Basic nursing care to prevent nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia.

PURPOSE: Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is an underreported and unstudied disease, with potential for measurable outcomes, fiscal savings, and improvement in quality of life. The purpose of our study was to (a) identify the incidence of NV-HAP in a convenience sample of U.S. hospitals and (b) determine the effectiveness of reliably delivered basic oral nursing care in reducing NV-HAP. DESIGN: A descriptive, quasi-experimental study using retrospective comparative outcomes to determine (a) the incidence of NV-HAP and (b) the effectiveness of enhanced basic oral nursing care versus usual care to prevent NV-HAP after introduction of a basic oral nursing care initiative. METHODS: We used the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Problems (ICD-9) codes for pneumonia not present on admission and verified NV-HAP diagnosis using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention diagnostic criteria. We completed an evidence-based gap analysis and designed a site-specific oral care initiative designed to reduce NV-HAP. The intervention process was guided by the Influencer Model (see Figure) and participatory action research. FINDINGS: We found a substantial amount of unreported NV-HAP. After we initiated our oral care protocols, the rate of NV-HAP per 100 patient days decreased from 0.49 to 0.3 (38.8%). The overall number of cases of NV-HAP was reduced by 37% during the 12-month intervention period. The avoidance of NV-HAP cases resulted in an estimated 8 lives saved, $1.72 million cost avoided, and 500 extra hospital days averted. The extra cost for therapeutic oral care equipment was $117,600 during the 12-month intervention period. Cost savings resulting from avoided NV-HAP was $1.72 million. Return on investment for the organization was $1.6 million in avoided costs. CONCLUSIONS: NV-HAP should be elevated to the same level of concern, attention, and effort as prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in hospitals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nursing needs to lead the way in the design and implementation of policies that allow for adequate time, proper oral care supplies, ease of access to supplies, clear procedures, and outcome monitoring ensuring that patients are protected from NV-HAP.

Original Research: Oral Care as Prevention for Nonventilator Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: A Four-Unit Cluster Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) presents a serious and largely preventable threat to patient safety in U.S. hospitals. There is an emerging body of evidence on the effectiveness of oral care in preventing NV-HAP. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a universal, standardized oral care protocol in preventing NV-HAP in the acute care setting. The primary outcome measure was NV-HAP incidence per 1,000 patient-days. METHODS: This 12-month study was conducted on four units at an 800-bed tertiary medical center. Patients on one medical and one surgical unit were randomly assigned to receive enhanced oral care (intervention units); patients on another medical and another surgical unit received usual oral care (control units). RESULTS: Total enrollment was 8,709. For the medical control versus intervention units, oral care frequency increased from a mean of 0.95 to 2.25 times per day, and there was a significant 85% reduction in the NV-HAP incidence rate. The odds of developing NV-HAP were 7.1 times higher on the medical control versus intervention units, a significant finding. For the surgical control versus intervention units, oral care frequency increased from a mean of 1.18 to 2.02 times per day, with a 56% reduction in the NV-HAP incidence rate. The odds of developing NV-HAP were 1.6 times higher on the surgical control versus intervention units, although this result did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings add to the growing body of evidence that daily oral care as a means of primary source control may have a role in NV-HAP prevention. The implementation of effective strategies to ensure that such care is consistently provided warrants further study. It's not yet known what degree and frequency of oral care are required to effect favorable changes in the oral microbiome during acute care hospitalization.

Utilizing conjoint analysis to explicate health care decision making by emergency department nurses: a feasibility study.

This descriptive study tests the feasibility of using clinical simulation to understand proxy decision making by emergency department nurses for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Results from a conjoint analysis used to identify decision-making patterns indicated that nurses relied on future health status, functional status, and family input while making important health care decisions for their clients. This information enhances our understanding of the complex array of services and supports that nurses are expected to provide. As individuals with ID age and experience increased morbidity, the role of the nurse and caregivers as critical health care decision makers is increasing.

Palliative care professionals' perceptions of nutrition and hydration at the end of life.

The provision of medically administered nutrition and hydration (MNH) for the terminally ill patient is a controversial issue and there has been much debate in the literature concerning this sensitive subject. This article reports on a qualitative research study that explores palliative care nurses' and doctors' perceptions and attitudes to patient nutrition and hydration at the end of life. Participants were from an urban and rural palliative care service. Three main discourses were identified: carers' distress at the non-provision of MNH; palliative care doctors' and nurses' position that terminal dehydration lessened the burden of suffering for dying patients; and polarisation between the acute care setting and the palliative care setting. Overlaying these three main discourses are contesting discourses involving cure vs comfort, and acute care vs palliative care. Importantly, the findings of this study reveal that palliative doctors and nurses believe that medically assisted nutrition and hydration at the end stage of life rarely benefits patients, and as long as adequate mouth care is given, patients do not suffer. However, family members do experience emotional distress in dealing with this situation. In caring for dying people, the nurse's and doctor's role is one of education and communication, involving a team approach to manage this difficult issue.

The experiences of inactive nurses returned to nursing after completing a refresher course.

BACKGROUND: There are varied solutions to the nursing shortage, and one is returning inactive nurses to nursing. METHOD: This qualitative study used face-to-face interviews to examine the experiences of nine nurses who returned to nursing after completing a refresher course. RESULTS: Financial benefits, children getting older, and purpose in life were reasons for taking the refresher course. The course was located by word of mouth, through the State Board of Nursing, and online. Supports included family, friends, motivation, self-paced study, and mentors. Barriers were obtaining clinical experience and getting questions answered. Seven of nine jobs related to the course clinical. Orientation with preceptors was important in employment. The nurses intended to remain employed until retirement. conclusion: Keeping track of nurses who become inactive and intentionally planning for their return could be a solution to the nursing shortage in the next decade.

A service evaluation of the use of silicone-based adhesive remover.

Evidence-based practice has become a priority for nurses, but until the publication of Caring for Stoma Patients, Best Practice Guidelines (Clinimed Resource for Education and Specialist Training, 2006), there was very little evidence published for many aspects of stoma care nursing. This document provides best practice information for many specific areas of stoma care, but there is still a lack of evidence on which clinical decisions regarding subjective issues can be based. As a result, the stoma care department at St George's Healthcare NHS Trust undertook a study on the use of a silicone-based adhesive remover. Dykes (2001) highlights the trauma that can occur as a result of skin stripping during pouch removal. The use of a silicone-based adhesive remover allows for the rapid and painless removal of a stoma pouch without the associated problems of skin stripping (Cutting, 2006). Results from the study conclude that patients experience great benefit from the use of a silicone-based adhesive remover and that all patients should be offered the use of one.

Validación clínica de la propuesta diagnóstica de enfermería de sed perioperatoria / Clinical validation of the nursing diagnostic proposition perioperative thirst / Validação clínica da proposição diagnóstica de enfermagem sede perioperatória

Objetivo: verificar la validez clínica de la proposición de un nuevo diagnóstico de enfermería denominado sed perioperatoria, basado en la precisión diagnóstica de sus indicadores clínicos, incluyendo la magnitud del efecto de sus factores etiológicos. Método: estudio de validación clínica diagnóstica con 150 pacientes quirúrgicos en un hospital universitario. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas e indicadores clínicos relacionados con la sed. Se utilizó la técnica de análisis de clases latentes. Resultados: se propusieron dos modelos de clases latentes para las características definitorias. El modelo ajustado en el preoperatorio incluía: labios resecos, saliva espesa, lengua espesa, ganas de beber agua, informe del cuidador, garganta seca y deglución constante de saliva. En el postoperatorio: sequedad de garganta, saliva espesa, lengua espesa, constante deglución de saliva, ganas de beber agua, mal gusto en la boca. Los factores relacionados "temperatura ambiente elevada" y "sequedad de boca" se asocian a la presencia de sed, así como las condiciones asociadas "uso de anticolinérgicos" e "intubación". La prevalencia de sed fue del 62,6% en el preoperatorio y del 50,2% en el postoperatorio inmediato. Conclusión: la proposición diagnóstica de la sed perioperatoria mostró buenos parámetros de precisión de sus indicadores clínicos y efectos etiológicos. Esta propuesta en una taxonomía de enfermería permitirá una mayor visibilidad, apreciación y tratamiento de este síntoma.

Objective: to verify the clinical validity of the proposition of a new nursing diagnosis called perioperative thirst, based on the diagnostic accuracy of its clinical indicators, including the magnitude of effect of its etiological factors. Method: clinical diagnostic validation study with a total of 150 surgical patients at a university hospital. Sociodemographic variables and clinical indicators related to thirst were collected. The latent class analysis technique was used. Results: two models of latent classes were proposed for the defining characteristics. The model adjusted preoperatively included: dry lips, thick saliva, thick tongue, desire to drink water, caregiver report, dry throat and constant swallowing of saliva. In the postoperative period: dry throat, thick saliva, thick tongue, constant swallowing of saliva, desire to drink water, bad taste in the mouth. The factors related to "high ambient temperature" and "dry mouth" are associated with the presence of thirst, as well as the associated conditions "use of anticholinergics" and "intubation". The prevalence of thirst was 62.6% in the pre and 50.2% in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusion: the diagnostic proposition of perioperative thirst showed good accuracy parameters for its clinical indicators and etiological effects. This proposition in a nursing taxonomy will allow greater visibility, appreciation and treatment of this symptom.

Objetivo: verificar a validade clínica da proposição de um novo diagnóstico de enfermagem denominado sede perioperatória, com base na acurácia diagnóstica de seus indicadores clínicos, incluindo a magnitude de efeito de seus fatores etiológicos. Método: estudo de validação clínica diagnóstica com 150 pacientes cirúrgicos em um hospital universitário. Foram coletadas variáveis sociodemográficas e indicadores clínicos relacionados à sede. Empregou-se a técnica de análise de classe latente. Resultados: dois modelos de classes latentes foram propostos para as características definidoras. O modelo ajustado no pré-operatório incluiu: lábios ressecados, saliva grossa, língua grossa, vontade de beber água, relato do cuidador, garganta seca e constante deglutição de saliva. No pós-operatório: garganta seca, saliva grossa, língua grossa, constante deglutição de saliva, vontade de beber água, gosto ruim na boca. Os fatores relacionados Temperatura do ambiente elevada e Boca seca estão associados à presença de sede, assim como as condições associadas Utilização de anticolinérgicos e Intubação. A prevalência de sede foi de 62,6% no pré-operatório e 50,2% no pós-operatório imediato. Conclusão: a proposição diagnóstica de sede perioperatória apresentou bons parâmetros de acurácia de seus indicadores clínicos e efeitos etiológicos. Essa proposição em uma taxonomia de enfermagem permitirá maior visibilidade, valorização e tratamento desse sintoma.

Psychosocial and physiological stress among women leaving welfare.

Women receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) report more stress and have poorer health than women in the general population. Studies suggest chronic stress may contribute to poor health via physiological mechanisms, yet little is known about these mechanisms in this population. This study examined psychosocial stress, salivary cortisol, 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate, and health among 40 single mothers before and after exiting TANF. As a group, perceived stress decreased after leaving TANF (p = .02), with other measures of psychosocial and physiological stress remaining unchanged. Within participants, changes in psychosocial stress predicted depression and general health over time (adjusted R(2) = .30 and .22; p = .006 and .004, respectively). These findings indicate psychosocial stress is positively associated with depression and negatively associated with general health as women exit welfare. Psychosocial stress was not associated with changes in physiologic indicators of stress.

Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of an oral care diary by patients during chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients undergoing chemotherapy for many cancer types may experience oral problems, such as mucositis and any deterioration in the health of the oral cavity can have a significant effect on a person's well-being. Trends towards shorter hospital stays and the increase in out-patient chemotherapy mean that patients are required to adopt increasingly participatory roles in their self-care and are subsequently coping with mouth problems while they are at home without the direct support of oncology health professionals. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of an oral care diary by patients receiving chemotherapy. DESIGN: An oral care diary was developed to incorporate oral assessment using the Oral Assessment Guide (Eilier, J., Berger, A., Peterson, M., 1988. Development, testing and application of the oral assessment guide. Oncology Nurse Forum 15, 325-330) and guidance about oral self-care. This exploratory study utilised purpose designed pre- and post-study questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to evaluate patients' perceptions and experiences of the oral care diary. SETTING: The study took place in 2-day chemotherapy units in Scotland: 1 in a cancer centre and 1 in a district general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive sample of patients (n=45) receiving out-patient chemotherapy for a range of cancer diagnoses participated in the study over 2 cycles of chemotherapy. METHODS: Following recruitment, patients were instructed in the use of the oral care diary to assess their mouth daily while at home on a daily basis. Patients were asked to complete 2 structured purpose designed questionnaires-the first prior to starting diary completion and the second following their participation in the study. Nine patients participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their actual experiences of using the oral care diary in more depth. RESULTS: The participants found the oral care diary acceptable and feasible. Awareness of oral symptoms and related mouth self-care post-chemotherapy improved. CONCLUSIONS: The oral care diary is an acceptable and feasible method of enhancing oral self-care during a course of chemotherapy. Further study is required to evaluate its impact on clinical outcomes.

Jordanian patients' perception of stressors in critical care units: a questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND: Critical care units' CCUs environment has been regarded as a leading stressor because of the complex nature of patient's health problems that require an extensive use of very sophisticated technology. Multiple and complex care predominates in CCUs have been described by patients to be stressful and emotionally demanding. RATIONALE: Number of CCUs in Jordan has been increasing and so does the advanced technology, which calls for adaptability in dealing with unit stressors as they affect patient recovery and rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: To identify the principal physical and psychological stressors as perceived by Jordanian patients in CCUs and to examine the effects of selected patients' characteristics on their perception of stressors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data was collected from 165 patients, 2-3 days after being discharged from CCUs in two Jordanian governmental hospitals. A structured interview guide including the Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale was used. RESULTS: Having tubes in nose or mouth, being in pain, not able to sleep and hearing the buzzers and alarms from the machinery, being thirsty, and not being in control of your-self were considered by patients as the main stressors. Psychological stressors were the least stressful items identified by patients. Marital status, educational level, age, and income were the most significant characteristics which affected patients' perception of stressors. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that single and older patients with low income and low education experience more difficulties than their counterparts. Nurses must utilize more effective communication techniques and interventions to relieve patients' pain, and provide an atmosphere in which rest is possible, with less light, noise, and the fewest possible interruptions. Although the results of this study indicate the need to provide the best possible physical care, it is equally important to give adequate attention to patients' and families' psychological aspects.

Self-reported knowledge and behaviors related to oral and dental health in Turkish children.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to present oral- and dental health-related knowledge and behaviors of children who presented to Akdeniz University Medical Faculty Pediatric Outpatient Clinic between March 1 and May 1, 2006 for non-dental health reasons. METHOD: Data were collected from a total of 173 children. A survey which contained questions about the children's oral and dental health was completed using face-to-face interview technique. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of the children were 5-6 years old and 68.8% were not going to school. It was determined that 43.3% of the mothers of the children in the study had a primary-school level of education and 74.6% were housewives. It also was determined that 49.1% of the children had never had a cavity, 43.4% stated that they brushed their teeth after meals, and 30.6% stated that they brushed at least once a day. More than sixty percent of the children spent their allowance on chocolate, chips, cola, candy, and other acidic drinks. A significant relationship was found between the children's ages and having a caries in this study. There also was a statistically significant relationship between the parents' tooth-brushing habit and the children's tooth brushing, and between the parents' frequency of tooth brushing and the children's frequency of tooth brushing. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study it is recommended that both children and their families be given education about oral and dental health.

Florida nurse practitioners' attitudes and practices regarding oral cancer prevention and early detection.

PURPOSE: To examine Florida nurse practitioners' (NPs') attitudes and practices regarding oral cancer prevention and early detection. DATA SOURCE: A statewide mail survey was conducted among Florida NPs who provided primary care. The questionnaire was adapted from an existing survey instrument used to measure NPs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about oral cancer prevention and early detection. A total of 448 Florida NPs (33% response rate) completed the survey. CONCLUSIONS: Florida NPs reportedly were not well prepared for oral cancer prevention and early detection. Although most NPs realized the importance of annual oral cancer screening for high-risk populations and held positive attitudes toward the benefit of early detection, only 39.3% of respondents thought his or her knowledge about oral cancer was current and more than half had never provided oral cancer examinations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Florida has among the nation's highest oral cancer rates, but persons at highest risk are among those least likely to see a dentist. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving all relevant healthcare providers, including NPs, may be more effective than relying only on dentists' efforts in improving survival rates for oral cancer. Strategies are needed to increase the involvement of Florida's NPs in oral cancer detection.

Children's expectations of pain, perceptions of analgesic efficacy, and experiences with nonpharmacologic pain management strategies at home following tonsillectomy.

PURPOSE: To document children's (ages 6-15 years) descriptions of their pain management at home following tonsillectomy. DESIGN AND METHODS: Audio-taped interviews of 80 children were transcribed and coded. Data for each response category were tabulated. RESULTS: Children reported they had more pain after surgery than expected, the pain medicine helped to take their pain away, taking the pain medicine was associated with a negative response by some children, and cold liquids/food by mouth provided pain relief. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Findings provide insight into children's perspective of pain management at home following tonsillectomy and methods for relieving their pain.

Patient-perceived discomfort with two coated urinary catheters.

Intermittent catheterization is now the preferred method for urethral catheterization of the urinary bladder when an indwelling catheter is not required. Nevertheless, the procedure may cause discomfort or pain. This randomized, prospective study was done to compare patient-perceived discomfort between two commonly used hydrophilic, single-use catheters in women. A total of 196 women referred to the urogynaecology section in the outpatient department were randomized to be catheterized with either a LoFric (n=102) or a SpeediCath (n=94) catheter. Both catheters are hydrophilic, low friction, single-use, disposable catheters. Discomfort was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The results showed no difference in degree of patient-perceived discomfort between the two groups. Median score was 0.75 VAS points in both groups, which indicates little discomfort. Half of all the patients stated that they experienced no discomfort at all.

Nursing students' practice in providing oral hygiene for patients.

AIM: To explore and identify precedent factors that may influence nursing students' oral hygiene practice in hospitalised patients, by using an adaptation of the Precede Model. METHOD: A quantitative approach with a descriptive design was adopted in this pilot study. A questionnaire was designed and implemented as a self-report method of data collection. A convenience sample of 37 second-year diploma nursing students in an Irish teaching hospital participated in the study. RESULTS: The clinical area and the practices within it are influential factors in the provision of oral hygiene. Students are exposed to and influenced by outdated and non-research-based practices. Role modelling is an effective means of motivating and reinforcing student practices. However, qualified nurses' practices need to be critically reviewed before assuming that they can act as role models in assisting students to implement research-based oral hygiene. CONCLUSION: Formal education, current practices, socialisation and role modelling may influence students' behaviour in relation to oral hygiene. The results should be tentatively reviewed by clinical staff as an indication of current practices.

Symptom experiences of residents dying in assisted living.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the end-of-life symptom experiences of residents who died in assisted living, to describe family satisfaction with the end-of-life care, and to compare end-of-life symptom distress across 4 settings: assisted living, private home, nursing home, and hospital. DESIGN: In-person interviews with family members of people aged 65 or older who had died 2 to 4 months earlier in an assisted-living facility. Symptom distress reports were compared with data from prior studies in other settings. SETTING: A mixed urban-rural community in the Northwest. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five family members who self-identified as closely involved in the care or decision making for a relative who died in an assisted-living facility. MEASUREMENTS: A 28-item interview guide composed of demographic questions, the modified Family Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Global Distress Index (FMSAS-GDI), and open-ended items describing the decedent's last days and family satisfaction with care and symptom management. RESULTS: Symptoms experienced by at least 75% of decedents were lack of energy, loss of appetite, dry mouth, drowsiness, and pain. Symptom experiences in assisted living were comparable to those in other settings. Families overall were satisfied with end-of-life care in assisted living, but had concerns about communication among providers, inadequate monitoring of their decedent, and lack of staff knowledge specific to symptom management. CONCLUSION: Residents dying in assisted-living settings have similar symptom distress experiences as people dying in other, more studied settings. As residents and families alike overwhelmingly support resident deaths in their assisted living "home," policies, structures, and processes are needed to ensure that end-of-life care needs are met.

The effects of mucositis on quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer.

A search of the literature from 1993-2005 revealed four articles on quality-of-life issues for patients with head and neck cancer who develop mucositis. This article reviews four views on quality-of-life issues for patients who receive cancer treatments and develop mucositis. Small samples were utilized in each of the reviewed articles; however, because of the studies' qualitative designs, researchers concluded that quality-of-life issues exist among patients with head and neck cancer who are undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Nurses play a significant role in assisting patients to tolerate their treatments. Further research is necessary to develop effective nursing interventions to improve quality of life for patients who develop mucositis while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Logic models used to enhance critical thinking.

Over time, various methods have been used to stimulate critical thinking in undergraduate nursing students, and although many have been successful in helping students integrate the essential knowledge, experiences, and clinical reasoning that support practice, it is also useful to explore new methods. Faculty at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene have taken an innovative approach of using logic models to further enhance critical thinking. This article presents an application of varying experiences and methods of using logic models to support the development of critical thinking and reasoning skills in nursing students. The processes in which logic models are used in the curriculum are described. The models are used to connect concepts from concrete to abstract levels in diverse and often nonlinear diagrams, guided discourse, and written assignments. The specific instructional methods used include concept mapping, concept papers, conceptual linking, and substruction.

Construção de cartilha educativa para orientações no cuidado na doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro / Construction of an educational booklet for guidance on care in graft-versus-host disease / Construcción de un folleto educativo para orientación sobre la atención en la enfermedad de injerto contra huésped

Objetivo: Construir uma cartilha educativa para orientações no cuidado na Doença do Enxerto Contra o Hospedeiro em pacientes submetidos ao Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoiéticas. Método: Pesquisa metodológica, dividida em três etapas. Na primeira, realizou-se revisão integrativa da literatura, na segunda etapa foram levantadas em manuais e websites especializados as orientações de cuidados realizadas a pacientes em pós-transplante, e na terceira etapa, através de entrevista semiestruturada foram identificados cuidados de enfermagem orientados por profissionais experts, atuantes em Serviço de Transplante de Medula Óssea. Após essas etapas e unificação dos cuidados, foi construída a cartilha educativa, com auxílio do programa Canva e suporte de profissional de marketing. Resultados: A cartilha utiliza de recursos visuais e é composta por orientações organizadas conforme o órgão acometido pela complicação, como pele, trato gastrointestinal, pulmão, boca, olho, entre outros. Como cuidados para a pele cita-se: evitar exposição ao sol; uso diário de protetor solar; uso de roupas de algodão e manga longa; atenção ao aparecimento de prurido corporal. Conclusão: A integração de evidências encontradas na literatura, informações de sites renomados e experiência de enfermeiros especialistas permitiu produzir um material de suporte às orientações para o cuidado, realizadas por enfermeiros, corroborando o processo de educação em saúde. (AU)

Objective: To build an educational booklet for guidance in the care of Graft Against Host Disease in patients undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Methods: Methodological research, divided into three stages. In the first, an integrative literature review was carried out, in the second stage, the care guidelines for post-transplant patients were raised in specialized manuals and websites, and in the third stage, semi-structured interviews identified nursing care guided by professionals. experts, active in Bone Marrow Transplant Service. After these steps and unification of care, an educational booklet was built, with the help of the Canva program and support from a marketing professional. Results: The booklet uses visual aids and consists of guidelines organized according to the organ affected by the complication, such as skin, gastrointestinal tract, lung, mouth, eye, among others. As skin care is mentioned: avoid exposure to the sun; daily use of sunscreen; use of cotton clothes and long sleeves; attention to the appearance of body itching. Conclusion: The integration of evidence found in the literature, information from renowned websites and the experience of specialist nurses allowed the production of support material for the guidelines for care, carried out by nurses, corroborating the health education process. (AU)

Objetivo: Elaborar un folleto educativo para orientar en el cuidado del injerto contra la enfermedad del huésped en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas. Metodos: Investigación metodológica, dividida en tres etapas. En la primera se realizó una revisión integradora de la literatura, en la segunda etapa se plantearon las pautas de atención al paciente postrasplante en manuales y sitios web especializados, y en la tercera etapa, las entrevistas semiestructuradas identificaron cuidados de enfermería guiados por profesionales. expertos, activos en el Servicio de Trasplante de Médula Ósea. Después de estos pasos y la unificación de la atención, se creó un folleto educativo, con la ayuda del programa Canva y el apoyo de un profesional de marketing. Resultados: El folleto utiliza ayudas visuales y consta de pautas organizadas según el órgano afectado por la complicación, como piel, tracto gastrointestinal, pulmón, boca, ojo, entre otros. Como se menciona el cuidado de la piel: evite la exposición al sol; uso diario de protector solar; uso de ropa de algodón y mangas largas; atención a la aparición de picazón corporal. Conclusión: La integración de evidencias encontradas en la literatura, información de sitios web de renombre y la experiencia de enfermeras especializadas permitió la producción de material de apoyo a los lineamientos de atención, realizados por enfermeras, corroborando el proceso de educación en salud. (AU)

Student attendance during college-based lectures: a pilot study.

AIM: To identify the factors that influence attendance and absenteeism among a group of second-year nursing students during the theory component of the Fitness for Practice (FFP) curriculum. METHOD: In 2004, a non-randomised questionnaire was used to elicit information about the factors surrounding absenteeism from 75 adult branch nursing students within the first FFP cohort. The questionnaire consisted of 48 questions and was designed to generate a mixture of quantitative and qualitative data. Absence was recorded for the first 91 weeks of the programme. RESULTS: The main reasons identified for absence included: illness, family commitments, dental and medical appointments, and impending assignment submissions. Other factors that might influence college attendance included a dislike of certain subjects, with ethics, law and social policy identified as the least popular subjects. Students also admitted to an increase in absence around the time when assignments are due for submission and occasionally pretended to be ill. CONCLUSION: Further studies should be undertaken with other pre-registration nursing student cohorts to compare the results with this research. There should be: an increase in self-directed learning; a 'family-friendly' approach to the curriculum by allocating self-directed study during school holidays; a reduction in the number of theory hours to coincide with students' external commitments and to assist them with the demands of studying; and time for private study before the submission of theoretical assignments.