Exploring the relationship between cyberloafing and innovativeness among nurses in research hospitals: a cross-sectional study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Although cyberloafing, which refers to employees' use of the internet for private purposes outside of work, is seen as a negative behavior; Positive effects on areas such as individual development, learning opportunity, job satisfaction, productivity, change, organizational output, and innovation have also been reported. This study aims to investigate whether there is a significant relationship between cyberloafing and the innovativeness levels of nurses working in research hospitals in Turkey. METHODS: This analytical study consisted of 230 nurses. Data were collected using a nurse information form, Cyberloafing Scale, and Individual Innovativeness Scale. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive, comparative, and correlational statistics. RESULTS: Nurses had low levels of minor and severe cyberloafing scores and skeptical innovativeness. There was no correlation between cyberloafing and individual innovativeness. CONCLUSIONS: More conscious cyberloafing should be encouraged through institutional arrangements, which can improve nurses' individual and innovative professional aspects.

Does natural birth have a circadian rhythm?

The aim of this study was to investigate whether natural birth has a circadian rhythm. The present study was planned as a retrospective descriptive study of the natural births performed in a Maternity and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital in the north of Turkey between January 1 and December 31. The study included 723 (98.9%) cases of natural birth. It was found that the mean age of the women in the study sample was 26.84 ± 5.83 years and the mean gestational age was 38.98 ± 1.95 years. It was determined that the mean labour duration of the women was 12.47 ± 0.78 hours; of all births, 34.6% occurred between 08:00-16:00 hours, 38.2% occurred between 16:01-00:00 hours and 27.2% occurred between 00:01-07:59 hours. Considering the birth time in terms of month, it was observed that the most common birth month was July and the least common birth month was March. In accordance with the study data, it is observed that the labour process occurred at night in the day/night cycle and in the summer months at a higher rate.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Chronological transitions are of critical importance for pregnancy. There are many mechanisms affecting Labour process. One of the most important mechanisms among these is the release and timing of foetal-maternal hormones. The chronological transitions are critical for a normal pregnancy and any temporary alteration may have detrimental effects for foetal development and/or maternal healthWhat the results of this study add? It is observed that births occur at a higher rate at night hours in the day-night cycle and in summer months, and in terms of day, Wednesday is the most common birth day. Considering these results, although it is thought that the levels of hormones released at night lead the birth to occur mostly at night-time hours and non-fully developed thermoregulatory system and sympathetic nervous systems of foetus and sensitivity to temperature may be effective on the number of births in summer months, it is seen that the data are insufficient to reach this conclusion.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is believed that the foetus has a biological clock. This is parallel to fluctuating levels of various hormones affecting labour and delivery, which may be a positive influence on the labour process itself. It seems that more study results are required in addition to these results.

Efficacy of Cartoon Viewing Devices During Phlebotomy in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of different cartoon viewing devices during phlebotomy in children. DESIGN: This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The study included inpatients from the Biochemical Laboratory of a private university hospital in Turkey and was conducted between September 2017 and April 2018. A computer-based random number generator was used to randomly assign the patients into three groups (virtual reality [VR], tablet, and control) with 40 children each. Data were collected using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and the Children's Fear Scale. Pain and anxiety scores were reported by children, parents, and observers in tablet and control groups. In the VR group, pain and anxiety were determined only by children's reports. FINDINGS: According to the children reports, the VR group reported significantly less pain and anxiety than those in the tablet and control groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The cartoon distraction performed using a VR device reduced the perception of pain and anxiety during phlebotomy in school-age children.

Undergraduate nursing students and the elderly: An assessment of attitudes in a Turkish university.

At times when populations are aging and nursing services for elders are needed, gerontology as a nursing specialty is not a highly sought career choice. The purposes of this study were to assess the overall attitudes of nursing students at a Turkish university toward the elderly and to identify the effects of demographic and social factors on attitudes. Using a non-experimental design, the Turkish version of the Kogan's Attitudes towards Old People (KAOP) Scale was given to undergraduate nursing students. Significant findings demonstrated that the older the student, the worse the attitude and that students willing to work with elders had significantly better total KAOP and better positive item scores than those not willing to work with elders. The findings support educational preparation as a major factor in shaping student attitudes. Geriatric education should be integral to nursing education to help ensure sustainability of nursing services for the elderly population.

Patients' discharge information needs after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a quasi-qualitative pilot study.

PURPOSE: Discharge information needs are known to be common problems for total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) patients due to surgical and technological developments of arthroplasty, treatment procedures, and reducing the duration of hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to collect individual interviews about information needs of patients who have had THA or TKA for the first time. DESIGN/METHODS: This quasi-qualitative study was conducted in orthopedic wards of a university hospital in Turkey. Descriptive data were collected using a Patient Information Form and the Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS). Individual interviews data were collected by open-ended questions related to PLNS subscales 24-48 hours before discharge. FINDINGS: The mean age of the 37 patients studied was 64.97 ± 13.66, 70.3% were female, 56.8% had THA for the first time. Similar to individual interviews, the patients reported that the most important learning needs were about treatment and complications, activities of living, and enhancing quality of life. In addition, patient's age had a significant impact on PLNS scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study sought to determine Turkish THA or TKA patients' priority of learning needs on discharge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After an evaluation of the conclusions, healthcare professionals can contribute to the development of scheduling programs for patients who are discharged following THA or TKA surgical procedures.

Nurses' sociodemographic background and assessments of individualized care.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the association between nurses' characteristics (educational level, country, work title, gender, type of work, age, and length of working experience) and their assessments of individualized care. DESIGN: A cross-sectional comparative survey using questionnaires was employed to sample nurses from seven countries. METHODS: Data were collected from orthopedic and trauma nurses from Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States (N= 1,163, response rate 70%) using the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse (ICS-Nurse) and a sociodemographic questionnaire in 2008. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and general linear models. RESULTS: When compared with practical nurses, registered nurses, length of working experience, and the country of the nurses were associated with assessments of the support of patient individuality in specific nursing activities (ICS-A-Nurse) and country assessments of individuality in the care provided (ICS-B-Nurse). The background and experience within nursing teams together with the country affect the delivery of individualized care. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings suggest that nurses' personal attributes have important effects on their assessments of individualized nursing care that will be useful when making context-dependent recruitment decisions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The characteristics of nurses contribute to the care delivered in healthcare organizations. Recognition of these nurse-related factors may help nurse leaders in the development and management of clinical practice.

A seven country comparison of nurses' perceptions of their professional practice environment.

Papastavrou E., Efstathiou G., Acaroglu R., da Luz M.D.A., Berg A., Idvall E., Kalafati M., Kanan N., Katajisto J., Leino-Kilpi H., Lemonidou C., Sendir M., Sousa V.D. & Suhonen R. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management A seven country comparison of nurses' perceptions of their professional practice environment Aims To describe and compare nurses' perceptions of their professional practice environment in seven countries. Background There is evidence of variation in the nursing professional practice environments internationally. These different work environments affect nurses' ability to perform and are linked to differing nurse and patient outcomes. Methods A descriptive, comparative survey was used to collect data from orthopaedic and trauma nurses (n = 1156) in Finland, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey and Kansas, USA using the 39-item Revised Professional Practice Environment instrument. Results Differences were found between participants from the northern countries of Europe, Kansas, USA, and the Mediterranean countries regarding perceptions about control over practice. No between-country differences were reported in the internal work motivation among the nurses from any of the participating countries. Conclusions Although between-country differences in nurses' professional practice environment were found, difficulties related to demographic, cultural and health system differences and the way in which nursing is defined in each country need to be considered in the interpretation of the results. Implications for Nursing Management The results support investment to improve nurse's work environment, which is important for improving the quality of patient care, optimizing patient outcomes and developing the nursing workforce.

Postoperative constipation risk assessment in Turkish orthopedic patients.

This descriptive, correlational study was conducted to describe constipation risk assessment and the affecting factors of constipation risk of patients who have undergone major orthopedic surgery. Data were collected using a patient information form and the Constipation Risk Assessment Scale (CRAS) on the second postoperative day. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 11.5 for Windows. The mean age of the 83 patients studied was 53.75 ± 21.29 years. Subjects were hospitalized in the orthopedic wards for 14.39 ± 15.17 days, and their current bowel habit was 2.18 ± 1.80 stools per week. Of the sample, 63.9% were female, 69.9% of the patients had a history of previous surgery, 45.8% had hip/knee arthroplasty surgery, and 55.4% had bowel problems during the hospitalization period. Patients had a medium risk for constipation according to the CRAS subscale (gender, mobility, and pharmacological agents). Total CRAS score was 12.73 ± 4.75 (medium risk) on the second postoperative day. In addition, age, marital status, educational level, having a history of surgery, and bowel elimination problems did have a significant effect on constipation risk. On the basis of the findings from this study, nurses must learn the postoperative constipation risk of orthopedic patients to implement safe and effective interventions.

Determination of problems experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic by individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment are among the risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. They must cope with many factors simultaneously like anxiety about being ill, social isolation, inadequate information about protective precautions, and the need to attend regular treatment. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed with the aim of determining problems experienced by individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment during the pandemic. DESIGN: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional type study. PARTICIPANTS: The research included 234 patients receiving chronic hemodialysis treatment. MEASUREMENTS: For collection of data in the research, a patient descriptive information form and COVID-19 phobia scale (CP19-S) scale were used. RESULTS: Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment were determined to have high levels of compliance with individual precautions required during the pandemic. Of patients, 87.6% were determined to experience concern about bringing infection from the dialysis unit to family members. The mean total points for CP19-S were 59.80 ± 14.49. Patients who were female, had low educational level, were not employed, had heart disease in addition to kidney failure, with hemodialysis age from 6 to 8 years, who did not want to go to the dialysis center and had not received education about the pandemic (p < 0.001) were identified to have high phobia at statistically significant levels. CONCLUSIONS: Changes occurring in normal life and to hemodialysis treatment during the pandemic cause concern and anxiety in many patients. In this process, providing patients with education about the pandemic and protective methods is very important.

Nurses' perceptions of individualized care: an international comparison.

AIM: This paper is a report of a study of internationally-based differences in nurses' perceptions of individualized care in orthopaedic surgical in-patient wards. BACKGROUND: Individualized care is valued in healthcare policy, practice and ethical statements as an indicator of care quality. However, nurses' assessments of individualized care are limited and comparative cross-cultural studies on individualized nursing care are lacking. METHODS: A descriptive comparative survey was used to sample orthopaedic surgical nurses (n = 1163) working in 91 inpatient wards in 34 acute hospitals in Finland, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America. Data were collected between March and November 2009 using the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Nurses in different countries perceived that they supported patients' individuality generally and provided individualized care during nursing activities. Although the highest scores were in support of patients' individuality in the clinical situation both through nursing provision and nurses' perceptions of individuality, there were between-country differences within these scores. Generally, the Greek and American nurses gave the highest scores and the Turkish, Cypriot and Portuguese nurses the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: Between-country differences found may be attributed to differing roles of nurses, care processes, healthcare systems and/or the ways nursing care is defined and organized. As this was the first time the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse was used in an international context, the results are formative and indicate the need to continue studies in this area.

Reliability and validity of Turkish version of the Individualised Care Scale.

AIMS: To validate an English version of the Individualised Care Scale for use with a Turkish population and evaluate its validity and reliability. BACKGROUND: Studies about the evaluation of nursing care from the patients' perspective are becoming more important. No valid and reliable instruments are available in Turkey for evaluating individualised care from the patients' perspective. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: Standard forward-back translation techniques were used to obtain semantic equivalence of the Individualised Care Scale. An expert panel considered the translations and provided content validation. A convenience sample of 120 predischarged patients participated in a survey conducted on neurosurgical and orthopaedic wards in a university hospital in Istanbul 2006. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and item analysis established the internal consistency and factor analysis the construct validity of the Individualised Care Scale. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0·92 for Individualised Care Scale-A and 0·93 for Individualised Care Scale-B. A principal component analysis supported the construct validity by generating a three-factor solution, which accounted for 65% of the variance in the Individualised Care Scale-A and 62% in the Individualised Care Scale-B. Pearson's correlation coefficients in this data were at least 0·84 between the sub-scales and the total domain Individualised Care Scale-A or Individualised Care Scale-B. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the Individualised Care Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring patients' evaluations of individualised care. The results of this study provide cross-cultural evidence for the usefulness of the Individualised Care Scale. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The information obtained by the Individualised Care Scale will help nurses to identify areas where developmental work could be undertaken to provide individualised care.

Effect of a mobile patient education application on adjustment to stoma and development of peristomal skin lesions: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a stoma face difficulties in everyday life. A mobile application (app) may assist them in managing their stoma and adjusting to change. PURPOSE: This study developed a mobile app for patients with a stoma and evaluated its effectiveness in improving psychosocial adjustment, self-care, and prevention of peristomal skin lesions. METHODS: The research utilized a quasi-experimental design and was conducted using a posttest control group. The study consisted of 60 patients who had undergone surgery in 3 university hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey, from November 2018 through December 2019. The experimental group (n = 30) used the STOMA-M mobile app, and the control group (n = 30) used an educational booklet that contained images and text that correlated to the content found in the app. Data collection was carried out using an individual characteristics assessment form, Ostomy Adjustment Inventory (OAI-23), Peristomal Skin Lesions Assessment and Classification Instrument, and a stoma care training evaluation form in the first and third months after discharge. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 software. RESULTS: Sociodemographic characteristics of individuals in the experimental and control groups were similar; 70% (n = 42) required stoma placement because of cancer treatment. More than half of the participants (53.3%; n = 32) had an ileostomy, and 78.3% (n = 47) had a temporary, open stoma. The experimental group's OAI-23 score, social engagement subscale score, stoma care status, and satisfaction with education e high. The OAI-23 scores in the control group were not significant, and their anger subscale score and the score of item 16, Caring for my stoma is difficult, decreased in the third month compared with baseline. Peristomal skin lesions did not develop in the control group at the third month of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The levels of adjustment to stoma, ability to care for the stoma themselves, and satisfaction with education received were higher in individuals using the mobile app compared with those using the printed booklet. However, the app was not effective in preventing peristomal skin lesions. Additional studies are needed to determine what features of a mobile app may be useful for preventing such lesions.

Evaluation of the Use of Diverse Mental Health Simulation in Nursing Students' Learning Experience: An International Multisite Study.

BACKGROUND: Simulated patients (SPs) in mental health nursing education provide a unique approach to assist student development in complex assessment skills. PURPOSE: The purpose of this international multisite study was to evaluate the use of two diverse mental health SP simulation scenarios on nursing students' satisfaction and self-confidence in learning to care for patients with mental health disorders in the United States (n = 70) and Turkey (n = 90). METHODS: A multisite cross-sectional study design was used. Outcome measures included the Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scale and the adapted Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified. Results were analyzed using independent t tests. RESULTS: While students in the United States reported higher perceived self-confidence and satisfaction in learning, both student populations found the intervention effective to their learning (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Using SPs in mental health education allow students to practice their assessment skills learned in classroom and transfer them to the clinical area.

The relationship between nurses' empathic tendencies, empathic skills, and individualized care perceptions.

PURPOSE: The study aims to determine the relationship between nurses' empathic tendencies, empathic skills, and individualized care perceptions. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study employed a descriptive and correlational design. Data were collected from nurses in eight training and research hospitals in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 472 nurses who were both volunteered to participate and randomly selected. FINDINGS: A definite high-level relation was determined between nurses' empathic tendencies and individualized care perceptions, but no relation was determined between nurses' empathic skills and individualized care perceptions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study can underline practices accounting for empathy and individualized care in nursing research and training programs.

Effectiveness of mechano-analgesia and cold application on ecchymosis, pain, and patient satisfaction associated with subcutaneous heparin injection.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mechano-analgesia and cold application on subcutaneous heparin injection ecchymosis, pain, and patient satisfaction. This was a prospective, controlled, quasi-experimental, and clinical research. The study was conducted during a 10-month period in the Orthopedics and Traumatology wards of a university hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The 55 patients received 3 subcutaneous heparin injections (165 injections) by the same investigator using additional techniques such as mechano-analgesia and cold application, and without any additional techniques. ShotBlocker for the mechano-analgesia and an ice pack for the cold application were used. Pain and ecchymosis are different according to individual features. Therefore, subcutaneous heparin was administered to the same patients by using 3 different methods. Pain and satisfaction were assessed immediately after the injection by using the visual analog scale. Ecchymosis was assessed with an ecchymosis measurement tool (Opsite FlexiFix) at 48 and 60 hours after the injection. Research findings show that ecchymosis occurred in 6.6% of all injections. The lowest and smallest ecchymosis occurred in cold application, but the difference was not statistically significant among the techniques (P = .178). Use of mechano-analgesia and cold application reduce pain (P = .00). Mechano-analgesia was ineffective for ecchymosis while reducing pain. The satisfaction level was highest with mechano-analgesia, with statistically significant differences among the techniques (P = 0.001). Mechano-analgesia and cold application can be effective in reducing injection pain and increasing patient satisfaction.

The Effect of Music Therapy and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Anxiety Before the First Clinical Practice in Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Study.

AIM: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation exercise on the state and trait anxiety levels before their first clinical practice in nursing students. METHOD: This randomized controlled experimental study sample consisted of 86 nursing students who will be firstly applied to clinical practice. The students were randomly assigned to music (n=30), exercise (n=28), and control (n=28) groups. The data of the study were collected with Student Information Form and State-Trait Anxiety Scale. The music therapy intervention was applied to the music group three times a week for the first 2 weeks. Progressive muscle relaxation exercise was applied alone to the exercise group three times a week for the first 2 weeks in a separate room. No intervention was applied to the control group. This study RCT number is: NCT04540172. RESULTS: The majority of the students was female (81.4%), and the mean age was 19.74±1.38 years. After the interventions, there was a statistical difference between the groups, and this difference was created by the control group (p<0.05). The pre-test and post-test results were compared in the experimental groups, and the state anxiety levels had decreased (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the trait anxiety levels between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Music therapy and muscle relaxation exercises can be used to reduce the state anxiety levels in nursing students before their first clinical practice experience.

The effectiveness of a non-tourniquet procedure on peripheral intravenous catheterization in older patients: A pilot study.

Background: In an older population, insertion of peripheral intravenous catheterizations (PIVCs) are more difficult because of specific problems.Aim: This study aimed to determine the initial efficacy of non-tourniquet procedure during insertion of PIVC in older patients.Design/Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 78 older patients. The initial efficacy of non-tourniquet procedure was tested during insertion of PIVC.Results: This study showed that similar pain intensity scores immediately after inserting the PIVC (p>0.05). The first-attempt success and dwell time in non-tourniquet procedure older patients were be higher/longer and phlebitis scores were lower than the control group (p<0.05).Conclusions: To increase the success of PIVC first-attempt, a longer dwell time, and lower phlebitis scores in older patients, nurses should insert PIVCs at an almost flat degree and stabilize the vein without a tourniquet.Impact statement: The non-tourniquet procedure will lead to the long dwell time and using safely of PIVC in older patients.

Evaluation of health related quality of life in patients with Parkinsons disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the socio-demographic and clinical feature of patients with Parkinson`s disease, their health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the relationship between these. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty Hospital, and Ministry of Health, Taksim and Haseki Education and Research Hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. The sample consisted of 80 Parkinson`s disease patients who attended the Parkinson`s and Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinics between March and July 2006. Data were collected using the questionnaire form, which included socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, the Hoehn and Yahr clinical staging scale, the Unified Parkinson`s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and the Nottingham Health Profile. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 67.5 +/- 8.76 years, 62.5% were males, and approximately 47.5% were in stage one of Parkinson`s disease. The highest mean score on the UPDRS was for the "motor function" part (11.62 +/- 7.45); the quality of life dimensions of, in particular, "energy" (69.79 +/- 21.17), "physical movement" (44.95 +/- 24.23), "sleep" (36.36 +/- 31.96), and "emotional reactions" (35.01 +/- 31.55) were affected. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that patients with Parkinson`s disease who experienced the most problems in mobilizing, had an increase in their scores on the UPDRS with the advancing stage of the disease, and their HRQoL was also negatively affected. Studies such as this one have the potential to improve the quality of individualized care.

[Evidence-Based Practices in Episiotomy Care]. / Epizyotomi Bakiminda Kanita Dayali Uygulamalar.

AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the research associated with wound healing process in episiotomy care. METHOD: The search for this study was conducted through the international databases of Cochrane, Science Direct, Medline, Medine Complete, CIHANL, Scopus, AcademicSearch Complete, Complementary Index and ULAKBIM medical database among the National Databases between May 1 and July 17, 2017. "Episiotomy care" and "episiotomy wound healing" were used as key words during the search. A total of 23 publications compliant with the inclusion criteria were included in the study and were evaluated in terms of comparisons, restrictions, and results. RESULTS: Studies about episiotomy care were evaluated under four headings such as the use of antiseptic solutions, use of dry/wet and hot and cold applications, laser and light therapy, and the use of aromatic oils and phytotherapy in episiotomy care. Among the 23 studies included in this study, 17 were designed as experimental and 6 as half-experimental and a total of 2.408 puerperal women participated in this study. CONCLUSION: The results of this literature review revealed a limited number of research findings on the care of episiotomy wounds and a necessity of performance of new studies on this subject was established.

Reliability and validity of Turkish version of clinical stress questionnaire.

This study was conducted for the purpose of testing the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Clinical Stress Questionnaire, which was developed to examine the stress that nursing students experience in their first clinical experiences that are threatening or challenging. The study sample was comprised of 80 first-year nursing students who had their first clinical practice experience. Internal consistency of the total questionnaire was Cronbach's alpha=0.70 and the factor analysis supported the original construct. Based on these results the Turkish version of the Clinical Stress Questionnaire can be used as a valid and reliable instrument.