Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of Measurement Instruments: A Practical Guideline for Novice Researchers.

Cross-cultural validation of self-reported measurement instruments for research is a long and complex process, which involves specific risks of bias that could affect the research process and results. Furthermore, it requires researchers to have a wide range of technical knowledge about the translation, adaptation and pre-test aspects, their purposes and options, about the different psychometric properties, and the required evidence for their assessment and knowledge about the quantitative data processing and analysis using statistical software. This article aimed: 1) identify all guidelines and recommendations for translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation within the healthcare sciences; 2) describe the methodological approaches established in these guidelines for conducting translation, adaptation, and cross-cultural validation; and 3) provide a practical guideline featuring various methodological options for novice researchers involved in translating, adapting, and validating measurement instruments. Forty-two guidelines on translation, adaptation, or cross-cultural validation of measurement instruments were obtained from "CINAHL with Full Text" (via EBSCO) and "MEDLINE with Full Text". A content analysis was conducted to identify the similarities and differences in the methodological approaches recommended. Bases on these similarities and differences, we proposed an eight-step guideline that includes: a) forward translation; 2) synthesis of translations; 3) back translation; 4) harmonization; 5) pre-testing; 6) field testing; 7) psychometric validation, and 8) analysis of psychometric properties. It is a practical guideline because it provides extensive and comprehensive information on the methodological approaches available to researchers. This is the first methodological literature review carried out in the healthcare sciences regarding the methodological approaches recommended by existing guidelines.

The impact of pre-, pro- and synbiotics supplementation in colorectal cancer treatment: a systematic review.

Introduction: The effectiveness of the supplementation of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics as a therapeutic approach in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to critically examine the current scientific evidence on the impact of modulating the microbiota, through the use of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, in patients diagnosed with CRC undergoing treatment, to determine the potential therapeutic use of this approach. Methods: This systematic review was made according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing the impact of pre-, pro-, or synbiotic supplementation with placebo or standard care in patients with CRC undergoing treatment. Exclusion criteria were non-human studies, non-RCTs, and studies in languages other than English or Portuguese. Six databases were consulted, namely, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Scopus, Cinahl, MedicLatina and Web of Science until May of 2023. RAYYAN software was used to manage the search results and risk of bias was assessed according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration using the Rob 2.0 tool. Results: Twenty-four RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Administration of pre-, pro-, or synbiotics improved surgical outcomes such as the incidence of infectious and non-infectious postoperative complications, return to normal gut function, hospital length of stay, and antibiotic usage. The supplementation of these microorganisms also alleviated some symptoms from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, mainly diarrhea. Evidence on the best approach in terms of types of strains, dosage and duration of intervention is still scarce. Conclusions: Pre-, pro-, and synbiotics supplementation appears to be a beneficial therapeutic approach in CRC treatment to improve surgical outcomes and to alleviate side-effects such as treatment toxicity. More RCTs with larger sample sizes and less heterogeneity are needed to confirm these potential benefits and to determine the best strains, dosage, and duration of administration in each situation. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023413958.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) for the Assessment of Body Composition in Oncology: A Scoping Review.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a reliable, non-invasive, objective, and cost-effective body composition assessment method, with high reproducibility. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current scientific and clinical evidence on BIA for body composition assessment in oncology patients, under active treatment. Literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA-ScR Guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting the use of BIA for body composition evaluation in adults with cancer diagnosis. Studies including non-cancer pathology or only assessing nutritional status were excluded. This scoping review comprised a total of 36 studies: 25 were original studies including 18 prospective studies, six cross-sectional studies and one retrospective study and 11 were systematic reviews. Population size for the included original articles ranged from 18 to 1217 participants, comprising a total of 3015 patients with cancer with a mean baseline Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 20.3 to 30.0 kg/m2 and mean age ranging between 47 and 70 years. Review articles included a total of 273 studies, with a total of 78,350 participants. The current review considered studies reporting patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) (n = 8), breast cancer (BC) (n = 4), esophageal cancer (EC) (n = 2), liver cancer (n = 2), pancreatic cancer (PC) (n = 3), gastric cancer (GC) (n = 3), colorectal cancer (CRC) (n = 8), lung cancer (LC) (n = 1), skin cancer (SK) (n = 1) and multiple cancer types (n = 6). BIA is a suitable and valid method for the assessment of body composition in oncology. BIA-derived measures have shown good potential and relevant clinical value in preoperative risk evaluation, in the reduction of postoperative complications and hospital stay and as an important prognostic indicator in persons with cancer. Future research on the diagnostic value and clinical applications of BIA and BIA-derived phase angle (PhA) should be conducted in order to predict its impact on patient survival and other clinical outcomes.

Validation of the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale in Portuguese palliative care settings: a methodological study.

BACKGROUND: Spirituality is a critical dimension in palliative care, but difficulties have been described in literature concerning the effective implementation and measuring of spiritual care. AIM: To translate, adapt and validate the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale (NSCTS) in Portuguese palliative care settings. METHODS: A methodological study was conducted. A final version of the questionnaire included the scale and was submitted to full psychometric testing using nurses working in Portuguese palliative care settings. FINDINGS: A total of 88 nurses participated. The average age of the sample was 36.1 ± 8.93 years (range 23-60 years), and 92.0% were women. A Cronbach alpha value of 0.88; Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy 0.80; and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity were adequate. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using principal axis factoring with an oblimin rotation that resulted in a three-factors solution. CONCLUSION: The European Portuguese NSCTS questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to assess the frequency of nurses' activities concerning spirituality in palliative care.

Protein intake and muscle mass maintenance in patients with cancer types with high prevalence of sarcopenia: a systematic review.

RATIONALE: Cancer is associated with muscle wasting. However, optimal protein intake has not been determined, limiting the efficacy of nutritional interventions. This systematic review aims to assess the effect of protein intake on muscle mass of patients with cancer types with high prevalence of sarcopenia during treatment, in longitudinal studies. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines. Longitudinal studies written in English, including adults with high sarcopenia prevalence cancer diagnosis, submitted to (chemo)radiotherapy, with assessment of protein intake and muscle changes during treatment, published until 4 October 2020 were included. Studies including supplementation with substances, such as n-3 fatty acids, specific amino acids, or proteins, were excluded. Study appraisal was independently conducted by two reviewers, and a qualitative research synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 575 records were identified, of which, eight studies were included (one randomized clinical trial and seven uncontrolled before and after studies). Patients with head and neck (n = 5), lung (n = 2), and esophageal cancer (n = 1) were included, comprising a total of 554 participants. The studies presented heterogeneous methodologies, objectives, and methods to assess body composition. Overall, participant groups with a mean protein intake below 1.2 g/kg presented muscle wasting, with one exception, while those reporting a mean intake above 1.4 g/kg, maintained muscle during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that protein intakes below 1.2 g/kg, even when within the recommendations, have been associated with muscle wasting during treatment. Only intakes above 1.4 g/kg have been associated with muscle maintenance. High-quality research is needed to establish an optimal dose response.

Managing Severe Dysgeusia and Dysosmia in Lung Cancer Patients: A Systematic Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer (LC) is highly prevalent worldwide, with elevated mortality. In this population, taste and smell alterations (TSAs) are frequent but overlooked symptoms. The absence of effective therapeutic strategies and evidence-based guidelines constrain TSAs' early recognition, prevention and treatment (Tx), promoting cancer-related malnutrition and jeopardizing survival outcomes and quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature on TSAs in LC patients, understand the physiopathology, identify potential preventive and Tx strategies and to further encourage research in this area. METHODS: Literature search on English language articles indexed to PubMed, CINALH, SCOPUS and Web of Science using MeSH terms "Lung neoplasms","Dysgeusia", "Olfaction Disorders", "Carcinoma, Small Cell","Carcinoma, Non- Small-Cell Lung "Adenocarcinoma of Lung","Carcinoma, Large Cell", and non-MeSH terms "Parageusia", "Altered Taste", "Smell Disorder", "Paraosmia", "Dysosmia","Lung Cancer" and "Oat Cell Carcinoma". RESULTS: Thirty-four articles were reviewed. TSAs may follow the diagnosis of LC or develop during cancer Tx. The estimated prevalence of self-reported dysgeusia is 35-38% in treatment-naïve LC patients, and 35-69% in those undergoing Tx, based on studies involving LC patients only.One prospective pilot trial and 1 RCT demonstrated a clinically significant benefit in combining flavor enhancement, smell and taste training and individualized nutritional counselling; a systematic review, 1 RCT and 1 retrospective study favored using intravenous or oral zinc-based solutions (150mg 2-3 times a day) for the prevention and Tx of chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) -induced mucositis and subsequent dysgeusia. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first review on dysgeusia and dysosmia in LC patients to our knowledge. We propose combining taste and smell training, personalized dietary counselling and flavor enhancement with oral zinc-based solutions (150mg, 2-3 times a day) during CT and/or RT in this population, in order to prevent and help ameliorate Tx-induced dysgeusia and mucositis. However due to study heterogeneity, the results should be interpreted with caution. Developing standardized TSA measurement tools and performing prospective randomized controlled trials to evaluate their effect are warranted.

Mapping palliative care provision in European prisons: an EAPC Task Force Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Prison populations around the world are ageing and numbers are rising, leading to greater demand for palliative care for prisoners approaching the end of life. This paper reports a survey that was undertaken by the European Association for Palliative Care Task Force on mapping palliative care provision for prisoners in Europe. The Task Force was established to begin to address the gap in research knowledge by exploring prison systems and care provision across different countries. METHODS: The survey, developed by the Task Force Steering Committee, consisted of 40 questions in six sections. It was completed through online searches; only data that were publicly available on the internet were included. Numerical data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and thematic comparisons were made of free-text data. FINDINGS: The survey was completed for eight countries: Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, England and Wales, France, Portugal, Scotland and Slovakia. Three main findings are reported here: healthcare and palliative care provision in prisons, deaths in custody and compassionate release. Despite increasing numbers of older prisoners, relatively few prisons provide inpatient care, and only one country has any prisons that provide dedicated palliative care services. Early release on compassionate grounds is extremely rare in most countries. CONCLUSION: For the principle of equivalence to be adhered to, facilities for sick and dying prisoners need to be improved, or many more people need to be released on compassionate grounds at the end of life. This mapping study has identified key issues in relation to palliative care in prison and provides the basis for further international research.

Propriedades psicométricas do Questionário Geral de Saúde 28 itens em enfermeiros: proposta com 24 itens / Psychometric properties of the 28-Item General Health Questionnaire in nurses: a proposal with 24 items / Propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Salud General de 28 ítems en enfermeros: propuesta con 24 ítems

Resumo Enquadramento: A avaliação das propriedades psicométricas dos instrumentos de medida, quando aplicados em diferentes populações, é essencial. Objetivo: Analisar as propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de Saúde Geral 28 itens (GHQ28) em enfermeiros. Metodologia: Estudo metodológico de validação de instrumentos de medida. Análise das propriedades psicométricas, análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) pelo método dos componentes principais, e curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), com uma amostra não probabilística de 1.264 enfermeiros. Resultados: A AFE propõe a manutenção de 4 fatores e eliminação de 4 itens em 3 dimensões (item 3,16, 21,26). A variância explicada pelos 4 fatores foi 61,5% e o alfa de Cronbach 0,93. Os resultados de saúde geral não sofreram variabilidade significativa após se retirarem os 4 itens. A curva ROC, comparando a versão 24 itens com a de 28, revelou uma área sob a curva (AUC) de 0,996 (p < 0,001) e ponto de corte 20,5, com uma sensibilidade de 96,3% e especificidade de 98,4%. Conclusão: A reavaliação das propriedades psicométricas do GHQ28 em enfermeiros, sugere redução para 24 itens.

Abstract Background: The psychometric properties of measurement instruments should be assessed in different populations. Objective: To analyze the psychometric properties of the 28-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in nurses. Methodology: Methodological validation study of measurement instruments. Analysis of psychometric properties, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) by the principal component analysis method, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, with a nonprobability sample of 1,264 nurses. Results: EFA suggests keeping four factors and deleting four items in three dimensions (items 3, 16, 21, and 26). The variance explained by the four factors was 61.5%, and Cronbach's alpha was 0.93. The general health scores did not change significantly after deleting the four items. The comparison between the 24-item version and the 28-item version revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.996 (p <0.001) and a cutoff point of 20.5, with a 96.3% sensitivity and a 98.4 specificity. Conclusion: The reassessment of the psychometric properties of GHQ-28 in nurses suggests a reduction to 24 items.

Resumen Marco contextual: La evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas de los instrumentos de medición, cuando se aplican en diferentes poblaciones, es esencial. Objetivo: Analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Salud General de 28 ítems (GHQ28) en enfermeros. Metodología: Estudio metodológico sobre la validación de instrumentos de medida. Análisis de las propiedades psicométricas, análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) mediante el método de componentes principales y curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), con una muestra no probabilística de 1264 enfermeros. Resultados: La AFE propuso el mantenimiento de 4 factores y la eliminación de 4 ítems en 3 dimensiones (ítem 3, 16, 21, 26). La varianza explicada por los 4 factores fue del 61,5% y el alfa de Cronbach del 0,93. Los resultados de salud general no experimentaron una variabilidad significativa tras eliminar los 4 ítems. La curva ROC, que compara la versión de 24 ítems con la de 28, mostró un área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0,996 (p < 0,001) y un punto de corte de 20,5, con una sensibilidad del 96,3% y una especificidad del 98,4%. Conclusión: La reevaluación de las propiedades psicométricas del GHQ28 en enfermeros sugiere una reducción a 24 ítems.

Nursing education on palliative care across Europe: Results and recommendations from the EAPC Taskforce on preparation for practice in palliative care nursing across the EU based on an online-survey and country reports.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are the largest regulated group of healthcare professionals involved in palliative care. In 2004, a taskforce of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) launched the 'Guide for development of palliative nurse education in Europe' (hereinafter, the EAPC 2004 Guide). No systematic evaluation of its impact in the development of palliative care education was undertaken. AIMS: To describe current undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education across Europe; to identify the roles that nurses with different palliative care educational levels have in palliative care; and to assess the uptake of the EAPC 2004 Guide in the development of palliative care nursing in Europe. DESIGN: Descriptive research involving an online survey among nursing experts, and the consultation of national representatives. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 135 nurses (52% response rate) from 25 countries completed the online survey; representatives from 16 countries were consulted. RESULTS: In 14 (56%) countries, palliative care was not identified as a mandatory subject within undergraduate nursing education. The EAPC 2004 Guide is widely known and was/is being used in many countries to promote palliative care nursing education. Large variations were found across and within country responses. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care nursing education varies largely in Europe. The wide awareness and use of the EAPC 2004 Guide show how policy measures can influence the development of palliative care education. Recommendations are built and focus on both fostering the use of this guide and implementing policy measures to ensure that palliative care nursing is recognised and certified as a specialty in all European countries.

Rethinking palliative care in a public health context: addressing the needs of persons with non-communicable chronic diseases.

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs) are the main cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Demographic aging has resulted in older populations with more complex healthcare needs. This necessitates a multilevel rethinking of healthcare policies, health education and community support systems with digitalization of technologies playing a central role. The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging (A3) working group focuses on well-being for older adults, with an emphasis on quality of life and healthy aging. A subgroup of A3, including multidisciplinary stakeholders in health care across Europe, focuses on the palliative care (PC) model as a paradigm to be modified to meet the needs of older persons with NCCDs. This development paper delineates the key parameters we identified as critical in creating a public health model of PC directed to the needs of persons with NCCDs. This paradigm shift should affect horizontal components of public health models. Furthermore, our model includes vertical components often neglected, such as nutrition, resilience, well-being and leisure activities. The main enablers identified are information and communication technologies, education and training programs, communities of compassion, twinning activities, promoting research and increasing awareness amongst policymakers. We also identified key 'bottlenecks': inequity of access, insufficient research, inadequate development of advance care planning and a lack of co-creation of relevant technologies and shared decision-making. Rethinking PC within a public health context must focus on developing policies, training and technologies to enhance person-centered quality life for those with NCCD, while ensuring that they and those important to them experience death with dignity.

Body composition changes in patients with head and neck cancer under active treatment: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer patients have the second highest malnutrition prevalence, when compared with other oncological patients. They experience significant weight loss before diagnosis, during and after treatment, and even during the first year of follow-up. However, the prognostic value of weight loss depends on body mass index, and this may be associated with low skeletal muscle mass, masking its loss. Thus, weight loss itself poorly predicts outcome in head and neck cancer patients when compared with depleted skeletal muscle mass, illustrating the inadequacy of body mass index as an accurate method to reflect nutritional status. A synthesis is needed of the body composition changes occurring in head and neck cancer patients during treatment, as well as of the methods to assess it. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review is to examine and map the body composition changes in head and neck cancer patients under oncological treatment with curative intent. A further objective is to determine which methods are used to assess body composition in these patients. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Types of participants: The current review considered head and neck cancer patients, aged 18 years or older. CONCEPT: This scoping review considered all studies that focused on the body composition changes. CONTEXT: This scoping review considered the studies that evaluated the body composition changes in the context of treatment with curative intent. Surgical treatment approach was excluded to avoid excess heterogeneity in the data. Types of sources: This scoping review considered only published studies, with abstract available. SEARCH STRATEGY: A three-step search strategy was undertaken. This review was limited to studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese during 2000-2019. DATA EXTRACTION: The data extracted included author(s)/year of publication, aims and purpose of the study, sample size, study design, type of treatment, measurement points and component(s) of body composition evaluated, body composition assessment methods, and main results/findings. PRESENTATION OF RESULTS: Head and neck cancer patients suffer from serious loss of lean body mass, skeletal muscle, or free fat mass, after treatment compared with baseline. Further, nutritional deterioration is evident and occurs up to 8-12 months after treatment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is one of the body composition assessment tools that has the great advantage for being available on a regular basis for assessment of body composition in head and neck cancer patients. However, it cannot be recommended for clinical decision making until further validation. CONCLUSION: Head and neck cancer patients experience a significant depletion of lean body mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle, accompanied by body fat mass, while undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy. This can be demonstrated either by triceps skinfold thickness, bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or computed tomography. This loss has a remarkable impact on their survival, on their quality of life, and on the risk for post-operative complications and may result in a reduced response to cancer treatment. Thus, body composition assessment should become an integral component of the care of head and neck cancer patients, beyond weight and body mass index, and should be carried out at different times throughout treatment.

Experiences of Homeless Families in Parenthood: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence.

The objective of this systematic review was to identify the available qualitative data and to develop a framework to address the life experiences of homeless families in parenthood. The research was performed in the PubMed and CINAHL Complete databases, for works published in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Studies that included qualitative data, or both qualitative and quantitative data, were considered for this research. A total of 358 articles were obtained, of which 37 were assessed for eligibility, and 26 were rejected. In the end, 11 studies were selected. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research was used. These studies were conducted mostly in the United States, in temporary/transitional shelters for nuclear or single-parent families (led by women) in a homeless situation. In this context, the area which arose as the more relevant one was mental health, followed by the social studies. Two types of dimensions emerged from the results: mediating dimensions (which include the categories "Insecurity", "Lack of Privacy", "Isolation", "Stigma" and "Disempowerment") that are responsible for difficulties related to education, and behavioural changes in both the parents and the children; and supporting dimensions (which include the categories "Context as a Facilitator", "Relationship with Others" and "Parents' and children's Self") that lead to motivation, as well as the acquisition of strategies by the parents, to resolve parenting issues. This research helps expand nursing knowledge and presents a synthesis of the life experiences of homeless families in parenthood. Nursing can respond to the vulnerable population, due to its predominant role in promoting their health.

A national survey of the nurses' mental health - The case of Portugal.

AIM: To understand Portuguese nurses' perceptions of their mental health. BACKGROUND: The impact of nurses' health and well-being on the quality and safety of the care they provide is well known. In Portugal, there are no representative studies regarding nurses' mental health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transversal, analytical, and observational methods were used, with a quantitative approach. Participants answered questions through an online form. We collected data concerning social-professional characterization, general health status, and mental health. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used. RESULTS: A total of 1264 nurses participated in a nonrandomized sample. Two-thirds revealed a negative perception of their mental health. Of these, 22.2% reported severe depression symptoms, 71.6% indicated significant somatic symptoms, 76% showed significant anxiety, and 94.1% presented some kind of social dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Better mental health is associated with being part of a larger household, enjoying more hours of sleep, having more free weekends, being male, working as a specialist, and engaging in leisure activities. Worse mental health is associated with being older, having a longer career, working more hours, and practicing in the hospital context. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The professionals' living and working conditions must be addressed by their managers.

Clinical Validation of the Portuguese Version of "Substance Addiction Consequences" Derived from the Nursing Outcomes Classification.

Our aim was to contribute to the clinical validation of "Substance Addiction Consequences" (SAC) derived from the nursing outcomes classification (NOC), and to analyse psychometric properties. To that purpose, we applied a methodological design. The study's outcome comprises 16 nursing-sensitive indicators, within four different consequence factors: psychological and family; physical and cognitive ability; self-care; economic and work. The psychometric properties were considered good. We concluded that the scale can be used as a valid tool to measure the consequences of substance addiction and to assess the health status as a nursing sensitive outcome. The scale is considered valid to monitor nursing interventions in the clinical setting; being a comprehensive tool it allows the nurse to understand better this complex health problem.

Grieving With Humor: A Correlational Study on Sense of Humor and Professional Grief in Palliative Care Nurses.

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between humor and professional grief. Findings confirm that these are not independent phenomena. Using humor as a coping mechanism emerged as a response to death-related work. Likewise, positive attitudes toward humor seem to alleviate the distress associated with end-of-life care.

Avaliação cognitiva de pacientes em cuidados paliativos: estudo piloto / Cognitive Assessment for Patients in Palliative Care: Pilot Study / Evaluación cognitiva de los pacientes en cuidados paliativos: un estudio piloto

Objetivo: evaluar el estado cognitivo de pacientes con necesidades paliativas, admitidos en una unidad de convalecencia, utilizando la Escala de Pfeiffer. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal realizado en 23 pacientes ingresados en una unidad de convalecencia en Portugal, entre el 18 de febrero y el 5 de marzo de 2014. Se realizó la evaluación cognitiva utilizando la Escala Pfeiffer versión portuguesa. El análisis estadístico se realizó con metodología descriptiva y analítica. Resultados: más del 50% de los participantes erró en las preguntas que solicitaban el número de teléfono y domicilio (82,6%), la operación de sustracción (60,9%) y el nombre del anterior presidente de la República (56,5%). La mediana de edad de los pacientes con alteraciones cognitivas era de 83 (66-87 años). Conclusiones: este estudio sugiere que el uso de la Escala de Pfeiffer constituye una herramienta apropiada para evaluar el estado cognitivo de los pacientes con necesidades paliativas.

Objetivo: avaliar o estado cognitivo dos pacientes com necessidades paliativas, internados numa unidade de convalescença, através da utilização do instrumento, Escala de Pfeiffer. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo, observacional e transversal, realizado em 23 pacientes internados numa unidade de convalescença, em Portugal, no período 18 de fevereiro e 5 de março de 2014. A avaliação cognitiva foi efetuada com recurso à Escala de Pfeiffer-Versão Portuguesa. A análise estatística foi realizada com metodologia descritiva e analítica. Resultados: mais de 50% dos inquiridos erraram as questões que solicitavam o número de telefone e morada (82,6%), conta de subtração (60,9%) e o nome do anterior Presidente da República (56,5%). Pacientes com alterações cognitivas têm uma mediana de 83 (66-87 anos). Conclusão: o estudo sugere que o uso da Escala de Pfeiffer constitui-se um instrumento adequado para a avaliação do estado cognitivo, dos pacientes com necessidades paliativas. Palavras-chave: cuidados paliativos, determinação de necessidades de cuidados de saúde, cognição, pacientes internados, cuidados de enfermagem.

Aim: To assess cognitive status of patients with palliative needs, admitted to a convalescent unit, using the instrument, Pfeiffer Scale. Material and Methods: It is a descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study conducted in 23 patients admitted to a convalescent unit in Portugal, between February 18 and March 5, 2014. The cognitive assessment was performed using the Scale Pfeiffer-Portuguese version. Statistical analysis was performed with descriptive and analytical methodology. Results: Over 50% of respondents missed questions requesting the phone number and address (82.6%), subtraction account (60.9%) and the name of the former President of the Republic (56.5%). Patients with cognitive impairments have a median of83 (66-87anos). Conclusion: The study suggests that use of Pfeiffer Scale constitutes an appropriate tool for assessing the cognitive state of patients with palliative needs.

Challenges in Lung Cancer Approaches: from the Clinical Issues to the Novel Therapies.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is currently one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. Distress symptoms related to the primary disease or in combination with disease progression have challenges faced by the patients, family, and their multidisciplinary team. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefits of an integrated palliative care approach for lung cancer patients at the time of diagnosis and to analyze the main symptoms and its treatment. METHODS: We performed an integrative review of the databases ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, CINAHL and Academic Search Complete using the keywords "lung cancer", "palliative care", "approaches" and "therapies". The research and documentation were carried in accordance with the guideline PRISMA 2009. RESULTS: Among 164 articles found in the searched databases, only 33 were selected due to their suitability and relevance to the subject with respect to the inclusion criteria defined. The evidence showed that early inclusion of palliative or supportive care could originate a satisfactory resolution of most of the symptoms and promote quality of life for the patients and their families. CONCLUSION: Early palliative care led to significant improvements in the patient's quality of life and mood. The focus on care was the management of symptoms and the well-being of the patients be in a hospital or in a home setting.

Peristomal infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a 7-year surveillance of 297 patients / Infecção peristomal na gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea: estudo de 297 doentes gastrostomizados ao longo de 7 anos

CONTEXT: Healthcare-associated infection represents the most frequent adverse event during care delivery. Medical advances like percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy have brought improvement on quality of life to patients but an increased risk of healthcare-associated infection. Predictive risk factors for peristomal wound infection are largely unknown but evidence suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis and preventive strategies related to infection control may reduce infection rates. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to evaluate the global prevalence rate of peristomal infection. Secondary objectives were to characterise the positive culture results, to evaluate the prophylactic antibiotic protocol and to identify potential risk factors for peristomal infection. METHODS: Retrospective study of 297 patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy performed at a general hospital between January 2004 and September 2010. Patients received prophylactic cefazolin before the endoscopic gastrostomy procedure. Medical records were reviewed for demographic data, underling disease conditions to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and patient potential intrinsic risk factors. Statistical analysis was made with the statistical program SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: A total of 297 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes were inserted. Wound infection occurred in 36 patients (12.1%). Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant was the most frequently isolated microorganism (33.3%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30.6%). The incidence rate had been rising each year and differ from 4.65% in 2004/2007 to 17.9% in 2008/2010. This finding was consistent with the increasing of prevalence global infection rates of the hospital. Most of the infections (55.6%) were detected in the first 10 days post procedure. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index values, mean survival time and duration of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding between patients with and without periostomal infection. Institutional factors, namely global prevalence infection rates and the endemic character of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant, play an important role in peristomal infection rates. Traditional antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin is not adequate due to the prevalence of resistant organisms. CONCLUSIONS: Peristomal infection is a frequent problem with clinical impact in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy patients and should be considered a healthcare associated infection. The antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens using cephalosporins are not adequate and need to be reviewed due to the high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant and other resistant organisms in hospitals and nursing homes.

CONTEXTO: As infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde constituem o mais frequente efeito adverso observado durante a prestação de cuidados de saúde. Os avanços clínicos como a gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea melhoraram a qualidade de vida dos doentes mas trouxeram um risco acrescido de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde. Os fatores de risco para a infecção peristomal são pouco conhecidos, mas a profilaxia antibiótica e outras estratégias profiláticas parecem reduzir a infeção peristomal. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo primário foi a avaliação global da taxa de infecção peristomal e a caracterização microbiológica dos agentes infetantes. Foram objetivos secundários a avaliação do protocolo de profilaxia antibiótica utilizado e a identificação de potenciais fatores de risco para a infeção peristomal. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospetivo em doentes submetidos a gastrostomia endoscópica entre janeiro de 2004 e setembro de 2010. Os doentes receberam profilaxia antibiótica com cefazolina antes do procedimento. Os processos clínicos foram revistos obtendo-se os dados demográficos, diagnóstico da doença subjacente e potenciais fatores de risco para infeção. A análise estatística foi feita com recurso ao programa SPSS 17.0. RESULTADOS: Foram gastrostomizados 297 doentes adultos. A infeção peristomal afetou 36 doentes (12,1%). O Staphylococcus aureus resistente à metacilina foi o micro-organismo mais frequentemente isolado (33,3%) seguido pela Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30,6%). A incidência de infeção peristomal aumentou progressivamente ao longo dos anos de 4,65% em 2004/2007 até 17,9% em 2008/2010. Este achado foi consistente com o crescimento global da infeção hospitalar. A maioria das infeções peristomais (55,6%) foi identificada nos primeiros 10 dias após a gastrostomia. Não encontramos diferenças significativas na prevalência da infeção peristomal relacionáveis com a idade, índice de massa corporal, sobrevida e duração da nutrição por gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea. Fatores institucionais, como a prevalência global da infeção hospitalar e o caráter endêmico do MRSA, são importantes na infeção peristomal e a profilaxia tradicional com cefazolina não é adequada num contexto de elevada prevalência de micro-organismos resistentes. CONCLUSÕES: A infeção peristomal é um problema frequente e clinicamente significativo que deve ser encarado como infeção associada aos cuidados de saúde. A profilaxia usando cefalosporinas pode não ser adequada e deve ser revista em hospitais e outras instituições com elevada prevalência de micro-organismos resistentes.

Peristomal infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a 7-year surveillance of 297 patients.

CONTEXT: Healthcare-associated infection represents the most frequent adverse event during care delivery. Medical advances like percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy have brought improvement on quality of life to patients but an increased risk of healthcare-associated infection. Predictive risk factors for peristomal wound infection are largely unknown but evidence suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis and preventive strategies related to infection control may reduce infection rates. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to evaluate the global prevalence rate of peristomal infection. Secondary objectives were to characterise the positive culture results, to evaluate the prophylactic antibiotic protocol and to identify potential risk factors for peristomal infection. METHODS: Retrospective study of 297 patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy performed at a general hospital between January 2004 and September 2010. Patients received prophylactic cefazolin before the endoscopic gastrostomy procedure. Medical records were reviewed for demographic data, underling disease conditions to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and patient potential intrinsic risk factors. Statistical analysis was made with the statistical program SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: A total of 297 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes were inserted. Wound infection occurred in 36 patients (12.1%). Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant was the most frequently isolated microorganism (33.3%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30.6%). The incidence rate had been rising each year and differ from 4.65% in 2004/2007 to 17.9% in 2008/2010. This finding was consistent with the increasing of prevalence global infection rates of the hospital. Most of the infections (55.6%) were detected in the first 10 days post procedure. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index values, mean survival time and duration of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding between patients with and without periostomal infection. Institutional factors, namely global prevalence infection rates and the endemic character of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant, play an important role in peristomal infection rates. Traditional antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin is not adequate due to the prevalence of resistant organisms. CONCLUSIONS: Peristomal infection is a frequent problem with clinical impact in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy patients and should be considered a healthcare associated infection. The antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens using cephalosporins are not adequate and need to be reviewed due to the high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant and other resistant organisms in hospitals and nursing homes.