Iranian Clinical Nurses' and Midwives' Attitudes and Awareness Towards Telenursing and Telehealth: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the attitudes and awareness of Iranian clinical nurses and midwives towards telenursing and telehealth also referred to as e-health. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2019 in Iran. Nurses and midwives were randomly recruited from hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad, Iran using a stratified cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using a reliable and valid Persian-language questionnaire consisting of 32 close-ended survey items to examine Internet/computer access, daily Internet use and awareness of and general attitude towards telehealth and telenursing; statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 523 nurses and midwives were included in this study (response rate: 94.4%). The mean age and duration of clinical practice were 33.36 ± 7.46 and 8.88 ± 6.73 years, respectively. The majority of participants recognised the definition of telenursing (66.7%) and telehealth (80.1%). A positive attitude towards telenursing and telehealth was reported by 73.0% of the participants. Clinical nurses and midwives with a master's degree were more aware of the definition of telehealth compared to those with undergraduate bachelor degrees (P = 0.03). Additionally, midwives significantly more frequently presented a positive attitude towards telehealth and telenursing compared to nurses (86.2% versus 71.2%; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The positive attitude of the current participants was an important factor in the promotion of telenursing and telehealth. The implementation of educational and infrastructure developmental programs can help speed up executional processes in these fields.

Truck Drivers' Experiences and Perspectives Regarding Factors Influencing Traffic Accidents: A Qualitative Study.

Traffic accidents are a major public health problem, leading to death and disability. Although pertinent studies have been conducted, little data are available in Iran. This study explored the experiences of truck drivers and their perspectives regarding factors contributing to traffic accidents. Eighteen truck drivers, purposively sampled, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A main theme, lack of ability to control stress, emerged as a factor influencing the incidence of traffic accidents. This main theme was found to have three subthemes: poor organization of the job, lack of workplace facilities and proper equipment, and unsupportive environment. Although several factors were found to contribute to traffic accidents, their effects were not independent, and all were considered significant. Identifying factors that contribute to traffic accidents requires a systematic and holistic approach. Findings could be used by the transportation industry and community health centers to prevent traffic accidents.

A study of Iranian nurses' and midwives' knowledge, attitudes, and implementation of evidence-based practice: the time for change has arrived.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) leads to enhanced quality of care, and the individual and professional development of nurses and midwives. Therefore, it is important for nurses and midwives as well as all other healthcare providers and stakeholders to inform clinical decision-making and implement EBP. AIM: This study aimed to determine the EBP knowledge, attitudes, and practice of clinical nurses and midwives in Mashhad public hospitals in Iran. METHODS: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a stratified cluster, random sample of 240 employed nurses and midwives (response rate of 96%) in Mashhad, who held a Bachelor of Science degree and had at least 1 year of clinical experience. Two valid and reliable questionnaires were used to collect demographic and EBP data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5 software and descriptive and inferential statistics calculated. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 31.0 (SD = 5.5) years and 80% (n = 194) were female. Most participants reported low knowledge or skills and practice of EBP, but moderate attitudes toward EBP. Significant differences between the mean scores on knowledge or skills, attitudes, and practice were identified by field of study. Nurses reported higher knowledge or skills and practice of EBP than midwives (p < .001). Nurses and midwives with master-s degrees displayed greater knowledge or skills and practice of EBP, and more positive attitudes than nurses with bachelor-s degrees (p < .001). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Although clinical nurses and midwives apply EBP in clinical settings, it is necessary to develop their knowledge or skills and practice. The results of this study can be applied by educational planners, educational managers, and authorities to enhance the quality and consistency of EBP implementation. The results provide a base for future studies in this field.