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.

Scale for the environments evaluation of professional nursing practice-shortened version: Psychometric evaluation.

AIM: The aim of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the shortened version of the Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice (SEE-Nursing Practice). METHODS: This methodological, cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2022. The original version of the SEE-Nursing Practice was administered in questionnaire format across 17 hospitals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to identify relevant items for the new shortened version of the scale and evaluate its construct validity. RESULTS: The study involved 1713 registered nurses from various regions of Portugal. From the exploratory factor analysis, the SEE-Nursing Practice was condensed to 59 items and 3 subscales. In the structure subscale, 14 items were removed, and the remaining 29 items distributed over four factors; in the process subscale, 18 items were removed, and the remaining 19 items organized into three factors; in the outcome subscale, 2 items were removed, and the remaining 11 items distributed over two factors. The Cronbach's alpha for the three subscales exceeded 0.90, indicating high reliability. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the validity of the 59-item model. CONCLUSION: The shortened version of the SEE-Nursing Practice shows adequate validity and reliability, reducing the burden associated with its longer version.

Effects of Long-term Administration of Inhaled Lavender During Hemodialysis on Patients' Invasive Pain, Anxiety, and Comfort During Cannulation: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Context: Although a number of studies have shown that lavender administered via inhalation can decrease the invasive pain and anxiety experienced by hemodialysis (HD) patients during cannulation, the evaluation has mostly been on the short-term effectiveness of lavender oil. Also, no study has evaluated the effects of lavender on comfort level. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the long-term effectiveness of lavender oil, when administered via an inhaler during HD sessions, on a patient's experience of invasive pain, anxiety, and comfort during access to the fistula. Design: The research team designed a prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Setting: The study took place in an HD unit of a public hospital in Kirklareli, Turkey. Participants: Participants were 24 patients receiving HD in the unit between January and March 2021. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Pure lavender essence was diluted with sweet almond oil at a ratio of 1:10. Before the cannulation procedure at 12 HD sessions, three drops of a 1:10 mixture were placed on sterile gauze and held at a distance of about 10 cm from the participant's nose to ensure its inhalation before the fistula puncture with the needle. No extra procedure was performed for the control group. Outcome Measures: Participants completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) right after puncture of the fistula during each HD session. The STAI and HD Comfort Scale were scored at baseline prior to the first HD session and postintervention at the twelfth HD session. Results: The VAS (P < .001) and state anxiety scores (P = .027) were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at all time points, except at baseline. The comfort scale in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < .05). Conclusions: Lavender aromatherapy could be a good option for reducing the pain, anxiety, and discomfort level of HD patients.

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.

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.

Brachio-Brachial Arteriovenous Fistula Superficialization with Short Skip Incisions.

The exhaustion of superficial venous patrimony or reduced diameter of superficial veins usually prevents patients from having an arteriovenous fistula created. In such cases, using deep vessels can be a more viable option as opposed to an arteriovenous graft. We describe a new approach for the brachio-brachial arteriovenous fistula creation technique. It consists of 3 small incisions, thus causing minimal surgical damage. We have found it to be better tolerated by the patients and well received by dialysis nurses. This procedure also allows improved access for cannulation and more available puncture sites.

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.

Development and Psychometric Testing of Scales of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Self-Care for Patients With Arteriovenous Fistula.

Background and Purpose: To validate the scales of knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-care for arteriovenous fistulas in renal patients on hemodialysis. Methods: A methodological study verified the evidence of validity based on the content, response processes, and internal structure of the scales. The content was evaluated by six judges, and the response processes were verified with six patients. In the evaluation of the internal structure, the scales were applied to 220 patients for exploratory factor analysis with evaluation of McDonald's omega adjustment and calculation indexes. Results: The scales explained variance and McDonald's omega values of 40.4%/0.896, 60.7%/0.843, and 36.9%/0.702 for the knowledge (19 items), attitude (4 items), and practice (8 items), respectively. Conclusions: The scale of attitude was valid after the analysis of the content evidence, response processes, and internal structure. The arteriovenous fistula self-care knowledge and practice scales explained less than 50% of the constructs. Therefore, it is recommended that new studies be conducted to validate scales of knowledge and practice of fistula self-care.

Educational video for self-care with arteriovenous fistula in renal patients: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of an educational video on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-care with arteriovenous fistula in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. METHOD: randomized controlled clinical trial, with two arms and single-blind. The intervention used an educational video on arteriovenous fistula self-care. The Fistula Self-Care Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Scale was applied to 27 renal patients on hemodialysis in the control group and 28 in the intervention group at baseline, after seven and fourteen days. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, using the chi-square test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Friedman's test with post-hoc analysis for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: there were statistically significant differences in the knowledge and practice of self-care with the fistula at 0, 7 and, 14 days in the intervention (p= 0.004 and p<0.001, respectively) and control groups (p<0.001 for knowledge and practice). Attitude showed a significant difference at follow-up (p<0.001), but the post-hoc analysis did not confirm the significance obtained. CONCLUSION: patients' knowledge and practice showed significant increases at follow-up in the control and intervention groups, while the increase in attitude was not significant in either group. Clinical trial, registration number: U1111-1241-6730.

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.

Noise levels in the dialysis unit and its relationship with sleep quality and anxiety in patients receiving HD: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: HD unit is a noisy environment for patients, and noise can affect anxiety levels and sleep quality. METHODS: The aim of the study is to determine noise level, the relationship between noise levels, and sleep quality and anxiety in patients in HD unit. A descriptive and observational study design was used. Three Benetech GM1351 manual sound-level meters were used to measure noise. A patient information form, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the modified Post-Sleep Inventory were used for data collection. RESULTS: The noise range detected in the HD unit ranges from 48.40 to 72 dB(A). Our findings show that patients in the HD unit are exposed to high noise levels and the noise significantly negatively impacts quality of sleep and anxiety level of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to be aware that HD patients are constantly exposed to high levels of noise and to plan nursing interventions to reduce this noise level.

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.

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.

Effects of demographic and clinical character on differences in self-care behavior levels with arteriovenous fistula by hemodialysis patients: An ordinal logistic regression approach.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis (HD) patients should be trained to develop self-care behaviors in order to prevent and preserve their arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The aim of this study was identifying the factors that affect the levels of self-care behavior with AVF by HD patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 89 patients. RESULTS: Self-care levels were negatively affected by patients' location (Azores) and positively affected by marital status, education, employment, AVF duration, and absence of complications with the AVF. Concerning the management of signs and symptoms, self-care levels were negatively affected by patients' location. Regarding prevention of complications, self-care levels were negatively affected by age and marital status and positively affected by marital status, employment, chronic kidney disease etiology, AVF duration, and previous AVF. CONCLUSION: Further studies are required in order to confirm whether the considered factors affect levels of self-care behaviors with AVF, or whether other factors are needed as well.

Does Adequate Hemodialysis Prevent Symptoms?: A National Cross-Sectional Survey.

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between dialysis adequacy and the incidence of symptoms in subjects treated with HD. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at two HD centers. The data were collected with the 'Descriptive Characteristics Form of the Participants' and the 'Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI)'. The study was reported according to the STROBE Declaration. The study was completed with 120 patients. The most common symptom reported was feeling tired or decreased energy and the least common was difficulty concentrating. No statistically significant relationship was found between DSI results and the Kt/V or urea reduction rate levels used to evaluate dialysis adequacy. Dialysis-related symptoms can also be seen in patients with adequate dialysis levels. It is therefore necessary to query the symptoms experienced by the patients at regular intervals.

Validation of the scale of assessment of self-care behaviours for arteriovenous fistula in patients ongoing haemodialysis in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Several guidelines recommend that patients with chronic kidney disease treated by haemodialysis (HD) take care of their own arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The dialysis nurse plays an important role in the development of such self-care behaviours. A very small number of instruments are available to assess self-care behaviours with AVF in Turkey. OBJECTIVE: Cultural adaptation and psychometric testing of the Turkish version of the scale of assessment of self-care behaviours with arteriovenous fistula in haemodialysis (ASBHD-AVF) patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional validation study. PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: This study was conducted involving 160 patients in the Bolu region in Turkey. The guidelines provided by Sousa and Rojjanasrirat were taken into account in the scale translation, adaptation and validation process. Validity was analysed through content validity and construct validity. The latter was measured through principal component analysis with varimax rotation, considering only factor loadings of 0.30 or larger. Reliability analysis was based on internal consistency measured by Cronbach's α. RESULTS: A two-factor structure was extracted explaining 59.01% of the total variance. Cronbach's α was 0.91, 0.85 and 0.84 for the overall scale, the self-care in prevention of complications subscale and the self-care in management of signs and symptoms subscale, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the scale of ASBHD-AVF patients is a reliable and valid instrument and can therefore be used.

Investigating the Effect of a Structured Intervention on the Development of Self-Care Behaviors With Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured intervention on the frequency of self-care behaviors with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) by patients on hemodialysis. This is a quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-measurements. Participants were assigned to an intervention group (IG) (n = 48) or to a control group (CG) (n = 41). IG patients were subject to a structured intervention on self-care with AVF (SISC-AVF) consisting of both a theoretical and a practical part. After SISC-AVF application, patients in the IG showed better overall self-care behaviors with AVF than patients in the CG (79.2% and 91.4%, respectively, p < .001) as well as better self-care concerning both the management of signs and symptoms (90.1% and 94.4% respectively, p = .004) and the prevention of complications (72.7% and 89.5%, respectively, p < .001). The study results suggest that the SISC-AVF had positive effects on patients in the IG.

Scale of Assessment of Self-Care Behaviors with Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis: A Psychometric Study in Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Scale for the Assessment of Self-Care Behaviors with Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis. Cross-sectional validation study, followed the recommendation provided by Sousa and Rojjanasrirat. Content validity, explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses used to check validity and Cronbach's alpha was the reliability measure. Three hundred hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula were included in the study. The expert committee assessed the content validity. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the same two-factor structure found for the original scale, explaining 60.10% of the variance. Such solution was checked by confirmatory factor analysis with Cronbach's alpha equal to 0.920, 0.810, and 0.884 for the overall scale, the self-care in management of signs and symptoms and the self-care in prevention of complications subscales respectively. The scale has good psychometric properties to assess self-care behaviors and can be used with Brazilian patients on hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula.