The Effect of Active Warming Before Total Knee Arthroplasty on Intraoperative Body Temperature and Comfort: A Randomized Control Trial.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of active warming on intraoperative body temperature and comfort before total knee arthroplasty. DESIGN: This study was a randomized controlled trial designed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. METHODS: The study was conducted on 54 patients in a public hospital in Türkiye. In the study, patients in the intervention group were prewarmed for 30 minutes before surgery. The patients in the intervention and control groups were warmed with a warming bed during the surgery. FINDINGS: In this study, the first entry temperature to the operating room after anesthesia induction and the mean body temperature of the patients in the intervention group were higher than the control group. The mean comfort score of the patients in the intervention group was higher than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this study, we found that the combination of preoperative prewarming and intraoperative warming reduced the decrease in the patient's body temperature and increased the comfort.

The relationship of decision regret with quality of life and comfort level in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the effective methods of weight loss. It is essential to determine patients' regret and predictive factors to improve their quality of life and comfort. No study has investigated decision regret and affecting factors in patients undergoing SG in Turkey. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the relationship of decision regret with quality of life and comfort level in patients undergoing SG. SETTING: The research was carried out with patients who had undergone SG in a private hospital in the west of Turkey. METHODS: The research was conducted as a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study. Data were collected between March and May 2023, and the study was completed with 286 patients. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Decision Regret Scale (DRS), Quality of Life Following Obesity Surgery Scale (QoL-OS), and Comfort Scale. RESULTS: Patients' mean score on the DRS was 5.27 ± 13.41 (0-100), the total mean score on the QoL-OS-Biopsychosocial dimension was 79.57 ± 9.35 (18-90), the mean score on the QoL-OS-Complications dimension was 17.17 ± 4.60 (7-35), and the environmental comfort score average was 8.87 ± 2.23 (0-10). Patients' decision regret was significantly affected by the QoL-OS-Biopsychosocial Area dimension in the first place (Beta = -.516; P < .001), social comfort in the second place (Beta = -.278; P < .001), postoperative weight gain in the third place (Beta = .221; P < .001), and complication development in the fourth place (Beta = .163; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that patients' decision regret levels were very low up to 3 years after surgery and found that low postoperative quality of life and social comfort level, postoperative weight gain, and complications affected decision regret.

The Relationship Between Perceived Comfort Level with Moral Sensitivity and Moral Distress Among Oncology Nurses: A Descriptive Correlational Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived comfort level with moral distress and moral sensitivity among oncology nurses METHODS: This is a descriptive-correlational study on 210 oncology nurses. The samples were selected through the convenience method from September 2020 to February 2022 in the oncology centers of Ahvaz, Iran. Data were collected via a demographic form, Lutzen's Modified Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, Corley's Moral Distress Scale, and Kolcaba's Nurses Comfort Questionnaire (NCQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS V24, descriptive statistics, Independent t, Mann-Whitney-U, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and linear regression tests. RESULTS: Nurses experienced a moderate level of perceived comfort (67.91 ± 8.75), moral sensitivity (58.4 ± 13.3), and moral distress (57.54.8 ± 8.9). Moral sensitivity was significantly inversely related to the intensity of moral distress (P < .001). A statistically significant relationship was found between nurses' perceived comfort level with frequency of distress (P < .001) and moral sensitivity (P = .046). Moral distress explained 13.8% of changes in perceived comfort level (R2 = 0.138, F = 6.51, sig < 0.001, R = 0.371). CONCLUSION: Nurses' perceived comfort level, moral sensitivity, and moral distress were at a moderate level and intercorrelated. It is suggested that factors contributing to moral distress should be eliminated. Also, moral sensitivity should be refined as a decisive factor. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses are exposed to morally distressing situations that may be a source of discomfort. This study guides nurses, managers, planners, and policymakers to identify the contributing factors and use strategies and solutions to enhance nurses' perceived comfort level.

Local versus general anesthesia for stapes surgery: a prospective study of comfort and results on 100 ears.

AIMS: To demonstrate the non-inferiority of perioperative comfort in patients undergoing otosclerosis surgery under local anesthesia versus general anesthesia and to compare audiometric results, quality of life and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective non-interventional study was performed. Patients undergoing otosclerosis surgery between January 2019 and March 2021 at the University Hospital of Rennes were included consecutively. Perioperative comfort of LA versus GA (at ward admission, surgery, recovery and 48 h following surgery) was measured on a visual analogue scale at 10 days postoperatively and quality of life by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory at 3 months. Complications and audiometric results were also assessed. To demonstrate the non-inferiority of LA versus GA with a margin of 1.5 points on the comfort VAS, a power of 80% and a first-order risk of 5, 100 patients were included and statistical analyses were performed in accordance with CONSORT2010 statement. RESULTS: One hundred ears were analyzed, 46% operated under local anesthesia and 54% under general anesthesia. The two groups were similar in terms of demographic and pathological characteristics. Local anesthesia was non-inferior to general anesthesia in terms of comfort with a comfort VAS of 8.74 ± 1.55 and 9.08 ± 0.93 respectively (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in rates of complications, audiometric results and quality of life between local and general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia is non-inferior to general anesthesia in terms of perioperative patient comfort with similar audiometric results, postoperative quality of life and complication rates.

Determination of Comfort Levels and Spiritual Care Needs of Gynecologic Cancer Patients with Abdominal Drains: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study in Turkey.

This study was conducted to determine the comfort levels and spiritual care needs of gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains. The study was conducted with 61 gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains at the gynecologic oncology surgery clinic of a state hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the "Participant Information Form," "Perianesthesia Comfort Questionnaire (PCQ)", and "Spiritual Care Needs Inventory". Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. It was found that the postoperative comfort of the patients in this study was above a moderate level. Patients who did not need spiritual care, did not fulfil religious rituals regularly and did not receive social support had a high level of comfort in the early postoperative period. Patients with gynecologic cancer were found to have high spiritual care needs. Patients without chronic diseases, possessing a single abdominal drain, familiar with the concept of spiritual care, expressing a need for spiritual care, engaging in regular religious rituals, and enjoying social support were identified as having elevated spiritual care needs. Within the framework of holistic nursing care provided to gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains, the results reveal the necessity of spiritual care and the importance of comfort.

The effect of lavender oil use on pain and comfort level in intramuscular injection administration: A single blind randomized controlled study.

CONTEXT: The fact that the concept of quality in health care services has come to the fore and that evidence-based practices have become widespread made such concepts as patient satisfaction and comfort important and priority parameters in determining the quality of health services. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to determine the effects of using lavender oil in intramuscular injection on injection pain, comfort level, blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial. The research was conducted in accordance with the CONSORT Checklist guide. In our study, a total of 160 individuals were included in the sample, 80 of whom were control and 80 were intervention. Structured Information Form, Visual Analog Scale and Comfort Scale were used to collect the data of the research. Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis test and Wilcoxon test were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: It was determined that the mean pain scores of the individuals who received intramuscular injection by applying lavender oil were statistically significantly lower than the individuals in the control group. Again, the comfort score averages of the individuals who were applied lavender oil were found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group. It was determined that the blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate before the injection of the individuals in the control group increased statistically significantly according to the post-injection measurements, while the blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate in the lavender oil group decreased significantly after the injection and remained within their normal values. CONCLUSION: As a result, it was determined that the application of lavender oil in intramuscular injection had a positive and significant effect on the blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of the individuals on the injection pain and comfort level.

Determining the Spiritual Care and Comfort Needs of Patients Having Undergone Open-Heart Surgery: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study in Turkey.

This study was aimed at determining the spiritual care and comfort needs of patients having undergone open-heart surgery. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 147 patients in the Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit of a training and research hospital in Izmir, a province in western Turkey, between May 1, 2022 and November 1, 2022. The comfort level of the patients who had undergone open-heart surgery was moderate, and the levels of their spiritual care needs were high. A statistically significant relationship was found between the patients' Perianesthesia Comfort Scale total score and the Spiritual Care Needs Inventory (p < 0.05). We concluded that the patients' comfort levels decreased as their spiritual care needs increased. We recommend authors to conduct studies in the future which should include different sample groups and compare the data obtained before and after the surgery.

Patient- vs Technologist-Controlled Mammography Compression: A Prospective Comparative Study of Patient Discomfort and Breast Compression Thickness.

OBJECTIVE: We assess whether mammographic patient-assisted compression (PAC) has an impact on breast compression thickness and patient discomfort compared with technologist-assisted compression (TAC). METHODS: A total of 382 female patients between ages 40 and 90 years undergoing screening mammography from February 2020 to June 2021 were recruited via informational pamphlet to participate in this IRB-approved study. Patients without prior baseline mammograms were excluded. The participating patients were randomly assigned to the PAC or TAC study group. Pre- and postmammogram surveys assessed expected pain and experienced pain, respectively, using a 100-mm visual analogue scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Breast compression thickness values from the most recent mammogram were compared with the patient's recent prior mammogram. RESULTS: Between the 2 groups, there was no significant difference between the expected level of pain prior to the mammogram (P = .97). While both study groups reported a lower level of experienced pain than was expected, the difference was greater for the PAC group (P <.0001). Additionally, the PAC group reported significantly lower experienced pain during mammography compared with the TAC group (P = .014). The correlation of trait/state anxiety scores with pre- and postmammogram pain scores was weak among the groups. Lastly, the mean breast compression thickness values for standard screening mammographic views showed no significant difference in the PAC group when compared with the patient's prior mammogram. CONCLUSION: Involving patients in compression reduces their pain independent of the patient's state anxiety during mammography while having no effect on breast compression thickness. Implementing PAC could improve the mammography experience.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Carolinas Comfort Scale to Brazilian Portuguese for inguinal hernia.

PURPOSE: Inguinal hernias are highly prevalent worldwide and its surgical repair is one of the most common procedures in general surgery. The broad use of mesh has decreased the recurrence rates of inguinal hernia to acceptable levels, thus centering the attention on Quality of Life as a pivotal postoperative outcome. Carolinas Comfort Scale is a well-studied questionnaire designed to identify Quality of Life changes following hernia repair with mesh techniques. The aim of this study is to validate the CCS in Brazilian Portuguese for inguinal hernias. METHODS: The original CCS was translated into Brazilian Portuguese according to cross-cultural adaptation guidelines. We conducted a cross-sectional study in individuals aged 18 and above who had undergone inguinal laparo-endoscopic hernia repair for at least 6 months prior, between January 2019 and August 2022, at a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Participants answered an online survey containing the Brazilian CCS and the generic Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) Short-Form Health 36 (SF-36). Participants answered the same questionnaires in the follow-up after at least three weeks, with an additional question about satisfaction with surgery results. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 115 patients, of whom 78 (67%) responded to the follow-up questionnaire after 3 to 10 weeks. CCS showed excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach's α of 0.94. Intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.60 to 0.82 in the test-retest analysis. Compared to SF-36, a strong correlation was observed in the physical functioning dimension, and a moderate correlation was found in role-physical and bodily pain (Pearson's Coefficient Correlation = 0.502, 0.338 and 0.332 respectively), for construct analysis. The mean CCS score was significantly lower (p < 0.001) among satisfied patients compared to the unsatisfied ones. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of CCS is a valid and reliable method to assess long-term quality of life after inguinal laparo-endoscopic hernia repair.

Effect of lidocaine pumped through hepatic artery to relieve pain of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy.

Background: This study aims to explore the analgesic effect of lidocaine administered through the hepatic artery during hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total of 45 HCC patients were randomly divided into a study group and a control group. Both groups received oxaliplatin (OXA) based FOLFOX protocol via electronic infusion pump. The study group was continuously infused with 100 mg of lidocaine during HAIC, while 5% glucose solution was infused in the same way as described above. Changes in vital signs, visual analogue score (VAS) and general comfort score (GCQ scale) were recorded before surgery (Time point 0), at the end of infusion (Time point 01), 1 h after HAIC (Time point 02), 3 h after HAIC (Time point 03) and 6 h after HAIC (Time point 04). Results: At each point of time from Time point 0 through Time point 04, the differences in MAP, RR and SPO2 between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). At each point of time from Time point 01 through Time point 04, the mean VAS scores in the study group were smaller and GCQ scores were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were both statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Lidocaine infusion through the hepatic artery during HAIC effectively reduces intraoperative and postoperative pain and improves patient satisfaction with pain management, making it a valuable technique for clinical practice.

Surgical Site Infiltration with Comfort-in Device and Traditional Syringe in Dogs Undergoing Regional Mastectomy: Evaluation of Intra- and Postoperative Pain and Oxidative Stress.

The surgical site infiltration of a local anesthetic is defined as the direct injection of a drug. This study aimed to compare the effects of surgical site infiltration with 4 mg kg-1 lidocaine using a Comfort-in device and traditional syringe on oxidative status and intra- and postoperative pain in dogs undergoing regional mastectomy. Sixty adult female dogs divided into C (Comfort-in device), S (traditional syringe), and CTR (control) groups received 2 µg kg-1 dexmedetomidine and 4 mg kg-1 tramadol IM, 5 mg kg-1 tiletamine/zolazepam IV, and isoflurane. The physiological and anesthesiological parameters were measured. The assessment of intra- and postoperative responses to the surgical stimulus was performed using a cumulative pain scale (CPS score of 0-4) and the Colorado Pain Scale (CSU-CAPS score of 0-4). The hematological and biochemical parameters and inflammatory oxidative status were measured. The CPS scores showed no significant differences between the C and S groups (p = 0.236), while the comparison between the CTR, C, and S groups, respectively, showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). The postoperative analgesia scores were significantly lower in the C group compared to those of the S and CTR groups (p < 0.001). In the C group, no subject received rescue analgesia during the intra- and postoperative periods. The level of oxidative inflammatory stress was lower in group C than those in S and CTR groups, and no side effects were observed in all the groups.

Effect of comfortable nursing on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after posterior orthopedic surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of comfort nursing on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior correction surgery. Methods: 92 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were taken as the subjects and segmented into a control group and an experimental group (n = 46/each group). The former received routine care, while the latter one performed comfortable care. The observation period is 48 h after surgery. Record and compare the incidence, grade, frequency, and pain level of nausea and vomiting in both groups, as well as postoperative physical signs and symptoms, drug use, and postoperative recovery. Investigating the patient's satisfaction with nursing care. The research data is analyzed using SPSS26.0 software. P < 0.05 means statistical significance. Results: Within 48 h after surgery, the number of nausea and vomiting in the control is 24 and the experimental group is 8, with an incidence rate of 52% and 16%. The latter is significantly lower than that in the control. The average number of nausea and vomiting episodes in the control is 2.5, significantly higher than the 0.45 episodes in the experimental set. There is a significant difference in the frequency of nausea and vomiting/temperature and urine volume/scores of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, decreased appetite, and discomfort between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Comfortable care has a relieving effect on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after posterior correction surgery. It can low down the incidence and frequency of nausea and vomiting, and reduce the score of related symptoms. Comfortable care can also help patients recover after surgery, increase dietary intake, and improve nutritional status. Comfortable care has a significant effect on postoperative nausea and vomiting in cases with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior correction surgery, which can improve their postoperative recovery and quality of life.

[Influence of Postoperative Diet Type and Regimen on Hospital Comfort
and Rehabilitation of Lung Cancer Patients].

BACKGROUND: A reasonable and standardized dietary plan and procedure can help patients recovering quickly from lung cancer surgery. The aim of this study is to optimize the diet plan and procedure mainly based on medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet and explore its clinical advantages for postoperative lung cancer patients. METHODS: From October 2023 to December 2023, a total of 156 patients were collected, who underwent lung cancer surgery in Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The patients were randomized into MCT group (76 cases) and routine diet (RD) group (80 cases). Clinical symptoms, biochemical index, postoperative hospitalization time and cost, dietary satisfaction and hospitalization comfort between the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean anus exhausting time in MCT group [24.00 (9.75, 36.97) h] was significantly shorter than that in RD group [28.50 (24.00, 48.00) h] (P<0.001). And the incidence of dizziness (18.42%), nausea and vomiting (6.58%) in MCT group were remarkably lower than those in RD group (51.25%, 31.25%) (P<0.001). Hospitalization comfort score in MCT group [(16.74±1.70)] was significantly higher than that in RD group [(14.83±2.34)] (P=0.016). Meanwhile, the average hospitalization cost in MCT group [(39,701.82±8105.47)¥] showed an obvious decrease compared with RD group [(44,511.79±9593.19)¥] (P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing the dietary plan and procedure mainly based on MCT diet for postoperative lung cancer patients can help the recovery of gastrointestinal function and improve hospitalization comfort, which promoted overall postoperative rehabilitation of patients with lung cancer surgery.

Exploring perceptions of inpatient hospital attire in children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Attire bolsters identity, self-expression, and comfort. Hospital gowns are known to be distressing in adults. Attitudes of children with cancer toward hospital attire remain uninvestigated and may be a modifiable factor in overall well-being. METHODS: A 39-item mixed methods survey evaluated perceptions of patient attire in children with cancer. Children aged 7-18 years were recruited at an academic medical center. Data analysis included simple statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Forty children with cancer receiving oncologic care participated. Participants' mean age was 12.4 (SD = 3.0, range = 7-17) years, and 25 (62%) were male. Quantitative data revealed 81% of participants preferred their own attire when admitted to the hospital, feeling more comfortable in such when well (91%) or sick (75%). They did not feel like they "must" wear a gown when admitted (60%) and did not want to be asked about preferred inpatient attire (63%). Thematic analysis revealed that children had strong negative views of gowns and preferred to wear their own attire in the hospital, which provided physical and emotional comfort. Children worried wearing their own clothing could impede their care. CONCLUSION: Children with cancer prefer wearing their own clothes in the hospital for physical and emotional comfort. They are willing to wear gowns for ease of care; however, they do not want to arbitrate when they need to make that choice. Providers may ease distress by considering a child's own clothes as default hospital attire with instructions for when a gown is necessary for good clinical care.

Cancer Doesn't Know the Day of the Week: Temporal Trends in Day of Death.

Studies support the existence of psychosomatic phenomena that enable critically ill patients to postpone death until a specific event. We assessed for this effect in cancer by examining variability in deaths at the month and weekend levels using the National Center for Health Statistics database. We found that deaths from cancer were not uniformly distributed temporally. There was a relative 3.3% difference death rate between the peak on Saturday and nadir on Monday, and relative 10.2% difference in rate of death between the peak of deaths in January and nadir in February. The "weekend effect" could be present in 1 in 200 cancer deaths and the "holiday effect" in 1 in 100 cancer deaths. Temporal variation may reflect a small portion of patients are able to "hold on" for a limited amount of time. This uneven distribution of cancer deaths highlights the importance of improving communication and facilitating end-of-life discussions.

Comparing Patient Comfort During Bronchoscopy Under Conscious Sedation and Monitored Anesthesia Care: A Prospective, Observational, Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) often involves sedation, with the choice left to the bronchoscopist's discretion. Prior research on sedation in gastroscopic endoscopies yields conflicting information regarding the preferred method for FB. This study compares patient comfort levels during bronchoscopy with mindful sedation using fentanyl, nalbuphine, and midazolam versus monitored anesthesia care (MAC) using propofol, midazolam, and ketamine. METHODS: This prospective observational study assessed 83 patients undergoing bronchoscopy under either conscious sedation (CS) (n=40) or MAC (n=43). Patient comfort, sedation levels, emotional state, recovery time, safety, and the impact of smoking history and comorbidities were evaluated. Data collection included direct patient questioning and observation using the Modified Observed Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (MOAA/S) form. RESULTS: Comfort levels were similar between groups, with mean scores of 3.6±0.89 for CS and 3.3±0.54 for MAC. MAC induced deeper sedation (mean scores: 4.37±0.66 vs. 3.8±0.98). Recovery time and complications were comparable. Emotional states and medical history did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSION: CS is not inferior to MAC for bronchoscopy, providing comparable comfort and safety with less intense sedation and lower cost. These findings support the use of CS for bronchoscopy procedures, offering a cost-effective alternative without compromising patient comfort or safety.

The effect of music on comfort, pain, and anxiety in patients with bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in Turkey: a mixed-methods study.

AIM: This study was conducted to determine the effect of music on the pain, anxiety, and comfort levels of patients who underwent bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. METHODS: This study was conducted on patients with hematological malignancies. Music was used with the intervention group. Patients' pain, anxiety, and comfort levels were measured. In addition, qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with patients. RESULTS: A significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between the experimental and control groups regarding pain, comfort and anxiety levels following the application of music. It was found that there was a negative correlation between comfort and pain (r=-0.442 p < 0.001) and between comfort and anxiety (r=-0.544 p < 0.001). As a result of qualitative interviews, patients mentioned the relaxing effect of music and the reduction of anxiety and pain levels. They also stated that music can be utilized as an alternative method. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, music reduced the pain and anxiety levels of the patients in bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and increased their comfort levels. We can say that music can be used in the clinic as a non-pharmacological method for pain, anxiety and comfort. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: NCT05895357 (Date:08/06/2023).

A Survey of Patient Experience During Molecular Breast Imaging.

Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is one of several options available to patients seeking supplemental screening due to mammographically dense breasts. Patient experience during MBI may influence willingness to undergo the test but has yet to be formally assessed. We aimed to assess patient comfort level during MBI, to compare MBI comfort with mammography comfort, to identify factors associated with MBI discomfort, and to evaluate patients' willingness to return for future MBI. Methods: A 10-question survey was sent by e-mail to patients undergoing MBI between August and December 2022 to obtain quantitative assessments and qualitative opinions about MBI. Results: Of 561 invited patients, 209 (37%) completed the survey and provided study consent. Their average age was 60.1 y (range, 40-81 y). Of the 209 responders, 202 (97%) were presenting for screening MBI, 195 (94%) had dense breasts, and 46 (22%) had a personal history of breast cancer. The average rating of MBI comfort was 2.9 (SD, 1.5; median, 3.0) on a 7-point scale (1 indicating extremely comfortable and 7 indicating extremely uncomfortable). The rating distribution was as follows: 140 (67%) comfortable (rating, 1-3); 24 (12%) neither comfortable nor uncomfortable (rating, 4); and 45 (22%) uncomfortable (rating, 5 or 6). No responders gave a 7 rating. The most frequently mentioned sources of discomfort included breast compression (n = 16), back or neck discomfort (n = 14), and maintaining position during the examination (n = 14). MBI comfort was associated with responder age (74% ≥55 y old were comfortable, versus 53% <55 y old [P = 0.003]) and history of MBI (71% with prior MBI were comfortable, versus 61% having a first MBI [P = 0.006]). Of 208 responders with a prior mammogram, 148 (71%) said MBI is more comfortable than mammography (a significant majority [P < 0.001]). Of 202 responders to the question of whether they were willing to return for a future MBI, 196 (97%) were willing. A notable factor in positive patient experience was interaction with the MBI nuclear medicine technologist. Conclusion: Most responders thought MBI to be a comfortable examination and more comfortable than mammography. Patient experience during MBI may be improved by ensuring back support and soliciting patient feedback at the time of positioning and throughout the examination. Methods under study to reduce imaging time may be most important for improving patient experience.

The Effects of Preoperative Video-Assisted Education on Anxiety and Comfort After Breast Cancer Surgery: Nonrandomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effects of video-assisted education given before breast cancer surgery on patients' anxiety and comfort. DESIGN: A nonrandomized, controlled, quasi-experimental model was used. METHODS: The study was conducted in the general surgery clinic of a public hospital. Seventy patients voluntarily participated in the study, 35 of them were in the Control (CG) and 35 of them were in the Experimental Group (EG). While routine treatment and care were given to CG, a video-assisted education was also provided to EG. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). The patients in both groups filled in the STAI and GCQ on the first day preoperatively, STAI-S and GCS on the second postoperative day and STAI-S on the tenth day after surgery. P < .05 was accepted as a statistical significance value. FINDINGS: The groups were similar in terms of descriptive features and preoperative anxiety scores (P > .05). Postoperative second and tenth-day anxiety scores were significantly higher in CG (43.97 ± 9.42 and 39.45 ± 3.88) compared to EG (33.29 ± 4.94 and 33.31 ± 3.01) (P < .05). In terms of the mean scores of the GCQ and its subscales of comfort, preoperative comfort was found to be lower than postoperative comfort level (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative video-assisted education decreased the anxiety level and increased the comfort level in EG. We conclude that the use of video-assisted education in reducing anxiety and increasing the perception of comfort in breast cancer surgery patients would be beneficial.

Heat and Moisture Transfer Depending on 3D-Printed Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Foam and the Presence of Holes for 3D Printing Clothing Development.

Recently, clothing development 3D printing and the evaluation of its physical characteristics have been explored. However, few studies have tackled thermal comfort, which is a major contributor to the wearers' comfort. Therefore, this study was designed to suggest effective materials and hole sizes for clothing obtained by 3D printing to maintain a comfortable clothing environment. In particular, two main variables, namely five different materials and three-hole sizes, were analyzed. All samples were placed on a hot plate (36 °C), and their surface temperature and humidity were measured for 10 min. The samples with only thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) achieved the largest temperature change of 3.2~4.8 °C, whereas those with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam exhibited the lowest temperature change of -0.1~2.0 °C. Similarly, the samples with only TPU showed the greatest humidity change of -0.7~-5.5%RH. Moreover, the hole size had a larger effect on humidity change than material type. The samples with large holes achieved the largest humidity change of -4.4%RH, whereas the samples without holes had the smallest humidity change of -1.5%RH after 10 min (p < 0.001). Based on these results, various combinations of materials and hole sizes should be considered to fit the purpose of 3D printing clothing.