Early integration of palliative care among cancer patients: The perspective of oncology nurses in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer is a disease that threatens the life of patients and causes chronic health problems and many symptoms that affect their quality of life. For this reason, patients must be followed up in palliative care units, where they can receive more comprehensive care from the diagnosis stage. This study was conducted to evaluate the views and knowledge level of oncology nurses in the integration of early palliative care among cancer patients. METHOD: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study design of the research was employed to gather data from 106 nurses working in different areas of oncology in hospitals located in different cities in country from March to May 2021. RESULTS: Nurses' total scores on the Palliative Care Knowledge Test differed significantly by age, years of working in the profession, the unit worked and the working time in the unit (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that the nurses' knowledge of palliative care was above the moderate level. The nurses with high knowledge scores advocated the need for early integration of palliative care. Moreover, the results also indicated that there is a need to increase the educational level of nurses in palliative care.

Knowledge Levels and Practices About the Enteral Nutritional Practices of Informal Caregivers Caring for Patients Fed Through a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube: A Descriptive Observational Study.

This research aimed to evaluate informal caregivers' knowledge of and practices with enteral nutrition in caring for patients fed through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. Knowledge levels of caregivers about nutritional practices and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube care practices for patients fed enterally are important to prevent possible complications associated with the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube in the early period. The research sample for this descriptive observational study consisted of 126 individuals caring for patients fed through a gastrostomy tube. Knowledge and practices of caregivers were evaluated using a knowledge survey and a practice survey. The knowledge (18.90 ± 3.13; range = 0-24) and practice scores (13.41 ± 1.45; range = 0-15) of the caregivers about tube feeding were above the mean. Caregiver confusion was noted around practical aspects of care such as tube care verification of tube position, and care of the insertion site. Elderly caregivers and those with a low education level need more support about enteral nutrition when caring for patients fed through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. It is recommended that the nutrition nurse and other health team members provide more regular training to informal caregivers of patients fed with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes.

Investigation of the relationship among fatigue, self-efficacy and quality of life during chemotherapy in patients with breast, lung or gastrointestinal cancer.

To explore the relationship between fatigue and self-efficacy, and quality of life (QoL) during chemotherapy of patients with breast, lung or gastrointestinal cancers. This study is a descriptive-correlational research. The study population comprised of patients with breast, lung and gastrointestinal cancer treated at the outpatient chemotherapy unit. Patients' self-efficacy and QoL were assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale and Strategies Used by Patients to Promote Health scale. The sample included 236 patients receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer (30.9%), gastrointestinal (25.8%) or breast cancers (25.4%). The patients had little confidence in performing self-care self-efficacy during chemotherapy for the management of illness and chemotherapy-related side effects. The study found that the patients with cancer were moderately fatigued and all the domains of QoL of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy were considerably impaired. Positive correlations were found between self-efficacy scores and fatigue scores (p < 0.001), and QoL scores (p < 0.001). Better self-efficacy beliefs were associated with better QoL and lower fatigue. Improving the cancer patients' self-confidence in performing self-care behaviours may have a positive impact on performing cognitive and behavioural fatigue management strategies and can influence positively the patients' QoL during chemotherapy.

Interpretation of symptoms as a cause of delays in patients with acute myocardial infarction, Istanbul, Turkey.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess interpretation of symptoms as a cause of delays in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It was conducted at a university hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The sample included 93 patients: 73 male, mean age 57.89 (12.13) years. Prehospital delay time ranged from 15 minutes to 10 days, with a median of 2 hours (interquartile range: 9.50). Patients waited for pain to go away (48.4%) and tried to calm down (39.8%). Most patients attributed AMI-related symptoms to a reason other than heart disease. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the type of AMI was classified based on electrocardiography findings (odds ratio 5.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.69-15.91, P=0.004) and was independently associated with a long prehospital delay time, indicating that patients with ST segment elevation MI would seek early medical care. Misinterpretation of symptoms and misconceptions about emergency treatment during AMI cause delays in admission and may affect treatment.

Prenatal distress in Turkish pregnant women and factors associated with maternal prenatal distress.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess: (1) the prenatal distress level in Turkish pregnant women and (2) to examine the association between prenatal maternal distress and personal and pregnancy-specific factors. BACKGROUND: Pregnant women experience stress originating from a variety of pregnancy-specific issues, including physical symptoms and changes, changes in body image, physiological, social and emotional changes, parenting concerns, changes in relationships with significant others, medical problems, anxiety about labour and delivery, concerns about birth and the baby's health. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was conducted at a gynaecology clinic of a private hospital in Istanbul, Turkey within a 12-month period. The study sample comprised 522 pregnant women continuing their regular visits for prenatal care. Pregnancy Description Form and Turkish Version of Revised Version of Prenatal Distress Questionnaire [(NUPDQ)-17 Item Version] were used for data collection. RESULTS: Study sample was moderately distressed. Turkish pregnant women were mostly distressed and concerned about premature delivery, having an unhealthy baby, labour and delivery, feeling tired and having low energy during pregnancy. Prenatal distress in Turkish pregnant women was associated with personal and pregnancy-related characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that pregnant women need to be supported emotionally, physically and socially. A better understanding of prenatal maternal distress could assist in informing healthcare professionals about the provision of physically, emotionally, socially and behaviourally appropriate support for achieving a healthy pregnancy. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is crucial for pregnant women to be regularly assessed and educated for dealing successfully with concerns and fears about prenatal period, birth and postnatal period and about difficulties that women may encounter during their pregnancy.

Assessment of relationship between self-care and fatigue and loneliness in haemodialysis patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of fatigue, self-care abilities and level of loneliness in Turkish haemodialysis patients and to determine the relationship between the level of fatigue, self-care and loneliness. BACKGROUND: Dialysis patients experience difficulties such as deterioration in physical performance and self-care abilities, fatigue and social isolation due to the disease and the treatment. DESIGN: This is a descriptive study and was conducted at two dialysis treatment centres. METHODS: The sample included 325 haemodialysis patients. Patients were selected via convenience sampling. Criteria for inclusion of patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment were those who volunteered to take part in the study, who were literate and who were over 18 years of age. Data were gathered using Patient Information Form, Visual Analog Fatigue Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Self-Care Ability Scale. RESULTS: Haemodialysis patients reported high level of fatigue, low level of self-care and moderate level of loneliness. The correlation values indicated that as the levels of loneliness and fatigue increased, the self-care abilities decreased. The self-care abilities of the female patients were worse. Patients over the age of 60 years, those with low education level or patients on a low income and those with other chronic diseases had higher levels of loneliness and fatigue, and lower level of self-care. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the level of fatigue of haemodialysis patients was high, their self-care ability was very low and their level of perceived loneliness was moderate. Furthermore, fatigue negatively affects patients' self-care; the higher the patients' level of fatigue was, the lower their level of self-care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In order for haemodialysis patients to manage their fatigue successfully, to improve their self-care abilities and to decrease their levels of loneliness and social isolation, nurses should provide physical, social and emotional support.

Symptoms after hospital discharge following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

AIMS: The purposes of this study were to assess the symptoms of hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients after hospital discharge, and to determine the needs of transplant patients for symptom management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study adopted a descriptive design. The study sample comprised of 66 hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. The study was conducted in Istanbul. Data were collected using Patient Information Form and Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). RESULTS: The frequency of psychological symptoms in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients after discharge period (PSYCH subscale score 2.11 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.69, range: 0.93-3.80)) was higher in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients than frequency of physical symptoms (PHYS subscale score: 1.59 (SD = 0.49, range: 1.00-3.38)). Symptom distress caused by psychological and physical symptoms were at moderate level (mean = 1.91, SD = 0.60, range: 0.95-3.63) and most distressing symptoms were problems with sexual interest or activity, difficulty sleeping, and diarrhea. Patients who did not have an additional chronic disease obtained higher MSAS scores. University graduates obtained higher Global Distress Index (GDI) subscale and total MSAS scores with comparison to primary school graduates. Total MSAS, MSAS-PHYS subscale, and MSAS-PSYCH subscale scores were higher in patients with low level of income (P < 0.05). The patients (98.5%) reported to receive education about symptom management after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients continue to experience many distressing physical or psychological symptoms after discharge and need to be supported and educated for the symptom management.

Assessment of oral care needs of patients treated at the intensive care unit.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the oral hygiene needs and the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients being treated in an intensive care unit and to determine the personal- or treatment-related variables associated with oral hygiene and the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients. BACKGROUND: Oral hygiene has an impact on the clinical outcomes and well-being of critically ill patients. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. METHOD: The study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a private hospital located in Istanbul. The study sample consisted of 60 patients treated in the intensive care unit for five consecutive days. Oral assessments were conducted once per day every morning for five days. The oral assessments were performed using the Oral Assessment Tool and Oral Assessment Checklist. RESULTS: The oral hygiene status and the health of the oral mucus membranes improved over the consecutive five-day assessments, and the routine oral care provided by nurses in the intensive care unit was effective in preventing oral mucus membrane-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of oral care and oral moistening should be determined according to the patient's condition and the presence of risk factors for oral complications. Oral mucus membranes should be assessed closely and systematically in all critically ill patients who are mechanically ventilated, are receiving oxygen therapy, are undergoing invasive procedures, have a history of chronic health problems or are receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To prevent infections or complications during intensive care treatment, it is important for nurses working in critical care units to develop and implement oral care assessments and evidence-based oral care protocols.

Turkish nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards such patients and to determine the variables associated with students' knowledge and attitudes towards them. BACKGROUND: Improving nurses' and nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS is vital for providing quality care for such patients. DESIGN: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at three nursing schools located in two different cities in Turkey. The inclusion criteria for the nursing students were as follows: being at least 18 years old; being a first-, second-, third- or fourth-year nursing student; and giving consent to participate in the research. METHODS: The sample comprised 580 nursing students. The study used three data collection tools: (1) the Student Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, (2) the HIV/AIDS Knowledge Questionnaire and (3) the HIV/AIDS Attitude Questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants' knowledge was found to be insufficient, particularly with regard to HIV transmission routes. They generally had positive attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS. However, they expressed some concerns and were hesitant about working with AIDS and HIV-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current results reveal that nursing students still have misconceptions and a lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and that their attitudes need to be improved. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Improving education programmes about HIV/AIDS and using information sources effectively may contribute to better knowledge and more desirable attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.

Relationship between quality of life, self-efficacy and social support in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes patients' perceptions of self-efficacy and social support to decline. Patients with MS have to change day-to-day activities and encounter various physical and psychosocial problems while adapting to the new lifestyle. AIMS: The research aimed to define the quality of life, self-efficacy and social support in patients with MS and to determine the relationship between quality of life, perception of self-efficacy and perceived social support. It is descriptive and correlational research. Data were collected using surveys. METHODS: The sample consisted of 116 patients with MS. Patients who applied at the neurology in-patient and outpatient clinics between March 2021 and September 2021 were assessed for inclusion criteria. Written and verbal consent was obtained. The patients read and answered the questionnaires. Their quality of life was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Scale (FAMS). Self-efficacy perception was measured using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), and social support was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTS: The study found that the other concerns, symptoms, thinking and fatigue were most negatively affected the quality of life subscales. Perception of self-efficacy was found to be moderate, while social support was high. Analyses revealed a positive correlation between MSPSS scores, FAMS scores and GSE scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Health professionals need to provide education and counselling to manage MS-related symptoms, use therapeutic communication techniques to improve self-efficacy, give positive reinforcement and cooperate with families to increase social support.

Symptom experience and care needs of Turkish palliative care patients.

BACKGROUND: Nurses need to focus on supporting patients' quality of life, supporting their families, reducing the morbidity rate, providing psychosocial support services to improve symptom management and delivering high-quality care. AIM: This study aimed to determine the symptom experience and care needs of Turkish patients who received inpatient treatment in palliative care units. METHODS: This descriptive research was conducted between May 2019 and May 2020. The study sample was composed of 200 palliative care patients selected using a convenience-purposive sampling method. The personal and disease-related characteristics were collected using the Patient Information Survey and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative Care scale. FINDINGS: The mean age of the sample was 75±15 years, and 56.5% were women. The patients' overall quality of life scores were below average (mean 84.05±19.44). The functional wellbeing and other concerns subscales of the scale were affected the most adversely. The Physical Wellbeing subscale was affected minimally, while the Emotional Wellbeing and Social Wellbeing subscales were affected moderately. Conclusion: The palliative care patients mostly needed support for the prevention and management of infections, management of respiratory distress and swallowing problems, dealing with confusion and improving compliance with treatment. The low quality of life scores emphasise the importance of urgent interventions for improving the functional wellbeing and symptom management in these patients.

The Relationship Between Perceived Quality of Care and the Patient Safety Culture of Turkish Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating nurses' perceived quality of care and safety culture is an essential part of the nursing practice and critical to improving the quality of nursing care. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived quality of care and Turkish nurses' patient safety culture. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The data were collected from a foundation university hospital in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 116 nurses, and data were collected using the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 and Patient Safety Culture Scale. The nurses were asked to complete the questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean age of participating nurses was 25.95 ( SD = 6.72) years. The mean duration of professional experience of the participants was 6.37 ( SD = 6.05) years. Most (72.4%) of the participants were women who had graduated from vocational high schools (52.6%) and were working in the neonatal intensive care unit (37.9%). The highest mean subdimension score on the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 was 5.78 ( SD = 0.43) for the knowledge and skills subdimension. The highest mean subdimension score on the Patient Safety Culture Scale was 3.55 ( SD = 0.48) for the unexpected event and error reporting subdimension. Statistically significant correlations were found between Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 and Patient Safety Culture Scale scores ( r = .553, p < .01), with the lowest correlation found between the employee behavior and knowledge and skills dimensions ( r = .305, p = .001). The highest statistically significant correlation coefficients that were found were between the Patient Safety Culture Scale total scores and the connectedness dimension of the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 ( r = .58, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses perceive patient care positively and have a positive perception of safety culture. Evaluating the perceived quality of care and patient safety culture perceptions will help prevent adverse events related to patient care and improve the quality of care.

Frailty in older Turkish cancer patients undergoing post-surgical adjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the frailty levels of older patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy will contribute to timely and reliable care practices and improve care outcomes. AIMS: To determine the frailty of cancer patients who received chemotherapy treatment after surgery. METHODS: This descriptive study included 192 Turkish patients aged over 60 years who received chemotherapy after surgery for cancer. Data were collected using a patient survey and the Edmonton Frailty Scale. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 66.3±5.3 years. Around 40% (40.6%) of the sample were diagnosed with breast cancer. The Edmonton Frailty Scale score of the group was 6.6 (SD±3.7). A quarter of the sample (22.9%) were at risk of frailty. Frailty levels were higher in older individuals with gastrointestinal cancers and other cancer groups compared with patients with breast cancer (p<0.001); patients with additional chronic diseases other than cancer (p=0.004); and in those with a history of falling and hospitalisation in the past year (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients with gastrointestinal cancer, additional chronic disease and a history of falling and hospitalisation within the past year should be evaluated closely for frailty before and during chemotherapy. It is crucial to consider the patient's vulnerability when making care and treatment decisions for older patients with cancer. Understanding the frailty levels of older patients who undergo surgery and receive chemotherapy can help health professionals to decide on timely and reliable care practices and improve care outcomes.

A psychometric validation study of the Quality of Life and FAMCARE scales in Turkish cancer family caregivers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric validation of the Quality of Life and FAMCARE scales in Turkish family caregivers of cancer patients. METHODS: This is a descriptive study involving 100 family caregivers of cancer patients. The validity and reliability study of the scales was performed in two phases. Phase I focused on the construction of the Turkish version of the instruments and pilot testing. Phase II was the psychometric assessment of the scales. RESULTS: The caregivers stated that the two questionnaires were easy to read and to understand. However, the psychometric validation performed afterwards revealed that both the ordering of the factor loadings and content of the scales were influenced by prevailing characteristics of Turkish society. Caregivers were satisfied with the care their patients received, and family concerns were the most negatively affected quality-of-life (QOL) dimensions. Factors affecting the QOL and satisfaction with care were age, co-residence, relationship to patient, gender of the patients and caregivers, stage of the disease of the patient and marital status of the caregivers. CONCLUSION: Psychometric validation of the Quality of Life and FAMCARE scales demonstrates that these culturally adapted scales are valid and reliable tools to assess the QOL and satisfaction of Turkish family caregivers of cancer patients.

Knowledge of Blood Transfusion Among Nurses.

Health care professionals' knowledge and skills are fundamental to developing and strengthening the quality of blood transfusion procedures. This study evaluated nurses' knowledge about blood transfusion. This descriptive cross-sectional study comprised 171 nurses in medical and surgical units and intensive care units in two hospitals. Data collection was completed in 2 months. Nurses' knowledge of blood transfusion practices was assessed using a questionnaire. Most had obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing, received in-service blood transfusion training, and demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge on the topic. The least known questions related to the changing of blood transfusion sets, the most frequent cause of blood transfusion reactions, and immunological blood transfusion reactions. New graduates or inexperienced nurses, those working in medical units, and those who did not often implement blood transfusions needed more support to improve their knowledge levels (p < .05). Nurses require in-service training to improve their knowledge of safe blood transfusion practices, specifically because blood transfusion sets are the most frequent cause of blood transfusion reactions and adverse reactions associated with blood transfusion. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(4):176-182.].

The effectiveness of basic life support training on nursing students' knowledge and basic life support practices: a non-randomized quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Provision of up-to-date information and skills training related to basic life support practices is very important for nursing students' professional development and practitioner and education related roles. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of basic life support training on knowledge and practices among nursing students. METHODS: A non-randomized quasi-experimental design (One group pre-test-post-test) was used in this study. The study was conducted in the laboratory of an undergraduate nursing school. The sample consisted of a convenience sample of 1st-year students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing class. The study sample consisted of 65 nursing students. Basic life support training included both theoretical and practical components. The students' knowledge and practices were assessed before basic life support training. Data were collected using the knowledge assessment questionnaire. The practical skills for basic life support were observed and assessed using a checklist. The pre- and post-assessment practice scores were compared. RESULTS: After basic life support training, level of knowledge and practical skill scores were higher compared to pre-training scores (t= -12.442, p=0.000; t= -22.899, p=0.000). There was a significant and moderate association between the adult basic life support Knowledge Form scores and the adult basic life support practice assessment form scores obtained after the training (r = 0.39, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The study showed that basic life support training improved knowledge and skills related to basic life support practices in nursing students. Periodic basic life support training is very important for competency in this area among nursing students.

The quality of life and self-efficacy of Turkish breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Self-efficacy has a positive effect on health behaviors, symptom control, compliance with cancer treatment, and quality of life. This study aims to describe the quality of life and self-efficacy of Turkish breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The sample consisted of 141 patients. Data was gathered using a Patient Information Form, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B), a scale about Strategies Used by Patients to Promote Health and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist. All quality of life dimensions were negatively affected at a significant level. Following commencement of chemotherapy, there was an increase in the negative effect on physical well-being, emotional well-being and additional concerns subscales and total FACT-B and their self-efficacy was negatively affected to a moderate degree. However, a significant degree of change did not occur in the self-efficacy. During treatment the physical symptoms and psychological distress increased and the activity level was negatively affected. The quality of life and self-efficacy were influenced by personal and medical characteristics, showing consistency with similar studies. Because there are negative effects of cancer and chemotherapy on patients' quality of life and self-efficacy, nurses need to focus on designing psychosocial interventions to improve their self-efficacy and quality of life.

Evaluation of the effect of care given by nursing students on oncology patients' satisfaction.

Patients' satisfaction with the care given by nursing students will have a say in the development of practical nursing student education and in improving the quality of clinical training. The purpose of this study was to test whether the Turkish version of "The Oncology Patients' Perceptions of the Quality of Nursing Care Scale-Short Form (OPPQNCS-SF)" is appropriate for oncology patients done by studying the tool's validity and reliability and to evaluate the effect of care given by nursing students on oncology patients' satisfaction with the care they receive. The Turkish version of OPPQNCS-SF's item-score correlation coefficients were rs=0.38-0.85 (p<0.05). The Cronbach values were 0.91 for the total scale, 0.66-0.87 for the subscales. The results show that the scale is a valid and reliable tool for Turkish patients. The mean scores for every subscale and item were high. The patients were most pleased about the respect they were shown, with the answered to their questions, with the sincere interest shown and with the knowledge of nurses about their condition. The patients' high level of satisfaction with the care nursing students gave is important to ensure that nurses, who will have primary responsibility for patient care in the future, receive a good clinical and theoretical education.

Effectiveness of Hygienic Hand Washing Training on Hand Washing Practices and Knowledge: A Nonrandomized Quasi-Experimental Design.

Nurses undertake important responsibilities in patient care and the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. However, adherence to hand hygiene practices among nurses has been reported to be low. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hygienic hand washing training on hand washing practices and knowledge. The study design was a nonrandomized, quasi-experimental study, with pretest-posttest for one group. Pre- and postobservations were also conducted using an observation form on any 5 workdays to evaluate the effectiveness of hygienic hand washing training on hand washing practices. The study was conducted with 63 nurses working at a hospital in Istanbul. Hand Hygiene Knowledge Form scores after hygienic hand washing training were higher than the pretraining scores. The number of the nurses' hand hygiene actions after hand hygiene training increased significantly compared with that before training. The results indicate that training in proper hand washing techniques and hygienic hand washing practices positively affects the knowledge level of nurses and their hand washing behavior. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2018;49(8):360-371.

Evaluation of Quality of Life and Care Needs of Turkish Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

This descriptive study explored the quality of life and care needs of Turkish patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The study sample consisted of 100 hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Their quality of life was assessed using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant Scale. The mean patient age was 44.99 ± 13.92 years. Changes in sexual functions, loss of hair, loss of taste, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances were the most common symptoms. The quality of life of transplant patients was moderately affected; the functional well-being and social/family well-being subscales were the most adversely and least negatively affected (12.13 ± 6.88) dimensions, respectively. Being female, being between 50 and 59 years of age, being single, having a chronic disease, and having a history of hospitalization were associated with lower quality of life scores. Interventions to improve functional status, physical well-being, and emotional status of patients during the transplantation process may help patients cope with treatment-related impairments more effectively. Frequent screening and management of patient symptoms in order to help patients adapt to life following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are crucial for meeting care needs and developing strategies to improve their quality of life.