Compassion in action: Exploring the relationship between nurse conscientious intelligence and palliative care.

BACKGORUND: Conscience is a concept that is the foundation of nursing, guiding nurses to ethical practices, and helping them to provide the best professional care possible. Conscience enables nurses to be understanding and careful in patient care. AIM: The study had three aims: (1) to determine the level of conscientious intelligence and palliative care practice of intensive care nurses; (2) to determine the effect of sociodemographic and occupational variables on conscientious intelligence and palliative care practices; and (3) to examine the relationship between conscientious intelligence and palliative care practice. METHODS: This study was designed as a descriptive-correlative study. The sample consisted of 157 nurses from a university hospital. The data were collected using questionnaire form, Conscientious Intelligence Scale and the Palliative Care Self-Reported Practices Scale between February and March 2021. RESULTS: By the general multivariate linear model, while age, educational level, professional experience, total term of employment in the clinic, and training in palliative care were important predictors of palliative care practices, age and gender were significant predictors of conscientious intelligence. It was concluded that the level of palliative care practice of intensive care nurses with a high level of conscientiousness was also higher. CONCLUSION: The conscientious intelligence levels of intensive care nurses positively affected palliative care practices. It can be said that it is important for nurses to combine their conscience with their professional knowledge and skills while providing care services. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In the realm of nursing, it is imperative for professionals to not only possess knowledge and competence, but also to act with conscience when caring for patients. This study demonstrated that nurses with heightened conscientious awareness are more adept at providing palliative care. Consequently, it is vital to support practices and training that foster conscientiousness among nurses, who must exercise patience and diligence in their careers.

Breathing better: A tech-monitored study of positive expiratory pressure and reading aloud for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing and positive expiratory pressure (PEP), relieve breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of breathing exercises with PEP and reading aloud on vital signs, fatigue level, severity of dyspnoea and respiratory function parameters in patients with COPD. DESIGN: The study followed a randomized controlled trial of COPD patients from a single hospital in eastern Turkey. METHODS: The study included 103 patients who were randomly assigned to receive pre-reading exercises, breathing exercises with a PEP device or no intervention for 8 weeks. RESULTS: The use of a PEP device improved oxygen saturation, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) and FEV1 /forced vital capacity (FVC) values and reduced fatigue and dyspnoea severity. Reading aloud lowered the mean arterial pressure and reduced fatigue and dyspnoea severity. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that PEP devices and reading aloud can improve respiratory function in patients with COPD. Additionally, reading aloud is an accessible, easy-to-implement and economically feasible method for treating COPD symptoms.

Experiences on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Individuals Diagnosed With COVID-19: A Content Analysis Study.

The aim of this study was to examine past experiences related to the use of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during the disease process by individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Content analysis method was used for data analysis. The study consisted of 21 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, who applied to a family health center. The data were collected using an individual information form and a semistructured interview form consisting of open-ended questions. All interviews were recorded with audio recording and transcribed. Three main themes related to the use of CAM by COVID-19 patients and subthemes associated with these main themes were determined (1) while starting to use CAM; (2) experiences of CAM use; and (3) recommending CAM. During using the CAM methods, most of the participants were affected by their circle, they preferred the use of fruit/fruit juice containing vitamin C, they chose affordable and easily accessible methods, they found the methods they used useful, and recommended these methods to others. The CAM use of patients should be questioned in future studies related to COVID-19 by nurses. Nurses should inform patients with COVID-19 accurately about safety, efficacy, indications, and contraindications for CAM methods.

The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on sleep quality and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation on sleep quality and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted with 72 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who applied to the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a university hospital between January and May 2018. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Fatigue Severity Scale. After the patients in the intervention group completed the forms, patients were given training with regard to the application of progressive muscle relaxation which they subsequently performed, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Fatigue Severity Scale forms were repeated after 6 weeks. RESULTS: After performing progressive muscle relaxation for 6 weeks, the total score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the fatigue score decreased among patients in the intervention group; no change was observed among the patients in the control group. A statistical difference was found between the two groups in terms of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index's and Fatigue Severity Scale's mean scores. CONCLUSION: Progressive muscle relaxation can be recommended to enhanced sleep quality and reduce fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Abdominal Pain and Distension in Colonoscopy Patients.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on abdominal pain and distension in colonoscopy patients. DESIGN: A randomized controlled experimental design. METHODS: The experimental group was informed about progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and an audio recording was provided. After the colonoscopy, abdominal pain (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain) and distension (VAS distension) scores were assessed, then PMR was applied for 30 minutes and pain scores were determined again. VAS pain and VAS distension scores of the control group were determined after colonoscopy and 30 minutes later. VAS abdominal pain and VAS distension scores were evaluated at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 24th hour after the procedure on all patients. The day after the colonoscopy, post-test data were collected. FINDINGS: The pretest VAS pain and VAS distension mean scores were similar in the intervention and control groups (P > .05). The mean VAS pain and VAS distension scores decreased significantly in the intervention group post procedure (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: PMR was determined to be effective in reducing abdominal pain and distension after colonoscopy.

The relationship between nurses' job satisfaction levels and quality of life.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between nurses' job satisfaction levels and quality of life. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 nurses working in a university hospital in Turkey. Nurse Information Form, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-WHOQOL-BREF (TR) were used to collect the data. FINDINGS: It was determined that while the MSQ mean score of the nurses was low, their WHOQOL-BREF mean score was moderate. A positive statistically significant and linear correlation was determined between job satisfaction and quality of life (p < 0.01). While the nurses' MSQ score increased, their WHOQOL-BREF score also increased. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: As job satisfaction of nurses increases, both their quality of life and quality of nursing care will be enhanced.

Effect of organizational silence on the job satisfaction and performance levels of nurses.

DESIGN AND METHOD: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with 671 nurses at 4 hospitals in a province of Turkey. The data were collected using a questionnaire form, the Organizational Silence Scale, the Performance Scale, and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. FINDINGS: In this study, it was determined that staying silent affected the job satisfaction and performance of nurses. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This result may be effective in developing methods to solve the issue of organizational silence, and therefore increasing nurses' levels of job satisfaction and performance.

The Effect of Social Isolation during COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutrition and Exercise Behaviors of Nursing Students.

This study aims to examine the effect of social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic on nutrition and exercise behaviors of nursing students. This descriptive study was conducted with nursing students of a university in eastern Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 1,011 nursing students. The data were collected via e-mail using the Questionnaire of Descriptive Characteristics and the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale. Nutrition and exercise behaviors were affected by lockdown. During lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of students (46.9%) gained weight, and the majority (56.7%) did not exercise regularly. A statistically significant difference was found between the students' psychological/addictive eating behavior and unhealthy nutrition-exercise behavior subscales mean scores according to change in body weight, most intense emotion, status of currently doing regular exercise (p < .001), gender, frequency of eating and status of doing regular exercise before COVID-19 pandemic (p < .05). It is recommended to prepare informative guidelines and educate individuals about dietary habits, meal schedules, regular exercise, and healthy nutrition.

A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Patients With IBS-C.

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with constipation irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). This qualitative study consisted of a total of 30 patients who were admitted to a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using a descriptive questionnaire and a semistructured interview. Data analysis identified 5 main themes: (1) the constipation-associated difficulties experienced because of IBS; (2) the feeling that CAM is natural and useful; (3) the effect of environmental stimuli in preferring the use of CAM; (4) the feeling that CAM is not negative and relieves symptoms; and (5) suggesting the use of CAM. In conclusion, it was determined that all the patients with IBS-C used various CAM methods. It may be recommended that health care professionals should raise awareness among patients about CAM methods that may be useful.

A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Patients With IBS-C.

The aim of this study was to examine the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) experiences of patients with constipation irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). This qualitative study consisted of a total of 30 patients, who were admitted to a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using a descriptive questionnaire and a semistructured interview. Data analysis identified 5 main themes: (1) constipation-related difficulties experienced due to IBS, (2) the feeling that the CAM use is natural and useful, (3) the effect of the environmental stimuli in preferring the use of CAM, (4) the feeling that CAM is not negative and relieves, and (5) suggesting the CAM use. In conclusion, it was determined that all the patients with constipation IBS used various CAM methods. It may be recommended to raise the awareness of the patients by health care professionals about the CAM methods that may be useful.

Validity and reliability of Turkish version of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form for patients with chronic nonmalignant pain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form for patients with chronic nonmalignant pain. METHODS: An analytical design was used. A total of 192 patients were included in the study. A demographic questionnaire and the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form were used to collect data. Content validity was assessed by experts and construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis. Reliability analyses estimated the internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Cronbach's alpha and the item-total correlations were calculated for the subscales to examine internal consistency. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis yielded 2 factors: pain severity and pain interference, which accounted for 68.81% of the total variance. The coefficient alpha of both subscales demonstrated good internal consistency. The item-total correlations of the scale ranged between 0.56 and 0.87. The test-retest reliability was r=0.774 for pain severity and r=0.808 for pain interference (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form is a valid and reliable instrument to assess chronic nonmalignant pain.

Attitudes of Nurses in Turkey Toward Care of Dying Individual and the Associated Religious and Cultural Factors.

The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of nurses working in two university hospitals located in the west and east of Turkey toward care of dying individual as well as religious and cultural factors that influence their attitudes. The descriptive and comparative study was conducted with a total of 189 nurses who were working in adult inpatient clinics of two university hospitals in western (101 nurses) and eastern (88 nurses) Turkey between July and November 2016. The data were obtained by using the questionnaire and Frommelt Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying Scale. As a result of this study, it was determined that in terms of the status of receiving training the end-of-life care the majority of nurses received this training; however, this rate was higher (51.0%) in nurses working in the eastern hospital (p = 0.025). The nurses working in the east (51.6%) were determined to have more problems during caregiving due to their religious and cultural beliefs, the most frequent problem they experienced was "being uncomfortable due to privacy when giving care to patients from opposite gender" (57.1%). The emotions felt mostly by nurses during the care of dying patient were grief (nurses in the east = 48.5%, nurses in the west = 51.5%) and despair (nurses in the east = 40.4%, nurses in the west = 59.6%). Nurses working both in the east (98.27 ± 7.71) and in the west (97.19 ± 8.99) were determined to have positive attitude toward death, and there was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of the mean scores of the Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying Scale (p = 0.373). In accordance with these results, it is recommended to focus on death issues in end-of-life care during the nursing education and to support nurses with in-service trainings regularly after the graduation.

Malpractic in nursing: The experience in Turkey.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 562 nurses to find out nurses' opinions and practices concerning medical errors and to measure their tendency to make medical mistakes. Data were collected using a questionnaire and Tendency for Medical Errors Scale and evaluated using Student's t and one-way ANOVA tests. The average total score of the participating nurses was 4.4 ± 0.3. It was observed that 36.1% nurses made medical errors, and all of those nurses making mistakes have stated that they have made medication errors. It was found that nurses with higher education and working in the intensive care unit had a lower tendency, whereas those working in children's hospital had a higher tendency to make medical mistakes (P < 0.05). It might be recommended that the working conditions of nurses be improved, and nurses in general and particularly, those working with pediatric patients be given regular training to prevent drug administration errors.

Effect of music on pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction in patients who present to the emergency department in Turkey.

AIM: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of music therapy on pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction in patients who present to the emergency department in Turkey. METHODS: This controlled and experimental study was conducted in the emergency department of a hospital in Turkey between July and October 2012. The study sample consisted of 200 patients in total, 100 forming the intervention group and 100 being the control group, who fell under color code green in the triage system and came with complaints of pain due to nausea/vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, and joint pain. A questionnaire, the State Anxiety Scale, and the Visual Analog Scale to measure the patients' level of pain were used in the study. The questionnaires of the intervention group were administered after playing the music. RESULTS: When the intervention and control groups were compared, it was observed that there was a significant decrease in the VASP and STAI-S scores in favor of the intervention group. It was observed that 21.0% of the patients in the intervention group were very pleased to hear music in the emergency department, 58% of them were moderately or at least a little pleased, and 21.0% were not pleased at all. CONCLUSION: The results showed that music therapy had a positive effect in terms of reducing the severity of pain and the level of anxiety in patients, that only a very small portion of the patients were not pleased to listen to music in the emergency department.

A multicenter analysis of the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Turkish patients with rheumatoid arthritis: holistic nursing practice review copy.

The purpose of this study was to examine the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis living in different regions and cities of Turkey as well as the factors affecting the use of CAM modalities. Planned as a descriptive and cross-sectional study, this research was conducted as a study covering the rheumatology units of 10 university and 4 state hospitals in Turkey. A total of 594 patients meeting the research inclusion criteria comprised the sample. It was detected that 46.9% (n = 279) of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis whose average disease duration was 10.32 ± 9.05 years used CAM modalities. The most common 3 modalities used by these patients were herbs taken orally, nutritional supplements, and mind-body therapies, with rates of 54.5%, 41.2%, and 40.5%, respectively. It was determined that such variables as age, sex, marital status, education status, and economic situation did not affect the use of CAM (P > .05).

Knowledge levels of intensive care nurses on prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia constitutes a significant concern for ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. AIM: This study was planned to evaluate the knowledge of nurses working in general intensive care units concerning evidence-based measures for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. METHOD: This study design is cross-sectional. It was carried out on nurses working in the general intensive care units of anesthiology and re-animation clinics. Collection of research data was performed by means of a Nurse Identification Form and a Form of Evidence-Based Knowledge concerning the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia. Characterization statistics were shown by percentage, median and interquartile range. Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. RESULTS: The median value of total points scored by nurses on the questionnaire was 4.00 ± 2.00. The difference between the nurses' education levels, duration of work experience and participation in in-service training programmes on ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention and the median value of their total scores on the questionnaire was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The conclusion of the study was that critical care nurses' knowledge about ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention is poor.