Gender Differences among Nurses in Managing Arterial Puncture-Related Pain: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

There is evidence that healthcare can be executed differentially depending on the gender of patients, researchers, and clinicians. The aim was to analyze the possible existence of nursing gender differences in pain management produced by arterial puncture for blood gas analysis. A cross-sectional, multicenter study designed was conducted in Castilla-la Mancha (Spain). Variables of interest were collected from nurses in the public health system of a European region through a questionnaire. Data were collected for four months; the primary outcome was the use of any intervention to reduce pain and the explanatory variable was the nurse's gender. Bivariate analysis was carried out to assess associations between gender and pain-reducing interventions and a multivariate model was created with those factors that were relevant using logistic regression. A significantly higher proportion of men reported using some form of intervention (45% vs. 30%) and had more specific training (45.9% vs. 32.4%). The adjusted probability of using pain-reducing interventions by men was 71% higher than women. Thus, we found gender differences in the management of pain caused by arterial punctures performed by nurses as the main healthcare providers.

Development of an Information Guideline for Kidney Transplant Recipients in a Clinical Trial: Protocol for a Modified Delphi Method.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for most cases of end-stage renal disease. Recipients need to lead a healthy lifestyle to minimize the potential side effects of immunosuppressive drugs and improve transplant outcomes. There is not much evidence about the best way to increase adherence to healthy lifestyles in kidney transplant recipients, so one of the objectives set by the nursing team is to train people to acquire the necessary skills and tools to be able to take care of themselves. In this sense, the consensual development of appropriate materials may be useful and of interest. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop an information guide for adults with kidney transplants to be assessed in a subsequent clinical trial as an intervention to increase adherence to healthy habits. METHODS: We used a 3-step, methodological, sequential approach: (1) training from a group of experts and item consensus; (2) review of the medical literature available; and (3) use of the Delphi technique with on-site meetings. A total of 5 nurses from the Community of Madrid Kidney Transplantation Unit in Spain were asked to participate. The patients' lifestyle factors that, according to the medical literature available and experts' opinions, have the greatest impact on the survival of the transplanted organ and the recipients themselves were all described. RESULTS: After using the modified Delphi method to reach a consensus on the items to be included and the information needed in each, an information guide for adult kidney transplant patients was developed. This guide facilitates the structuring of health care, information, and recommendations necessary for effective self-care for each person. The result is considered to be an easy-to-understand tool, useful for transplant doctors and nurses, in simple language, with information based on the latest scientific-medical evidence published to date, aspects of which will be evaluated in a clinical trial designed for this purpose. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, this guide is the main intervention variable of a clinical trial (registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT05715580) aimed at improving compliance with healthy habits in kidney transplant recipients in the Community of Madrid, Spain. The method used in its development has been useful and agile, and the result is a guide that can be easily updated periodically following the same procedure. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/46961.

Validation of the Barthel Index as a Predictor of In-Hospital Mortality among COVID-19 Patients.

In order to predict the high mortality due to COVID-19, simple, useful and remote instruments are required. To assess the validity of the baseline Barthel Index score as a predictor of in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients, a validation study of a clinical prediction tool in a cohort of patients with COVID-19 was conducted. The primary variable was mortality and the Barthel Index was the main explanatory variable. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were collected. Other mortality predictor scores were also assessed: Pneumonia Severity Index, CURB-65 and A-DROP. The Receiver Operating Characteristic Area under the Curve (ROC AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated for both the Barthel Index and the other predictor scores. An analysis of the association between the main variables was conducted, adjusting by means of three multivariate models. Three hundred and twelve patients were studied. Mortality was 16.4%. A mortality Odds Ratio (OR) of 5.95 was associated with patients with a Barthel Index ≤ 90. The model number 3 was developed to predict in-hospital mortality before COVID-19 infection occurs. It exhibits an OR of 3.44, a ROC AUC of 0.792, a sensitivity of 74.5% and a specificity of 73.9%. The Baseline Barthel Index proved useful in our population as a predictor of in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19.

Experiencia en la generación de estrategias de monitorización y evaluación en la implantación de Guías de Práctica Clínica en España / Experience Generating Evaluation and Monitoring Strategies in the Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines in Spain / Experiência na geração de estratégias de monitoramento e avaliação na implementação de manuais de prática clínica na Espanha

Introducción. La monitorización de la utilización del conocimiento y la evaluación de resultados permiten conocer la aplicación de la evidencia, cambios en los conocimientos y actitudes, el impacto en resultados de salud y la integración y el mantenimiento de las prácticas adoptadas. Existen debilidades relacionadas con la falta de sistematización, limitaciones de los registros y calidad del proceso. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la experiencia en la generación de estrategias de monitorización y evaluación de resultados de implantación de Guías de Buenas Prácticas en España. División de temas tratados. En primer lugar, se revisan los procesos de medición de resultados en la implantación de Guías, en el marco del Programa Best Practice Spotlight Organizations®, cuya herramienta para liderar el cambio incluye la monitorización y evaluación como una de las seis fases del ciclo de acción. En segundo lugar, se analizan las estrategias de monitorización y evaluación propuestas en la literatura, destacando la Asociación Profesional de Enfermeras de Ontario. Finalmente, se analizan las estrategias de monitorización y evaluación generadas por dos instituciones españolas participantes en el programa, centradas en adecuación de registros, explotación y análisis de indicadores, desarrollo de herramientas, procedimientos de evaluación y mecanismos de difusión y retroalimentación. Conclusiones. La definición de estrategias de monitorización y evaluación planificada de forma temprana contribuye a la viabilidad de la evaluación de la implantación y su sostenibilidad. Es necesario adaptarlas al contexto, con estrategias transversales que alcancen a toda la institución, facilitadas por la institución. Palabras clave: Ciencia de la Implementación; Práctica Clínica Basada en la Evidencia; Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud; Mecanismos de Evaluación de la Atención de Salud; Indicadores de Calidad de la Atención de Salud

Introduction. Monitoring the usage of knowledge and evaluating results permits one to know the application of the evidence, knowledge, and attitude changes, the impact on health results, integration, and maintenance of the adopted practices. There exist weaknesses related to lack of systematization, limitation of the records, and quality of the process. This article's objective is to describe the experience generating monitoring strategies and evaluation of the results regarding the implementation of good practice guides in Spain. Topics for Reflection. In the first place, the measurement process of the results regarding the implementation of guides are reviewed, in the Best Practice Spotlight Organizations® program frame, whose tool to lead the change includes monitoring and evaluation as one of the sixth phases of the action cycle. In the second place, monitoring and evaluation strategies proposed in the literature are analyzed, highlighting the Professional Nurses Association of Ontario. Finally, the monitoring and evaluation strategies are analyzed by two Spanish institutions participating in the program, focused on the adequation of records, exploitation and indicator analysis, tools development, evaluation procedures, dissemination, and feedback mechanisms. Conclusions: The definition of monitoring and evaluation strategies planned in advance contributes to the viability of the evaluation regarding the implementation and its sustainability. Is necessary to adapt them to the context, with transversal strategies that reach the whole institution, facilitated by the institution. Keywords: Implementation Science; Evidence-Based Practice; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Health Care Evaluation Mechanisms; Quality Indicators, Health Care

Introdução. Monitorizar a utilização do conhecimento e avaliar os resultados permite-nos conhecer a aplicação das evidências, as mudanças nos conhecimentos e atitudes, o impacto nos resultados de saúde e a integração e manutenção das práticas adotadas. Existem fragilidades relacionadas à falta de sistematização, limitações de registros e qualidade do processo. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever a experiência na geração de estratégias de monitoramento e avaliação dos resultados da implementação de Manuais de Boas Práticas na Espanha. Divisão dos temas abordados. Em primeiro lugar, são revistos os processos de medição de resultados na implementação dos Manuais, no âmbito do Programa Best Practice Spotlight Organizations®, cuja ferramenta para liderar a mudança inclui a monitorização e avaliação como uma das seis fases do ciclo de ação. Em segundo lugar, são analisadas as estratégias de monitoramento e avaliação propostas na literatura, com destaque para a Associação Profissional de Enfermeiros de Ontário. Por fim, são analisadas as estratégias de monitoramento e avaliação geradas por duas instituições espanholas participantes do programa, focadas na adaptação de registros, exploração e análise de indicadores, desenvolvimento de ferramentas, procedimentos de avaliação e mecanismos de divulgação e feedback. Conclusões. A definição de estratégias de monitoramento e avaliação planeadas antecipadamente contribui para a viabilidade da avaliação da implementação e para a sua sustentabilidade. É necessário adaptá-los ao contexto, com estratégias transversais que alcancem toda a instituição, facilitadas pela instituição. Palavras-chave: Ciência da Implementação; Prática Clínica Baseada em Evidências; Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde; Mecanismos de Avaliação da Assistência à Saúde; Indicadores de Qualidade em Assistência à Saúde

Non-alcoholic beverage and fast-food consumption, among first- and fourth-year nursing students in Madrid

Sugar-sweetened beverages and fast-food consumption have been associated with non-communicable diseases. Objective. Was to analyze consumption of non-alcoholic beverage and fast-food consumption among first- and fourth-year nursing students. Materials and methods. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among first-and fourth-year nursing students in Madrid, Spain. Anthropometric data (weight and height) and demographic data were collected, as were data on consumption of specific foods and beverages. Results. The survey was completed by 436 students. Mean (SD) age was 22.0 (6.8) years, 84.1 % of were women.26.2 % of the students were underweight; 6.3 % were overweight. Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and diet drinks was moderate. Slightly more than three-quarters of the students (75.5 %) purchased fast food in the previous month. Burger bars were the most frequently visited fast-food outlet (77.2 %). A direct relationship was observed between BMI and fast-food consumption (rho = 0.099; p = 0.042) and between BMI and consumption of diet cola or carbonated drinks (rho = 0.120; p = 0.013). Conclusion. We provide new epidemiological data from a specific university population that could be useful to promote more studies that help design appropriate strategies to increase a healthy lifestyle(AU)

Las bebidas azucaradas y el consumo de comida rápida se han asociado con enfermedades no transmisibles. Objetivo. Analizar el consumo de bebidas no alcohólicas y el consumo de comida rápida entre estudiantes universitarios de primer y cuarto curso de enfermería. Materiales y métodos. Cuestionario validado entre estudiantes de enfermería de primer y cuarto año en Madrid, España. Se recopilaron datos antropométricos (peso y altura) y demográficos, así como datos sobre consumo de alimentos y bebidas específicos. Resultados. La encuesta fue completada por 436 estudiantes. La edad media (DE) fue de 22,0 (6,8) años, el 84,1 % eran mujeres; el 26,2 % de los estudiantes tenían bajo peso y el 6,3% mostraban sobrepeso. El consumo de bebidas azucaradas y bebidas dietéticas fue moderado. Más de tres cuartas partes de estudiantes (75,5%) compraron comida rápida en el mes anterior. Las hamburgueserías fueron el restaurante de comida rápida más visitado (77,2%). Se observó una relación directa entre el IMC y el consumo de comida rápida (rho = 0,099; p = 0,042) y entre el IMC y el consumo de refrescos dietéticos o bebidas gaseosas (rho = 0,120; p = 0,013). Conclusión. Aportamos nuevos datos epidemiológicos de una población universitaria concreta, que podrían ser de utilidad para promover más estudios que ayuden a diseñar estrategias adecuadas para incrementar un estilo de vida saludable(AU)

Assessment of a New Lateral Cushioned Casting Orthosis: Effects on Peroneus Longus Muscle Electromyographic Activity During Running.

BACKGROUND: Classical medial wedge (CMW) orthoses have been prescribed to treat overpronation foot pathologies in runners. The effects of a novel supination orthosis (NSO) on the surface electromyography (EMG) activity of the peroneus longus (PL) muscle during a complete cycle of running have yet to be tested. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to compare the EMG activity of the PL in participants wearing CMW orthoses and NSOs versus neutral running shoes (NRS) during a full cycle of running gait. It was hypothesized that the PL muscle activity would be lower for the NSO compared with CMW or NRS. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Included were 31 healthy recreational runners of both sexes (14 male and 17 female; mean age, 38.58 ± 4.02 years) with a neutral Foot Posture Index and standard rearfoot-strike pattern. Participants ran on a treadmill at 9 km/h while wearing NSO (3-, 6-, and 9-mm thicknesses), CMW (3-, 6-, and 9-mm thicknesses), and NRS, for a total of 7 different conditions randomly selected, while the EMG signal activity of the PL was recorded for 30 seconds. Each trial was recorded 3 times, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test reliability of the measurements was calculated. The Wilcoxon pair to pair nonparametric test with Bonferroni correction was performed to analyze differences among the conditions. RESULTS: The reliability of all assessments was almost perfect (ICC, >0.81). For both the CMW and NSO, regardless of thickness, the PL activity was statistically significantly lower compared with the NRS (P < .05 for all). For all CMW thicknesses, the PL activity was lower compared with the respective NSO thicknesses, with the 3-mm thickness having the largest difference (CMW3mm, 18.63 ± 4.64 vs NSO3mm, 20.78 ± 4.99 mV; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Both CMW and NSO produced reduced EMG activity of the PL muscle; therefore, they can be prescribed to treat overpronation pathologies without associated PL strain concerns. In addition, the NSO saved the enhancement material placed on the medial-rear side of CMW, making it easier to wear sports shoes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowing the safety of CMW and NSO will aid in understanding treatments for overpronation pathologies.

Benefits of the application of heat and pressure on peripheral venous cannulation in adults: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of the application of topical heat, high pressure or a combination of both on antebrachial venous cannulation. DESIGN: A cross-over clinical trial blinded for haemolysis analysis. METHODS: This cross-over clinical trial with two periods was performed in the Clinical Trial Unit of Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (Madrid) during June-July of 2017 in 59 healthy adults who were randomly allocated to one of three interventions: (1) Using dry topical heat for 7 min produced by two hot seed bags (N = 21), (2) Applying controlled pressure from a sphygmomanometer inflated to 100 mmHg (N = 18) and (3) combining heat and pressure (N = 20) in one period out of two. All interventions were contrasted to standard clinical practice in the other period. The comparator involved a standard tourniquet around the upper arm to restrict venous blood flow. The primary outcome was effectiveness measured as vein cannulation at first attempt. Secondary outcomes were vein perception, pain, haemolysis in blood samples and adverse events. RESULTS: All the interventions were more effective than comparator. Vein perception was optimized in about all individuals. Moreover, pain relief was significantly higher when high pressure was applied. Haemolysis was not affected in any of the three interventions. In addition, no serious adverse events appeared. CONCLUSION: High pressure is determined to be the most effective in vein catheterization, pain relief, vein perception and quality of blood sample inalterability. Moreover, it is safe considering that only one adverse event appeared. IMPACT: Vein cannulation is a very common invasive technique, where repeated failures have been registered. Thus, we consider it relevant to develop interventions to achieve venous catheterization at first attempt to alleviate the pain and anxiety associated with this technique. We advocate using high pressure intervention for emergency, due to swiftest method and feasible in case of lacking resources, such as sphygmomanometers in the ambulance. Interventions can be extrapolated to healthy young adults, adults and patients who have healthy vein status perception. Pressure intervention could be an alternative to heat intervention when performing vein cannulation due to its lower risk of transient paresthesia for older people who often suffer from arterial hypertension.

Effects of Novel Inverted Rocker Orthoses for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint on Gastrocnemius Muscle Electromyographic Activity during Running: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The mobility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (I MPTJ) has been related to the proper windlass mechanism and the triceps surae during the heel-off phase of running gait; the orthopedic treatment of the I MPTJ restriction has been made with typical Morton extension orthoses (TMEO). Nowadays it is unclear what effects TMEO or the novel inverted rocker orthoses (NIRO) have on the EMG activity of triceps surae during running. OBJECTIVE: To compare the TMEO effects versus NIRO on EMG triceps surae on medialis and lateralis gastrocnemius activity during running. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional pilot study. METHODS: 21 healthy, recreational runners were enrolled in the present research (mean age 31.41 ± 4.33) to run on a treadmill at 9 km/h using aleatory NIRO of 6 mm, NIRO of 8 mm, TMEO of 6 mm, TMEO of 8 mm, and sports shoes only (SO), while the muscular EMG of medial and lateral gastrocnemius activity during 30 s was recorded. Statistical intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test reliability was calculated and the Wilcoxon test of all five different situations were tested. RESULTS: The reliability of values was almost perfect. Data showed that the gastrocnemius lateralis increased its EMG activity between SO vs. NIRO-8 mm (22.27 ± 2.51 vs. 25.96 ± 4.68 mV, p < 0.05) and SO vs. TMEO-6mm (22.27 ± 2.51 vs. 24.72 ± 5.08 mV, p < 0.05). Regarding gastrocnemius medialis, values showed an EMG notable increase in activity between SO vs. NIRO-6mm (22.93 ± 2.1 vs. 26.44 ± 3.63, p < 0.001), vs. NIRO-8mm (28.89 ± 3.6, p < 0.001), and vs. TMEO-6mm (25.12 ± 3.51, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both TMEO and NIRO have shown an increased EMG of the lateralis and medialis gastrocnemius muscles activity during a full running cycle gait. Clinicians should take into account the present evidence when they want to treat I MTPJ restriction with orthoses, and consider the inherent triceps surae muscular cost relative to running economy.

Evaluation of implementation strategies of the Best Practices Spotlight Organisations (BPSO) Project in Spain. / Evaluación de estrategias de implantación del Proyecto Centros Comprometidos con la Excelencia en Cuidados en España.

OBJECTIVE: To identify favourable elements and barriers to implementation in the Program of Best Practice Spotlight Organization® that establish clinical practice guidelines of the Registered Nurse' Association of Ontario, so that future experiences could benefit from the assessments presented here. METHOD: Evaluation research study of the process of implementing guidelines in institutions that make up the first two cohorts of the programme in Spain, through analysis of contents of implantation reports and inductive process, reading, interpretation, coding and categorized according to SWOT structure: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. RESULTS: Reports from 18 centres in 12 Autonomous Communities have been analyzed, including 22 different guidelines. As weaknesses, problems related to information systems and their exploitation stand out for frequency and intensity. Other elements related to dissemination of results, to professionals, care and factors related to the institution are presented. Standing out as threats are the instability of staff and continued changes in Senior Management or corporate policies. Among the strengths, the exclusive dedication of personnel to the project and its link to institutional objectives are distinguished. As opportunities, the possibility of standardized comparison of own results with others, as well as the dissemination of results are highlighted. CONCLUSION: A useful pattern is set up to approach implementation in other scenarios, where changes in professional culture, training, communication and leadership, as well as aligning interests of managers and politicians, facilitate ideal conditions for Evidence-Based Practice.

[Nutritional analysis of 25 heart transplanted patients]. / Análisis nutricional de 25 pacientes con trasplante de corazón.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition could be very important in patients under surgery. Moreover, the immunosuppressive therapy can cause metabolic and nutritional disorders to the transplanted patients. The aim of this study was to obtain information about the nutritional situation of the cardiac transplanted patients with biochemical and anthropometric parameters. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective descriptive transversal study. We reviewed clinic records of cardiac transplanted patients between 2004 and 2005. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters recorded before surgery, in the intensive care unit and at the hospital discharge. RESULTS: At discharge, there is a decrease of the following parameters: albumin, 68%; creatinine, 68%; proteins, 92%, and body mass index, 64%; whereas one year after discharge an increase of the body mass index was observed (60%). It was observed that 36% of the patients presented high results of triglycerides, after both a month and a year after discharge. The percentage is of 32% of glucose and between 52% and 24% for cholesterol, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients submitted to cardiac transplantation, there is a tendency for a damaged nutritional situation, both at discharge and after a year. It is important to point out the need for a nutritional education to decrease possible complications.