the leads was also good (3.72 ± 0.83), and no statistical differences were found between the genders. After verifying the technical quality of the X-ray images, the tract of the leads was measured. The only significant difference was found in parameter E-this value describing the so-called "death bend", which was significantly lower in women (3.98 ± 1.35) vs. men (4.58 ± 1.49): p = 0.039. Conclusions: The presented method permitted the leads of a cardiac pacemaker to be precisely described with good clinical validity using chest radiography.

Can Frailty Be a Predictor of ICD Shock after the Implantation of a Cardioverter Defibrillator in Elderly Patients?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of frailty among elderly patients who had an implanted cardioverter defibrillator, as well as the influence of frailty on the main endpoints during the follow-up. METHODS: The study included 103 patients > 60 years of age (85M, aged 71.56-8.17 years). All of the patients had an implanted single or dual-chamber cardioverter-defibrillator. In the research, there was a 12-month follow-up. The occurrence of frailty syndrome was assessed using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator scale (TFI). RESULTS: Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 75.73% of the patients that were included in the study. The mean values of the TFI were 6.55 ± 2.67, in the physical domain 4.06 ± 1.79, in the psychological domain 2.06 ± 1.10, and in the social domain 0.44 ± 0.55. During the follow-up period, 27.2% of patients had a defibrillator cardioverter electric shock, which occurred statistically more often in patients with diagnosed frailty syndrome (34.6%) compared to the robust patients (4%); p = 0.0062. In the logistic regression, frailty (OR: 1.203, 95% CI:1.0126-1.4298; p < 0.030) was an independent predictor of a defibrillator cardioverter electric shock. Similarly, in the logistic regression, frailty (OR: 1.3623, 95% CI:1.0290-1.8035; p = 0.019) was also an independent predictor for inadequate electric shocks. CONCLUSION: About three-quarters of the elderly patients that had qualified for ICD implantation were affected by frailty syndrome. In the frailty subgroup, adequate and inadequate shocks occurred more often compared to the robust patients.

The Influence of Antiarrhythmic Device Intervention on Biopsychosocial Functioning and Anxiety in Patients with an Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator.

Background and objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of cardioverter-defibrillator interventions on the psychosocial functioning of a patient and the occurrence of concerns related to ICD. Materials and Methods: The conducted study was a prospective and observational study that included 158 patients. The study was conducted in two stages: I before ICD implantation and II a follow-up visit six months after the ICD implantation. Standardized questionnaires were used in both stages. Results: In the first six months, a cardioverter-defibrillator discharge occurred in 28 participants, which constituted 17.72% of the study group. The number of ICD discharges positively correlated to insomnia, symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression, more discharges, more severe insomnia, anxiety and depression. There was also a negative correlation between the number of discharges and the degree of disease acceptance and in the quality of life domains: somatic, mental, social and environmental. The more discharges, the worse the disease acceptance and assessment of the quality of life. Conclusions: Individuals who experienced discharges assessed their quality of life as worse in all aspects (perception of the quality of life, own health, physical, mental, social and environmental domains), experienced anxiety and depressive disorders more often, were characterized by a worse functioning in a chronic disease, experienced insomnia more often and reported more concerns related to ICD implantation.

Factors that influence marital satisfaction in men with a heart rhythm disorders.

BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of a cardiac arrhythmia can affect marital relations and diminish libido and satisfaction with a patient's sex life. The aim of the study was to assess the factors that affect marital satisfaction in men with an arrhythmias who had qualified for cardiac pacemaker implantation. METHODS: The study included 103 men (aged 58.28 ± 8.72) with recognized heart rhythm disorders who were hospitalized in Department of Electrocardiology. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the International Erectile Function Index (IIEF) and the Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS) were used in this research. RESULTS: The greater the severity of the anxiety (r = 0.2492, p = 0.011) and depression symptoms (r = 0.3735, p = 0.000), the less satisfied a patient was with the relationship. An analysis showed that depression (p = 0.000), sexual desire (p = 0.001), overall satisfaction (p = 0.009), erectile function (p = 0.0162) and intercourse satisfaction (p = 0.026) are important predictors of marital satisfaction. Only sexual desire was an important predictor of marital satisfaction in patients with sinus node dysfunction, while the depression, sexual desire and overall satisfaction results were predictors in patients with atrioventricular blocks. CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression symptoms affect the assessment of marital satisfaction in men with a heart rhythm disorder. Different factors influence marital satisfaction for different heart rhythm disorders.

Attitude towards sexuality and sexual behaviors among men with heart rhythm disorders.

AIM: Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias and the perception of the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker can negatively affect mental health including sexuality and sexual behaviors. The aim of this study was to assess the attitude towards sexuality and sexual behaviors among men with cardiac arrhythmias. METHODS: The study included 80 men (aged 58.6 ± 9.23 years) with heart rhythm disorders who had qualified for cardiac pacemaker implantation. The International Index of Erectile Function IIEF-15 was completed at least one day before cardiac pacemaker implantation by all of the patients. RESULTS: The average results of the IIEF for all of the included patients was 41.87 ± 7.57 and were statistically worse in the population with atrioventricular blocks (39.60 ± 7.79) compared to those with sinus node dysfunction (44.15 ± 6.71) (p = .0110). The same relationships were found in the subcategory of orgasmic function (p = .0108) as well as intercourse satisfaction (p = .0111). Erectile dysfunction occurred in 88.75% of the patients with diagnosed arrhythmias. There was no statistically significant difference between the occurrence of erectile dysfunction in patients with sinus node dysfunction (87.5%) compared to patients with atrioventricular blocks (90%); p = .7236. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that sexuality and sexual behaviors among men with cardiac arrhythmias was found to be statistically worse in the population with atrioventricular blocks compared to those with sinus node dysfunction. It was especially marked in the area of orgasmic function as well as for intercourse satisfaction.

The impact of cardiac pacemaker implantation on male sexual function.

BACKGROUND: The possibility of sexual functioning is an important aspect of human life, and sexual disorders have a negative impact on the quality of life and well-being. The aim of the study was to assess the sexuality and occurrence of sexual dysfunction within 6 months after pacemaker implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study sample was a group of 80 patients with heart rhythm disorders who had been qualified for cardiac pacemaker implantation. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 was completed by all the patients at least 1 day before and 6 months after cardiac pacemaker implantation. The average results of the IIEF for all those who were included before implantation were 41.87 ± 7.57 and were statistically the worst after pacemaker implantation 46.76 ± 6.64; P < .0001. After the implantation of a pacemaker, there was an improvement in all of the subcategories of sexual life for all the men: erectile function P < .0001, orgasmic function P < .0001, sexual desire P < .0001, intercourse satisfaction P < .0001, and overall satisfaction P < .0001. CONCLUSIONS: Pacemaker implantation had a positive effect on sexual functioning for all the patients. Pacemaker implantation did not affect sexual desire in the patients who were observed. Erectile dysfunction occurred in most of patients both before and after pacemaker implantation.

Optimistic thinking, satisfaction with life and job and nursing care rationing: Multicentre study in Poland.

AIMS: The aim was to examine whether the level of optimism and job and life satisfaction is a differentiating factor from the level of implicit rationing of nursing care in a sample of Polish registered nurses. BACKGROUND: Satisfaction with life and job is reflected by greater effectiveness of nurses at work and creates a positive work environment, which in turn may modulate the level of implicit rationing of nursing care. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicentre research design was adopted, employing a representative sample of 1,010 registered Polish nurses identified between the beginning of January and the end of June 2019. Four self-report scales were used in this study: Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Satisfaction with Job Scale and Life Orientation Test-Revised. The results were analysed using the k-means method, Student's t test and two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Optimistic thinking, and satisfaction with job and life exerted a significant effect on the level of implicit rationing of nursing care among Polish nurses. Nurses from the group 'pessimistic' were at higher risk of nursing care rationing than those from the group 'optimistic'. CONCLUSION: Strengthening of the personal competencies, providing support and responding to all identified needs might increase job satisfaction of nurses and hence reduce the risk of nursing care rationing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Leadership modelling and training in positive thinking might be the methods to support nurses and to prevent nursing care rationing.

Frailty as a predictor of negative outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of frailty among patients who had cardiac resynchronization as well as the influence of frailty on the main endpoints during follow-up. METHODS: The study included 156 patients (aged 74.33 ± 6.75; 27 W) with diagnosed heart failure who were hospitalized for the implantation of a cardiac resynchronization device. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator questionnaire was used to evaluate frailty syndrome. RESULTS: Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 75.64% of patients who were included. The average value of frailty for the whole group was 6.21 ± 1.94, for the physical domain 4.29 ± 1.32, for the psychological domain 1.40 ± 1.04, and for the social domain 0.51 ± 0.57. During the follow-up period, 5.7% of the patients died, and the mortality rate was not statistically higher (P  =  0.5795) among patients who were diagnosed with frailty syndrome (6.78%) compared to robust patients (2.63%). Analysis of the complications and first electrical storm episodes demonstrated that these events did not occur in patients with no identifiable frailty syndrome. These occurred at a rate of 4.24% (complications) and 2.54% (electric storm) in patients with frailty syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty syndrome can be an important predictor of negative outcomes in patients with heart failure who undergo cardiac resynchronizations.

Anxiety, age, education and activities of daily living as predictive factors of the occurrence of frailty syndrome in patients with heart rhythm disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Frailty is one of the geriatric syndromes that are caused by subclinical impairment of many organs, leading to the loss of reserves and the ability to maintain homeostasis. Aim of the study was to assess which factors including anxiety and depression can be predictive factors for the occurrence of frailty syndrome in patients with heart rhythm disorders. METHODS: The study included 171 consecutive patients >64 years (73.91 ± 6.72; 48.5% W) with diagnosed cardiac arrhythmias who had been qualified for pacemaker implantation. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator scale as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depresion Scale (HADS) were used. RESULTS: The average HADS results in the frailty group was significantly higher 7.42 ± 2.63 compared to the robust patients 6.33 ± 2.83; p =0.0019. Similar results were observed in patients with atrio-ventricular blocks (AVB): HADS-A: frail 8.23 ± 2.13 vs. robust 6.62 ± 2.27; p = 0.0036 and HADS-D: frail 8.84 ± 2.85 vs. robust 7.17 ± 2.48; p =0.0086. The multiple regression model showed that age (p =0.0023), education (p =0.0001), ADL (p =0.0001) and the severity of the anxiety (p = 0.0414) were important predictors of the dependent variable and predicted higher levels of frailty syndrome. CONCLUSION: Anxiety, age, education and the activities of daily living can be predictive factors of the occurrence of frailty syndrome in patients with heart rhythm disorders who have been qualified for pacemaker implantation.

Influence of frailty on the quality of life patients qualified for pacemaker implantation.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: An important question is whether frailty syndrome affects the assessment of quality of life or whether frailty syndrome may reduce the benefits of a cardiac pacemaker implantation. BACKGROUND: Frailty syndrome is known risk factor for quality of life evaluation after selected cardiology invasive procedures. DESIGN: The study was designed as single-centre prospective study. METHODS: The study included 171 patients aged ≥60 years who were qualified for pacemaker implantation. Quality of life was evaluated twice-before and 6 months after implantation using MLHF questionnaire. A frailty syndrome evaluation using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was performed prior to pacemaker implantation. A DDDR pacemaker was implanted in each patient. RESULTS: Frailty syndrome was identified in half of the patients with indications for cardiac pacemaker implantation. There was an improvement in quality of life in the six months after pacemaker implantation in all of the robust and frailty syndrome-affected patients that were included into the study-in general, physical and emotional domains. CONCLUSION: Implantation of cardiac pacemaker influences the compensation quality of life evaluation in patients with sinus node dysfunction. Presence of frailty influences worse quality of life of patients when evaluated before cardiac pacemaker implantation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Frailty should be evaluated in all older patients qualified for pacemaker implantation to evaluate high-risk group, optimise therapeutic approach and to intense education activities for patients and family.

[Kinesiophobia in patients with cardiovascular disease].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Kinesiophobia - a fear of physical activity - is a common and worsening rehabilitation outcomes phenomenon in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The aim: To assess the level of kinesiophobia in relation to heart's function evaluated using echocardiography and clinical parameters in patients with cardiovascular disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods:101 patients (28 women) aged 61,9±13,56 years and hospitalized for implantation or replacement of a pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator were included in the study. Their heart's function and morphology were evaluated echocardiographically. Level of kinesiophobia was evaluated with the Polish version of Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK-Heart) questionnaire. RESULTS: Results: The TSK score in these patients was 41,6±5,39. It's value was increasing with age (p=0,0264), was higher in women than in men (43,5±5,36 vs. 40,8±5,27, p=0,0287) and in patients with coronary artery disease (42,3±6,28 vs. 40,9±4,62, p=0,031). In patients with heart failure, it was decreasing with an increase of body mass index (p=0,0185). Severe mitral insufficiency resulted in higher index value in comparison with moderate or mild one (42,7±4,05 vs. 40,9 ± 5,58, p=0,0369). The TSK index increases with a decrease in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p=0,0033). Patients in NYHA IV class exhibited higher TSK value than those in lower classes (p<0,001). An inverse dependency of TSK index value and hemoglobin level were established (p=0,0041). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: In patients with cardiovascular diseases, kinesiophobia has multicausal nature and is higher in NYHA IV patients. The independent predictors of kinesiophobia are right ventricular dysfunction and anemia.

Older age and a higher EHRA score allow higher levels of frailty syndrome to be predicted in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: There is no research that evaluates the relationship between the severity of the symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF), the presence of frailty syndrome and acceptance of the illness. METHODS: The study included 132 patients aged 72.7 ± 6.73 with diagnosed AF. The severity of the symptoms of AF was determined according to European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) guidelines, frailty syndrome was assessed using the Tilburg frailty indicator (TFI) and the acceptance of the illness was assessed using the acceptance of illness scale (AIS). A standard statistical comparison and multiple regression analysis using the stepwise method were performed. RESULTS: In patients with AF, frailty was 5.31 ± 2.69 (TFI). Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 59.8% of the AF patients who had a score of 7.17 ± 1.72. A higher level of EHRA score was connected with a smaller degree of the acceptance of the illness p = 0.0000. The multiple regression model indicated that age (p = 0.0009) and the severity of the symptoms (p = 0.0001) are important predictors of frailty syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between the presence of frailty syndrome and the intensity of the symptoms and the acceptance of AF. Age and the EHRA score permitted higher levels of frailty syndrome to be predicted.

Frailty Syndrome in Heart Failure Patients who are Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that patients with de novo cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation had a more intense frailty syndrome when compared to the patients who qualified for a system upgrade. METHODS: One hundred and six patients aged ≥65 years were included. They were divided into two groups: de novo CRT implantation--74 patients and upgrade from standard right heart pacing--32 patients. A CRT was finally implanted in all of the patients. Frailty was evaluated using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale (CSHA-CFS). RESULTS: The average results in CSHA-CFS were statistically higher (5.3 ± 0.8) in the de novo patients when compared to the patients who qualified for a system upgrade (4.9 ± 0.8); P = 0.027. Frailty syndrome was recognized in 81.1% of the patients in the de novo group and in 68.7% of the patients in the upgrade group; P = 0.164. Only one patient of the 106 had no attributes of frailty (or exposed ones) syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty syndrome is a common phenomenon in patients with heart failure and over 65 years of age. The syndrome is most often recognized in patients who are de novo qualified for cardiac resynchronization.

Variation in Cardiac Vein System is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcium - A Venous-Atherosclerosis Paradox?

BACKGROUND: The factors that determine the different patterns of venous anatomy are not well understood. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between variation in the cardiac vein system and the extent of coronary artery calcium score (CACS). METHODS: We reviewed the results of 64-slice CTs of 226 subjects (age 57.2 ± 11.2; 133M) enrolled in our study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups based on coronary artery calcium: 92 patients. with CACS = 0 AU (Agatston Unit, AU); 56 with CACS = 1-100 AU; and 78 patients with CACS > than 100 AU. The cardiac venous system was reconstructed during the optimal phase of the cardiac cycle in each subject. RESULTS: Subjects with a higher CACS had a better quality of vein images (p < 0.01). The number of visible veins differed between the groups. Eight subjects (8.7%) in the group with CACS = 0 AU, 7 (12.5%) in the group with CACS = 1-100 AU, and 23 (29.5%) in the group with CACS > 100 AU had five or more visible veins (p < 0.001), whereas the proportion of subjects with less than three visible veins was 56 (60.8%), 31 (55.4%) and 30 (38.4%), respectively (p < 0.05). The number of visible veins correlated with CACS (r = 0.28; p < 0.05). In a multivariate regression analysis, which included age, gender, CACS, LV ejection fraction, myocardial volume and heart rate, the CACS was found to be an independent determinant of the number of visible veins (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggested that there is a link between a variation in the cardiac venous system and the extent of atherosclerosis. KEY WORDS: Coronary artery calcium score (CACS); Computed tomography; Coronary veins.

The Impact of Sociodemographic Factors on Job Satisfaction and Professional Burnout among Nurses in Urology Departments.

(1) Background: Job satisfaction and professional burnout directly impact human life, depending on various professional, non-professional, and private determinants. Nurses, in particular, are highly susceptible to experiencing professional burnout, which, when combined with job satisfaction, significantly affects the quality of their services. This study aimed to assess the level of job satisfaction and job burnout among nurses working in urology departments, as well as the impact of sociodemographic factors. (2) Methods: The study involved 130 nurses working in urology departments in Poland. Researchers conducted an anonymous questionnaire comprising a sociodemographic section and two standardized questionnaires: the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ) and the Scale of Job Satisfaction (SSP). (3) Results: The study group demonstrated an average level of job satisfaction (17.23 points) and an average level of professional burnout, indicating potential symptoms of professional burnout such as psychophysical exhaustion (22.29 points), lack of commitment to patient relationships (20.02 points), feelings of professional ineffectiveness (17.37 points), and disappointment (19.66 points). (4) Conclusions: The levels of job satisfaction and professional burnout among nurses in urology departments are comparable to those in other departments and countries. Medical facilities should take into account factors influencing job satisfaction and the risk of professional burnout when addressing employment conditions.