Using Continuous Intraoperative Pressure Mapping to Describe Patterns of Tissue Interface Pressure.

The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of intraoperative tissue interface pressure, identify the amount of time during which the pressure at four anatomical locations exceeded 32 mm Hg, and examine associations between patient- and surgery-related variables and peak tissue interface pressure. We used a pressure mapping system to measure the intraoperative tissue interface pressure of 150 patients. We implemented linear mixed-effects models to assess trends in the mean and peak tissue interface pressure. The percentage of time during which the interface pressure exceeded 32 mm Hg at the scapulae, interscapular area, and sacral area was 70%, 70%, and 90%, respectively. Body mass index, length of surgery, and intraoperative position were major predictors of increased pressure. Understanding patterns of tissue interface pressure of patients during surgery may help perioperative nurses develop strategies to attenuate pressure and protect skin integrity.

Assessing the Degree of Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue Among Critical Care, Oncology, and Charge Nurses.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the degree of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue (CF) among critical care, oncology and charge nurses. BACKGROUND: Cumulative grief resulting from caring for critically/terminally ill patients may result in CF, leading to lower quality care and higher nurse attrition. METHOD: Data were collected from 38 direct care nurses and 10 charge nurses, using the Professional Quality of Life. RESULTS: Charge nurses had higher secondary traumatic stress (STS) than direct care nurses. Nurses with less than 10 years of experience had lower CS than experienced nurses. Higher levels of burnout (BO) and STS were reported among charge nurses, whereas less direct care nurses had average to high BO and STS ratings. CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies focused on direct care nurses; our findings suggest that CF is prevalent among charge nurses as well. Interventions should be considered for clinical providers and charge nurses including debriefing, stress reduction, peer support, and team building.