Use of a Paclitaxel Drug-Eluting Stent for the Treatment of Hemodialysis Access Outflow Stenosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes and durability of drug-eluting stents (DESs) for the treatment of hemodialysis access outflow stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients with hemodialysis vascular access outflow stenosis treated with a paclitaxel-coated DES (Eluvia; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) between January 2020 and July 2022. A total of 34 DESs were implanted to treat outflow stenosis in 32 patients. Primary target lesion patency after stent deployment was the main outcome. Comparison between the time interval free from target lesion reintervention (TLR) after previous plain balloon angioplasty (PBA) and that after stent deployment for the same target lesion was considered a secondary outcome. RESULTS: The primary patency at 6, 12, and 18 months was 63.1%, 47.6%, and 41.7%, respectively. The secondary patency rate was 100% at 18 months. The median time interval free from TLR increased from 4.1 to 11.9 months (P < .001). No adverse events were observed during the median follow-up period of 387 days. CONCLUSIONS: The patency rates after use of DES for hemodialysis access outflow stenosis were comparable with results for drug-coated balloons and stent grafts, addressing recoil and minimizing the risk of jailing by a covered stent.

Hemodialysis vascular access coordinator: Three-level model for access management.

Management of vascular access is a challenge for the dialysis team, particularly to keep the arteriovenous access working. The vascular access coordinator can positively contribute to increase the number of arteriovenous fistulas and reduce central venous catheters. In this article, we introduce a new approach to vascular access management centered on (the results of setting up) the role of vascular access coordinator. We described the three-level model (3Level_M) for vascular access management organized in three levels: vascular access nurse manager, vascular access coordinator, and vascular access consultant. We defined the instrumental skills and training required to be developed by each element and clarify the articulation between the model and all members of the dialysis team related to vascular access.

From the first to the fourth critical period of COVID-19: what has changed in nursing practice environments in hospital settings?

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need to invest in nursing practice environments and health institutions were led to implement several changes. In this sense, this study aimed to analyze the impact of the changes that occurred in nursing practice  environments between the first and fourth critical periods of the pandemic. METHODS: Quantitative, observational study, conducted in a University Hospital, with the participation of 713 registered nurses. Data were collected through a questionnaire with sociodemographic and professional characterization and the Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice, applied at two different points in time: from 1 to 30 June 2020 and from 15 August to 15 September 2021. Data were processed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Overall, the pandemic had a positive impact on nursing practice environments. However, the Process component remained favourable to quality of care, while the Structure and Outcome components only moderately favourable. Nurses working in Medicine Department services showed lower scores in several dimensions of the Structure, Process and Outcome components. On the other hand, nurses working in areas caring for patients with COVID-19 showed higher scores in several dimensions of the Structure, Process and Outcome components. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic had a positive impact on various dimensions of nursing practice environments, which denotes that regardless of the adversities and moments of crisis that may arise, investment in work environments will have positive repercussions. However, more investment is needed in Medicine Department services, which have historically been characterised by high workloads and structural conditions that make it difficult to promote positive and sustainable workplaces.

Ruptured arteriovenous fistula pseudoaneurysm treatment by balloon-assisted direct percutaneous thrombin injection.

We present the case of a male patient on hemodialysis with a ruptured pseudoaneurysm in a brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and with edema and pain in the right arm attended to in the emergency department. An ultrasonographic scan identified a ruptured pseudoaneurysm with hemorrhagic infiltration of the arm muscular tissues. We performed a percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection with an angioplasty balloon inflated in the lumen of the AVF achieving the pseudoaneurysm thrombosis. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient's arteriovenous access remains functional. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection assisted by an angioplasty balloon may be a good alternative to surgical intervention in the treatment of symptomatic growing pseudoaneurysms of the arteriovenous fistula with the benefit of preserving the vascular access.

Radio-cephalic fistula recovered with drainage to median basilic vein by straightening of the forearm cephalic vein: A case report.

The distal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has less complications and better patency than the proximal fistula, when it works properly. The complications of outflow of the fistula are complex, and it is necessary to analyze all solutions to solve the problem. We introduce a novel approach to solve outflow problems of a radio-cephalic AVF by straightening of the forearm cephalic vein with drainage into the median basilic vein.

Impact of COVID-19 on professional nursing practice environments and patient safety culture.

AIM: To analyse the impact of COVID-19 on professional nursing practice environments and patient safety culture. BACKGROUND: The relationship between work environments and patient safety has been internationally recognized. In 2020, the pandemic imposed enormous challenges, yet the impact on these variables remains unknown. METHOD: This is a quantitative observational study, conducted in a Portuguese hospital, with 403 registered nurses. A self-completion questionnaire was used. RESULTS: The impact on the Structure and Outcome components of nursing professional practice environments was positive. Although the Process component remained favourable to quality of care, a negative trend was confirmed in almost all dimensions. The results regarding safety culture showed weaknesses; 'teamwork within units' was the only dimension that maintained a positive culture. CONCLUSION: Positive responses regarding patient safety were significantly associated with the quality of the nursing professional practice environment. The need to invest in all dimensions of safety culture emerges to promote positive professional environments. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Improving professional nursing practice environments can be achieved through managers' investment in the participation and involvement of nurses in the policies and functioning of institutions, as well as promoting an open, fair and participatory safety culture that encourages reporting events and provides adequate support for professionals.

Scale for the Environment Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice: Construct validation.

AIM: Testing the validity and reliability of the Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice (SEE-Nursing Practice). BACKGROUND: The environment of professional nursing practice is key to achieve better results for clients, nurses and institutions. Therefore, instruments enabling the assessment of all its attributes are required. METHOD: Cross-sectional methodological study. The SEE-Nursing Practice, based on a previous qualitative study and literature review, was applied as a questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess construct validity. RESULTS: A total of 752 nurses participated in the study. Exploratory factor analysis of the SEE-Nursing Practice led to a factor solution with 93 items and three subscales. The Structure, Process and Outcome subscales, respectively, have 43, 37 and 13 items, loaded in 6 factors, 6 factors and 2 factors and explaining 62.6%, 59.2% and 67.4% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha of the overall scale and of the 3 subscales was greater than 0.90. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit. CONCLUSION: SEE-Nursing Practice is a good valid and reliable instrument. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The SEE-Nursing Practice enables assessing practice environments and is a tool for nursing managers in the definition of strategies ensuring favourable environments for nursing care quality.

Surgical Treatment of Cephalic Arch Stenosis through Rotation of the External Jugular Vein.

The percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty or cephalic vein transposition is the treatment for cephalic arch stenosis. In some cases, rotation of the external jugular vein may be a good option for the cephalic arch problems. We describe a new technique to treat cephalic arch stenosis. The technique enables the cephalic arch and subclavian vein to be bypassed altogether through the rotation of the external jugular vein. It consists of 3 small incisions, thus causing minimal surgical damage.

Effect of Dialysis Day on Intradialytic Hypotension Risk.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a serious and frequent complication of hemodialysis (HD). Thus far, data are scarcely available to assess the impact of first versus subsequent HD sessions of the week in IDH. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate IDH risk in patients on thrice-weekly HD. METHODS: We conducted an analysis of all blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained during 492 HD treatments given to 41 prevalent adult patients over a one month period. A logistic regression model for repeated binary observations was used to determine the association between hypotension and patient and dialysis factors. RESULTS: The incidence of IDH was 32.5%. First dialysis session of the week was associated with a 9% higher risk of hypotension relatively to the second one. The risk was even higher from the first to the third session of the week (60%) and from the second to the third (50%). A higher hypotension odds ratio was also associated with age (1.03, 90% CI: 1.01-1.06), higher predialysis BP (1.04, 90%CI: 1.03-1.05) and higher phosphorus level (1.38, 90% CI: 1.07-1.76). The risk decreased 24.4% for each additional antihypertensive drug taken by the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The odds of hypotension occurrence decrease throughout dialysis sessions of the week. Minimizing modifiable risk factors may decrease IDH episodes.

Construction and validation of a scale of assessment of self-care behaviours anticipatory to creation of arteriovenous fistula.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: We developed a scale to assess the self-care behaviours developed by patients with end-stage renal disease to preserve the vascular network prior to construction of arteriovenous fistula. BACKGROUND: The possibility of creation of an arteriovenous fistula depends on the existence of an arterial and venous network in good condition, namely the size and elasticity of the vessels. It is essential to teach the person to develop self-care behaviours for the preservation of the vascular network, regardless of the modality of dialysis selected. DESIGN: Methodological study. METHODS: The scale was developed based on clinical experience and research conducted by the researcher in the area of the vascular access for haemodialysis. The content of the scale was judged by two panels of experts for content validity. The revised version of the scale was administered to a convenience sample of 90 patients with end-stage renal disease. In the statistical analysis, we used the Cronbach's alpha, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and scree plot and the principal component analysis with varimax rotation. RESULTS: A principal component analysis confirmed the univariate structure of the scale (KMO = 0·759, Bartlett's sphericity test-approximate χ(2) 142·201, p < 0·000). Cronbach's α is 0·831, varying between 0·711-0·879. CONCLUSION: This scale revealed properties that allow its use to assess the patients self-care behaviours regarding the preservation of the vascular network. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This scale can be used to evaluate educational programmes for the development of self-care behaviours in the preservation of vascular network. This scale can identify not only the patients that are able to take care of their vascular network but also the proportion of patients who are not able to do it, that need to be educated.

Impact of Exergames on the Rehabilitation of Cancer Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Exergames can be an appealing strategy that is integrated into post-abdominal surgery rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of exergame rehabilitation in improving independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and patient balance after abdominal cancer surgery. METHODS: A randomized control-group study was carried out in an oncological hospital in Portugal. Seventy postoperative patients were included, and data collection took place between January 2023 and May 2023. The patients were randomly assigned to either an exergame rehabilitation program (n = 35) or a traditional rehabilitation program (n = 35). The assessed outcomes were the Barthel and Berg scales, and data collection occurred at 3 different time points: admission, 48 hours postoperatively, and on the seventh day after surgery. RESULTS: At the third assessment, a statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups for both indicators, ADLs and balance. CONCLUSIONS: There was an improvement in ADLs and balance in the exergames group. By the seventh day after surgery, the intervention group showed improvement in balance and ADLs compared with the control group. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The use of exergames can be a solution to the challenges of traditional rehabilitation methods after abdominal surgery for cancer for postoperative patients. This is the first study carried out in this specific population.

Evaluation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model to Portuguese.

BACKGROUND: Several tools for the assessment of the risk of falling are used commonly by clinical nurses, but none have been validated in Portuguese. AIMS: To adapt and evaluate the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model (HIIFRM) for use with elderly Portuguese inpatients. METHOD: We conducted a prospective study of 586 older inpatients in acute care hospitals, from November 2007 to May 2010. RESULTS: The study involved 270 men and 316 women. The most frequent risk factor on admission and at discharge was a score ≥3 on the 'Get Up and Go' test. The adapted HIIFRM showed a sensitivity of 93.2% and 75.7%, and a specificity of 35% and 46.7%, on admission and at discharge, respectively. A positive predictive value of 17.2% on admission and 17% at discharge and a negative predictive value of 97.3% and 93%, respectively, were estimated. CONCLUSIONS: The HIIFRM was shown to be a useful tool in predicting falls by patients. Nevertheless, the research model suggested that only four risk factors affected the occurrence of falls significantly on admission and two risk factors at discharge. Further research is required in Portuguese hospital settings.

Maintaining Vascular Access Response in a Severely COVID-19 Hit Country.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented disruption in healthcare systems worldwide, and Portugal was no exception. We analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in activity of our Vascular Access Center (Grupo Estudos Vasculares - GEV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study, during March 2019 and February 2021. An analysis of surgical and appointments records in 2,495 patients from 25 hemodialysis centers followed by GEV was performed. Patients were divided into two periods: non-pandemic (NPP) (March 2019 to February 2020) and pandemic periods (PP) (March 2020 to February 2021). The number of surgeries and appointments were analyzed per month and per week. The number of thrombosis were analyzed in both periods. Normality was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test and by the Lilliefors (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) test. Comparisons were made by the t-test (paired samples) when normality was not rejected and by the Wilcoxon test otherwise. All the variables (normal or otherwise) were described by the usual descriptive measures such as the mean, median and quartiles. No categorical data were collected. To avoid COVID-19 infection a set of measures were created: Sars-cov-2 PCR test for every patient, individual protection equipment for staff, rotating teams and schedules, and only one patient allowed in the circuit to the intervention room. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version28. The statistical significance was confirmed for p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 1756 surgeries and 800 appointments were made in both PP and NPP. Comparing the periods, we performed 914 (52%) interventions in the NPP and 842 (48%) in PP, 423 (53%) consultations in NPP and 377 (47%) at PP. Comparing the NPP and PP by months we observed more appointments in the NPP (p=0.004). However, the difference in the number of surgeries did not reach statistical significance (p=0.533). There were more thrombosis during the summer and fall in the NPP and PP. A total of 138 in NPP and 131 in PP thrombosis were observed in the 2 years period. There was no record of COVID-19 infections between all GEV staff (n=25). CONCLUSION: Due to timed and tight set of measures taken in the pandemic lockdown by GEV, a similar clinical and surgical activity regarding hemodialysis patients was obtained in both periods (PP and NPP). The hypothesis that the PP could diminish vascular access assessment/intervention or more thrombosis could occur was not verified at our institution. The set of measures established to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic was also effective to prevent infection in staff members.

How to choose the appropriate cannulation technique for vascular access in hemodialysis patients.

The cannulation technique is important for the survival of the arteriovenous access. Choosing the appropriate technique is a complex decision. Such choice must be customized to patients, considering their characteristics, the type of arteriovenous access and the experience of the hemodialysis team. We describe seven items that can help nurses to identify the appropriate cannulation technique: type of arteriovenous access; drainage vein; hygienic self-care profile; experience of the nursing staff in the cannulation technique and nurse-to-patient ratio; hemodialysis treatment method; patient's condition; and patient's decision. Such items can help nurses in decision-making on the "ideal" cannulation technique for each patient.

Adaptation and Validation of the Individual Lifestyle Profile Scale of Portuguese Older Adults Living at Home.

(1) Background: Unadjusted lifestyles have been the main cause of risk for the loss of years of healthy life. However, currently valid and reliable instruments to assess the lifestyles of the elderly are quite long and difficult to interpret. For this reason, the objective of this study was to adapt and validate the 'Individual Lifestyle Profile' (ILP) scale in a sample of elderly people; (2) Methods: A methodological study was carried out and a sample of 300 older adults enrolled in a Health Unit located in the North of Portugal was used, who responded to the scale. We examined internal consistency, predictive validity, and discriminative ability; (3) Results: After the Exploratory Factorial analysis, a solution was found with four factors that explain a variance of 67.8%. The designation of the factors was changed from the original scale, with the exception of one dimension, and they were called Health Self-management, Social Participation and Group Interaction, Citizenship and Physical Activity. The total internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.858, ranging from 0.666 to 0.860 in the mentioned factors; (4) Conclusions: The ILP scale proved to be easy to apply and presented a good reliability and validity index, based on internal consistency, AFE and AFC. The scale allows evaluating the lifestyle of older adults, and its use will be aimed at modifying behaviors associated with negative lifestyles of older adults and their individual needs.

Environments of professional nursing practice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Although COVID-19 attracted attention to the environments of professional nursing practice, triggering a series of responses to address some of the most pressing problems, it is important to identify the size and scope of other weaknesses that have emerged. METHODS: In an observational and cross-sectional study, using the Scale for the Evaluation of the Environment of Professional Nursing Practice, 752 nurses from a Portuguese university hospital, provided socio-demographic and professional data about the components structure, process and outcome of their professional nursing environment. Data collection took place from June 1-30, 2020, immediately after the first critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. RESULTS: In the analysed environment of professional nursing practice, Process factors were favourable to the quality of care, while the Structure and Outcome factors had a moderately favourable effect. Structure factors related to work contexts (P < .001) and nursing functions in patient care areas with COVID-19 (P = .001). Process factors related significantly to work contexts (P < .001). A significant association was found between Outcome factors and work contexts (P < .001) and nursing functions in patient care areas with COVID-19 (P = .005). CONCLUSION: The environments of professional nursing practice in the hospital under study are moderately favourable to the quality of care. However, the need to invest in nurses' participation, involvement and professional qualification is clear. Maintenance of a sustainable nursing workforce requires attention to be given to ensuring that practice environments are conducive to the quality of care and geared to promoting professional involvement and job satisfaction among nurses.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Environments of Professional Nursing Practice and Nurses' Job Satisfaction.

(1) Background: The repercussions of work environments were widely studied before the pandemic. However, there are still many difficulties to be discovered considering the impact generated by it. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on nursing practice environments and nurses' job satisfaction. (2) Methods: A correlational study was conducted in a hospital in northern Portugal, with the participation of 416 registered nurses. Data were collected in June 2021 through questionnaires. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. (3) Results: COVID-19 had a favourable impact on the structure component of the practice environments; the process component decreased compared to the pre-pandemic period; the outcome component remained moderately favourable to the quality of care. Nurses were not very satisfied or not at all satisfied with their valuation and remuneration; moderately satisfied with the leadership and staffing; and satisfied with the organisation and resources, co-workers and valuation by patients and families. In more favourable environments, nurses' job satisfactions were higher. (4) Conclusions: Identifying the dimensions with the best and worst scores allowed the institution's managers to concentrate efforts on where improvements were needed, thus preparing professional contexts for the recovery of care activities.

From Health Literacy to Self-Care: Contributions of the Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing.

(1) Background: Initiatives aimed at assessing and intervening in health literacy have the potential to promote adherence to self-care behaviours, which is the main focus of intervention by rehabilitation nurses. Thus, the objectives were to analyse the level of health literacy of working-age citizens and identify priority areas for intervention by rehabilitation nurses. (2) Methods: Quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional study, conducted in a multinational company, with the participation of 161 workers. The data were collected between 14 April and 7 May 2021, using a self-completion questionnaire composed of sociodemographic and clinical characterization and the European Health Literacy Survey, following a favourable opinion from the Ethics Committee and the company's management. (3) Results: Overall, low to moderate literacy scores were predominant. Age and education were significantly associated with literacy scores. Workers with higher levels of health literacy had no diagnosed illnesses, took less medication, reported less sadness, fewer memory changes and less muscle and joint pain. (4) Conclusions: The fact that higher levels of health literacy trigger self-care behaviours and, consequently, fewer health problems reinforces the need for rehabilitation nurses to invest in this area.

Multidimensional Frailty and Lifestyles of Community-Dwelling Older Portuguese Adults.

(1) Background: Lifestyles are referred to as conditioning factors for the frailty of older adults. However, there are few studies that explore its association. The objective of the present study is to analyze the association between sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors of older adults people with multidimensional frailty. (2) Methods: Descriptive and correlational study carried out with older adults people registered in a Health Unit in Portugal. Data were collected through a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and application of the Individual Lifestyle Profile and Tilburg Frailty Index to assess the lifestyles and multidimensional frailty of older adults, respectively. This last instrument, being of a multidimensional nature, assesses not only physical, but also psychological and social frailty, with a cut-off point of 6. (3) Results: Of the 300 older adults who participated, most were female (60.3%) and had a mean age of 81.34 ± 6.75 years. Moreover, 60.3% of the sample were frail older adults. Gender, marital status, number of household members, number of chronic diseases, number of daily medications, self-perception of health status and lifestyle and use of a walking device were associated with multidimensional frailty (p ≤ 0.001). Healthy eating habits, physical activity, relational behaviour, preventive behaviour, and stress management were significantly associated with lower physical, psychological, and social frailty (p ≤ 0.001). (4) Conclusions: When community health workers are aware of multidimensional frailty predictors and their components, they can intervene early and, consequently, delay the onset and progression of frailty in older adults.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Professional Nursing Practice in the Context of Hospitals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed challenges to health systems and institutions, which had to quickly create conditions to meet the growing health needs of the population. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on professional nursing practice environments and to identify the variables that affected their quality. Quantitative, observational study, conducted in 16 Portuguese hospitals, with 1575 nurses. Data were collected using a questionnaire and participants responded to two different moments in time: the pre-pandemic period and after the fourth critical period of COVID-19. The pandemic had a positive impact on the Structure and Outcome components, and a negative trend in the Process component. The variables associated with the qualification of the components and their dimensions were predominantly: work context, the exercise of functions in areas of assistance to COVID-19 patients, length of professional experience and length of experience in the service. The investment in professional practice environments impacted the improvement of organizational factors, supporting the development of nurses' work towards the quality of care. However, it is necessary to invest in nurses' participation, involvement and professional qualifications, which are aspects strongly dependent on the institutions' management strategies.