Relationship between subjective and objective fatigue and sleep characteristics in individuals with anxiety and mood disorders: An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: Fatigue and sleep disturbances are important symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders (AMD). Studies about the relationship between these variables usually rely on self-report assessments. Therefore, the aim of our exploratory study was to investigate the independent correlations between subjective and objective fatigue and sleep characteristics in individuals with AMD. METHODS: In sum, 233 individuals with AMD attending a stress-related disorders day care unit (78.5 % females, mean age 39.0 years old) participated in a cross-sectional study. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index self-report questionnaires, as well as an exercise capacity workload test for assessing objective fatigue and polysomnography monitoring for evaluation of sleep structure. RESULTS: In individuals with AMD, exercise capacity workload was associated with lower percent of stage 1 sleep (ß = - 0.17, p = 0.006), REM latency (ß = -0.13, p = 0.042), and wake after sleep onset (ß = -0.12, p = 0.039). General fatigue was associated with a higher percent of body movements (ß = 0.12, p = 0.047), as well as mental fatigue was associated with a higher percent of body movements (ß = 0.13, p = 0.029), and a higher score on the PSQI (ß = 0.21, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Objective sleep characteristics were associated with objective assessment of fatigue, while subjective sleep quality was associated with subjectively assessed mental fatigue.

Associations of the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism, 5-HTTLPR, and adverse life events with late life depression in the elderly Lithuanian population.

Late-life depression (LLD) is a multifactorial disorder, with susceptibility and vulnerability potentially influenced by gene-environment interaction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with LLD. The sample of 353 participants aged 65 years and over was randomly selected from the list of Kaunas city inhabitants by Residents' Register Service of Lithuania. Depressive symptoms were ascertained using the EURO-D scale. The List of Threatening Events Questionnaire was used to identify stressful life events that happened over the last 6 months and during lifetime. A 5-HTTLPR and lifetime stressful events interaction was indicated by higher odds of depression in those with s/s genotype who experienced high stress compared to l/l carriers with low or medium stress, while 5-HTTLPR and current stressful events interaction analysis revealed that carriers of either one or two copies of the s allele had increased odds of depressive symptoms associated with stress compared to participants with the l/l genotype not exposed to stressful situations. Although no significant direct association was found between the 5-HTTLPR short allele and depression, our findings demonstrated that lifetime or current stressful life events and their modification by 5-HTTLPR genotype are risk factors for late-life depression.

Validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 in Lithuanian individuals with anxiety and mood disorders.

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) are short self-report questionnaires used to screen and assess depression and anxiety severity in medical and community samples. However, little is known about their psychometric properties in individuals with anxiety and mood disorders (AMD) This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in individuals with AMD. Individuals (n = 244, mean age 39.9 ± 12.3 years) with AMD completed the PHQ-9, GAD-7, as well as other measures of depression, anxiety, and a structured diagnostic interview. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.87 and 0.84, respectively). The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 showed a weak correlation with clinician-rated scales HAM-D and HAM-A (r = 0.316, p < 0.01, r = 0.307, p < 0.01, respectively). For the PHQ-9, a cut score of ≥11 resulted in 72% sensitivity and 72% specificity at recognizing depression symptoms. For the GAD-7, a cut score ≥7 resulted in 73% sensitivity and 54% specificity at recognizing any anxiety disorders. The confirmatory factor analysis suggested a two-factor structure ("cognitive/affectional", "somatic") for both the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. In conclusion, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 have adequate formal psychometric properties as severity measures for symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with AMD. The PHQ-9 performs well as a screener using a cut score of ≥11. However, the clinical utility of the GAD-7 as a diagnostic tool for recognition of anxiety disorders is limited.

Factors Relating to a Safety Culture in the University Perinatal Center: The Nurses' and Midwives' Perspective.

Background: According to The Joint Commission, a culture of safety is a key component for achieving sustainable and safe health care services, and hospitals must measure and monitor this achievement. Promoting a patient safety culture in health services optimally includes midwifery and nursing. The first aim of this study is to assess the University Perinatal Center's staff members' perceptions of safety culture. A second aim is to identify how the perceptions of safety culture actors are related to the socio-demographic characteristic of the respondents. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was applied in this study. Registered nurses and midwives were recruited from the University Perinatal Center in Lithuania (N = 233). Safety culture was measured by the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). Results: The mean scores of the responses on the 6 factors of the SAQ ranged from 3.18 (0.46) (teamwork climate) to 3.79 (0.55) (job satisfaction) points. The percentage of positive responses to the SAQ (4 or 5 points on the Likert scale) ranged from 43.2% to 69.0%. The lowest percentage of the respondents provided positive responses to the questions on perception of management and teamwork climate, while the highest percentage of the respondents provided positive responses to the questions on job satisfaction. Perception of management positively correlated with safety climate (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and working conditions (r = 0.307, p < 0.01). Safety climate positively correlated with job satisfaction (r = 0.397, p < 0.01) and working conditions (r = 0.307, p < 0.01). Job satisfaction positively correlated with working conditions (r = 0.439, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Evaluating the opinions of the safety climate among nurses and midwives who work at the University Perinatal Center showed that teamwork climate and perception of management are weak factors. Therefore, stakeholders should organize more training about patient safety and factors that affect patient safety.

COVID-19 pandemic and mortality in nursing homes across USA and Europe up to October 2021.

PURPOSE: We compared the prevalence of COVID-19 and related mortality in nursing homes (NHs) in 14 countries until October 2021. We explored the relationship between COVID-19 mortality in NHs with the average size of NHs and with the COVID-19 deaths at a population level. METHODS: The total number of COVID-19 cases and COVID-19-related deaths in all NHs as well as the total number of NHs and NH beds were provided by representatives of 14 countries. The population level respective figures in each country were provided up to October 2021. RESULTS: There was a wide variation in prevalence of COVID-19 cases and deaths between countries. We observed a significant correlation between COVID-19 deaths in NHs and that of the total population and between the mean size of NHs and COVID-19 deaths. CONCLUSION: Side-by-side comparisons between countries allow international sharing of good practice to better enable future pandemic preparedness.

The prevalence of burnout, depression, anxiety and stress in the Lithuanian midwifery workforce and correlation with sociodemographic factors.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of burnout, depression, anxiety and stress of Lithuanian midwives. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: The Work Health and Emotional Wellbeing of Midwives (WHELM) survey instrument developed within the Australian maternity context was adapted and used in this research. The survey collects country-specific demographic data and incorporates several validated measures including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-eight completed surveys were received. Results obtained using a CBI subscale showed that 84.9% experienced personal burnout, 70.1% reported work-related burnout and 41.1% had client-related burnout. The results indicate that the midwives reported moderate to extreme levels of depression (16.3%), anxiety (28.4%) and stress (13.9%) symptoms.

Frailty and Different Exercise Interventions to Improve Gait Speed in Older Adults after Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: The world's population is rapidly aging, and it is estimated that, by 2050, every sixth person on earth will be older than 65 years. Around 30% of older adults entering cardiac rehabilitation (CR) meet the criteria of frailty. Frailty identification has not been included in the routine evaluation of CR patients yet, and there is a lack of evidence on what training regimen for improving physical performance in frail people is optimal. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of frailty and to evaluate the effect of two different complementary training programs on the gait speed of older vulnerable and frail patients with acute coronary syndrome and mid-range-to-preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥40%) during short-term CR. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from January 2020 to September 2021. CR participants (n = 97) with a mean age of 73.1 ± 5.3 years were randomly allocated into three groups: control (CG, n = 32), intervention-1 (IG-1, n = 32) and intervention-2 (IG-2, n = 33). The patients of all three groups attended a usual inpatient CR program, and two intervention groups additionally received different resistance and balance training programs 3 days a week: the IG-1 underwent complementary training with traditional means of physical therapy, while the IG-2 underwent complementary training with mechanical devices. The mean CR duration was 18.9 ± 1.7 days. Frailty was assessed with the Edmonton Frail Scale, and the 5 m walk test was used to evaluate gait speed. Results: Frailty was determined in 37.1% of participants, and 42.3% met the criteria of being vulnerable. After CR, the gait speed of frail and vulnerable patients significantly improved in all three groups (p < 0.05). In the IG-2, slow gait speed was reversed to normal in the overwhelming majority of patients (p < 0.05), while the CG had the greatest proportion of patients who remained to be slow after CR (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A considerable part of patients entering CR are frail or vulnerable; therefore, it is of crucial importance to assess frailty status in all older people. All three CR programs improved gait speed in frail and vulnerable older patients with ischemic heart disease. Complementary resistance and balance training with mechanical devices more effectively reversed slow gait speed to normal during short-term CR.

Cardiac Rehabilitation and Complementary Physical Training in Elderly Patients after Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

Background and Objectives: Nearly 23% of elderly patients hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome have reduced muscle strength. It is assumed that these patients would better benefit from a complex training-a combination of endurance, strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility-in order to reduce the loss of muscle strength and mass and improve functional capacity. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of two different complementary resistance and balance training programs during short-term cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in elderly patients after a percutaneous or surgical intervention due to acute coronary syndrome. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from January 2020 to February 2021 in one Lithuanian rehabilitation hospital. A total of 63 participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to three groups (at the ratio of 1:1:1): control (CG, n = 19), intervention 1 (IG-1, n = 26), and intervention 2 (IG-2, n = 18). All the patients attended a usual inpatient CR program of a mean duration of 18.7 ± 1.7 days, while the patients assigned to the intervention groups (IG-1 and IG-2) additionally received different resistance and balance training programs three days a week. Functional capacity, with 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), as well as physical performance, with the short physical performance battery (SPPB) test and one repetition maximum test (1RM) for leg press, were assessed at baseline and after CR. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.9 ± 5.5 years; 73% were men. All parameters of functional capacity and physical performance improved significantly after CR (p < 0.05), except for peak VO2 that improved only in the IG-1. Comparison of CR effectiveness among the groups revealed no significant differences. Conclusions: All three rehabilitation programs were safe and well tolerated by elderly patients aged ≥65 years as well as improved functional capacity (6-minute walk distance and peak workload) and physical performance (SPPB and 1RM). Complementary resistance and balance training with traditional physical therapy means and exercises with mechanical devices did not show greater benefits for the results of physical performance compared with the usual CR program.

Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire in Individuals With Coronary Artery Disease in Lithuania.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is known to be impaired in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in those after a recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Heart failure (HF) is a common burden in this population that significantly contributes to worsening HRQoL. To accurately measure the level of HRQoL in individuals with CAD after ACS, disease-specific scales, such as the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ), are recommended. Nevertheless, to date, there has not been a study that would comprehensively evaluate the psychometric properties of the MLHFQ in a large sample of individuals with CAD after ACS. The debate regarding the internal structure of MLHFQ is also still present. Hence, this study aimed to translate the MLHFQ and evaluate its internal structure, reliability/precision, and validity in individuals with CAD following ACS in Lithuania. METHODS: In the cross-sectional study, 1,083 participants (70% men, age M = 58, SD = 9) were evaluated for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. HRQoL was measured using the MLHFQ and the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36). In addition, exercise capacity (EC) was also evaluated in the study patients, using a standardized computer-driven bicycle ergometer. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the MLHFQ subscales (0.79-0.88) was found to be good. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided the support for the three-factor model ("physical domain," "social domain," and "emotional domain") of the MLHFQ and showed acceptable fit [comparative fit indices (CFI) = 0.894; goodness-of-fit (GFI) = 0.898; non-normal fit index (NFI) = 0.879, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.073]. Regarding convergent evidence, significant associations were found between the MLHFQ domains and the SF-36 domains and EC (r's range 0.11-0.58). CONCLUSION: The current study completed cultural validation and provided further information on the psychometric characteristics of the MLHFQ in Lithuania, suggesting MLHFQ as a valid and reliable instrument to measure HRQoL. The Lithuanian version of MLHFQ is best described by a three-factor solution, measuring physical, social, and emotional dimensions of HRQoL among individuals with CAD following ACS.

Discharge Planning and Home Care Needs Assessment for Older Patients in a Nursing Hospital.

Background and objectives: Following the accumulation of a sufficient amount of scientific evidence, it is now possible to appeal for changes in the organization of nursing services. Our aims are to assess the health status of patients discharged from nursing hospitals and to identify their home care needs by applying the international InterRAI Home Care (HC) assessment form. Material and methods: 152 geriatric patients (older than 65 years of age) discharged after a 90-120-day stay at a nursing hospital were examined using face-to-face interviews. The data from the medical records were also assessed. The capacities of patients were discussed with the patients themselves, nursing personnel, and relatives of the patients. Results: The analysis revealed that 45.4% of the respondents had severely impaired cognitive skills, while 27.6% had moderately impaired cognitive skills for decision making in daily living. People with greater cognitive difficulties were more dependent during daily instrumental activities and ordinary daily activities. The strongest relationship was established among the cognitive skills and management of medications, management of finances, and ordinary housework. For the greater part of respondents, a special need for permanent nursing (57.9%) or assistance (25.7%) was determined, i.e., official, state-funded nursing at home was appointed. The remaining respondents (16.4%) were not appointed further state-funded nursing or assistance at home, but an assessment of the independence of these patients based on the InterRai Activities of Daily Living Hierarchy Scale indicated that these skills varied from moderate independence (decision making was difficult only in new situations) to severely impaired skills (made no independent decisions or they were scarce). Despite the low independence of respondents, the majority of them would prefer nursing services at home to institutional nursing. Conclusions: The low independence observed in all participants, as well as their limited capacities, prove the need for nursing services at home and the necessity of their continuity. Despite the low independence of respondents, the majority of them would prefer nursing services at home to institutional nursing.

European Collaborative and Interprofessional Capability Framework for Prevention and Management of Frailty-a consensus process supported by the Joint Action for Frailty Prevention (ADVANTAGE) and the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS).

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) is currently recommended for the delivery of high-quality integrated care for older people. Frailty prevention and management are key elements to be tackled on a multi-professional level. AIM: This study aims to develop a consensus-based European multi-professional capability framework for frailty prevention and management. METHODS: Using a modified Delphi technique, a consensus-based framework of knowledge, skills and attitudes for all professions involved in the care pathway of older people was developed within two consultation rounds. The template for the process was derived from competency frameworks collected in a comprehensive approach from EU-funded projects of the European Commission (EC) supported best practice models for health workforce development. RESULTS: The agreed framework consists of 25 items structured in 4 domains of capabilities. Content covers the understanding about frailty, skills for screening and assessment as well as management procedures for every profession involved. The majority of items focused on interprofessional collaboration, communication and person-centred care planning. DISCUSSION: This framework facilitates clarification of professionals' roles and standardizes procedures for cross-sectional care processes. Despite a lack of evidence for educational interventions, health workforce development remains an important aspect of quality assurance in health care systems. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-professional capability framework for frailty prevention and management incorporated interprofessional collaborative practice, consistent with current recommendations by the World Health Organization, Science Advice for Policy by European Academies and the European Commission.

Stressful Life Events Are Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life During Cardiac Rehabilitation and at 2-yr Follow-up in Patients With Heart Failure.

PURPOSE: According to recent literature, stressful life events might represent an important risk factor of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between stressful life events and HRQoL in patients with heart failure after acute coronary syndrome, both during cardiac rehabilitation and during 2 yr of follow-up. METHODS: Patients with heart failure (n = 481; 75% male; mean age: 58 ± 9 yr) were evaluated for sociodemographic, clinical, and mental distress factors including stressful life events, anxiety and depression symptoms, perceived social support, and type D personality. Health-related quality of life was evaluated at baseline and at follow-up by telephone interview. Patients were also tested for exercise capacity at baseline. RESULTS: Stressful life events were associated with impaired HRQoL independently of sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, mental distress, social support, and type D personality. CONCLUSION: Stress level due to experiencing stressful life events should be specifically assessed during cardiac rehabilitation, as it is associated with patients HRQoL.

Patient safety culture in obstetrics and gynecology and neonatology units: the nurses' and the midwives' opinion.

Background: Patients treated in health care facilities that provide services in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatology are especially vulnerable. Large multidisciplinary teams of physicians, multiple invasive and noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the use of advanced technologies increase the probability of adverse events. The evaluation of knowledge about patient safety culture among nurses and midwives working in such units and the identification of critical areas at a health care institution would reduce the number of adverse events and improve patient safety. The aim of the study was to evaluate the opinion of nurses and midwives working in clinical departments that provide services in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatology about patient safety culture and to explore potential predictors for the overall perception of safety. Methods: We used the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) to evaluate nurses' and midwives' opinion about patient safety issues. The overall response rate in the survey was 100% (n = 233). Results: The analysis of the dimensions of safety on the unit level showed that the respondents' most positive evaluations were in the Organizational Learning - Continuous Improvement (73.2%) and Feedback and Communication about Error (66.8%) dimensions, and the most negative evaluations in the Non-punitive Response to Error (33.5%) and Staffing (44.6%) dimensions. On the hospital level, the evaluation of the safety dimensions ranged between 41.4 and 56.8%. The percentage of positive responses in the outcome dimensions Frequency of Events Reported was 82.4%. We found a significant association between the outcome dimension Frequency of Events Reported and the Hospital Management Support for Patient Safety and Feedback and Communication about Error Dimensions. Conclusions: On the hospital level, the critical domains in health care facilities that provide services in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatology were Teamwork Across Hospital Units, and on the unit level - Communication Openness, Teamwork Within Units, Non-punitive Response to Error, and Staffing. The remaining domains were seen as having a potential for improvement.

European postgraduate curriculum in geriatric medicine developed using an international modified Delphi technique.

BACKGROUND: the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS-GMS) recommendations for training in Geriatric Medicine were published in 1993. The practice of Geriatric Medicine has developed considerably since then and it has therefore become necessary to update these recommendations. METHODS: under the auspices of the UEMS-GMS, the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) and the European Academy of Medicine of Ageing (EAMA), a group of experts, representing all member states of the respective bodies developed a new framework for education and training of specialists in Geriatric Medicine using a modified Delphi technique. Thirty-two expert panel members from 30 different countries participated in the process comprising three Delphi rounds for consensus. The process was led by five facilitators. RESULTS: the final recommendations include four different domains: 'General Considerations' on the structure and aim of the syllabus as well as quality indicators for training (6 sub-items), 'Knowledge in patient care' (36 sub-items), 'Additional Skills and Attitude required for a Geriatrician' (9 sub-items) and a domain on 'Assessment of postgraduate education: which items are important for the transnational comparison process' (1 item). CONCLUSION: the current publication describes the development of the new recommendations endorsed by UEMS-GMS, EuGMS and EAMA as minimum training requirements to become a geriatrician at specialist level in EU member states.

Population screening, monitoring and surveillance for frailty: three systematic reviews and a grey literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about programmes or interventions for the screening, monitoring and surveillance of frailty at population level. METHODS: Three systematic searches and an opportunistic grey literature review from the countries participating in the ADVANTAGE Joint Action were performed. RESULTS: Three studies reported local interventions to screen for frailty, two of them using a two-step screening and assessment method and one including monitoring activities. Another paper reviewed both providers' and participants' experiences of screening activities. Three on-going European projects and population-screening programmes in primary care await evaluation. An electronic Frailty Index for use with patients' primary care records has been recently validated. No study described systematic processes for the surveillance of frailty. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of population-level screening, monitoring and surveillance of frailty. Development and evaluation of community-based two-step programmes including those that incorporate electronic health records, particularly in primary care, are now needed.

Prognosis of Treatment Outcomes by Cognitive and Physical Scales.

The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using scales for measuring cognitive and physical functions for a prognosis of care outcomes in elderly patients. METHODOLOGY: The survey was carried out in one of the Vilnius City Hospitals for Nursing and Support Treatment. A total number of 177 respondents were involved in the study. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), The Barthel Index (BI) and The Morse Fall Scale were used. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation was revealed between the scores of MMSE and BI (Pearson R = 0.41, p < 0.01); those with severe cognitive impairment were more dependent. A statistically significant correlation (Pearson R = -0.181, p < 0.01) was reported between the scores of MMSE and the Morse Fall Scale - the risk of falling was higher in patients with severe cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The Morse Fall Scale was not suitable for the prognosis of outcomes. The MMSE was suitable for the prognosis of a patient's discharge. The Barthel Index should be considered as the most suitable tool for the prognosis of care outcomes: the sum-score of the Barthel Index above 25 may suggest that the patient would be discharged home; the sum-score below this level was associated with a higher likelihood of patient death.

Exploring potential biomarkers associated with health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: There has been a lack of research examining associations between biomarkers and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure. In patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure, we aimed to explore potential associations between biomarkers of health such as serum levels of thyroid hormones, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), inflammatory biomarkers and HRQoL. METHODS: In sum, 482 patients (75% male; mean age 58±10 years) with coronary artery disease and heart failure were evaluated for socio-demographic and clinical coronary artery disease risk factors. Blood samples were drawn to evaluate thyroid hormones, NT-pro-BNP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additional data was collected on HRQoL (the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), Type D personality (DS14 scale). RESULTS: In multivariable models, lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were associated with worse results on the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire emotional subscale (ß = -0.107, p = 0.003; ß = -0.106, p = 0.004). Lower levels of interleukin-6 were associated with worse perceived global health (ß = -0.101, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Even after controlling for socio-demographic and clinical risk factors including mental distress symptoms, lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers were associated with worse HRQoL.

Mental Distress Factors and Exercise Capacity in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Attending Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

PURPOSE: There is still insufficient data on mental distress factors contributing to exercise capacity (EC) improvement before and after cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of our study was to evaluate the associations between various mental distress factors and EC before and after exercise-based CR (EBCR). METHODS: Over 12 months, 223 CAD patients (70% men, mean age 58 ± 9 years) were evaluated for socio-demographic, clinical, and mental distress symptoms as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Patients were tested for EC at baseline and after EBCR. RESULTS: In a multivariate linear regression model, EC before EBCR was associated with HADS anxiety subscale (ß = -.186, p = .002) and BDI-II somatic/affective subscale (ß = -.249, p < .001). EC after EBCR was associated with HADS anxiety and depression subscales (ß = -.198, p < .001; ß = -.170, p = .002, respectively) and BDI-II (ß = -.258, p < .001). The BDI-II somatic/affective subscale was the best predictor of reduced EC before and after EBCR. CONCLUSIONS: Mental distress and somatic/affective symptoms of depression are strongly associated with EC both at the beginning and after EBCR. Analysis of possible mediating or moderating factors was beyond the scope of our study. Future studies should focus on comprehensive evaluation of EC risk factors including other mental distress characteristics, subjectively experienced fatigue, and post-operative CAD symptoms.

Assessment of radiographers' competences from the perspectives of radiographers and radiologists: a cross-sectional survey in Lithuania.

BACKGROUND: Assessing radiographers' clinical competence is of major importance in all medical imaging departments, and is a fundamental prerequisite for guaranteeing professional standards in both nursing care and radiography. Despite the fact that self-assessment has been reported to be the most common form of competence evaluation only several studies defining the radiographers' self-assessment of clinical competencies were identified. The aim of the study was to evaluate radiographers' professional competence from the perspectives of radiographers and radiologists by applying the Radiographers' Competence Scale (RCS). METHODS: The study was conducted in university hospitals of Lithuania. We used the original instrument designed by Swedish researchers - the Radiographers' Competence Scale (RCS) consisting of two domains: A "Nurse-initiated care" and B "Technical and radiographic processes". The study involved in all 397 respondents; radiographers (250) and radiologists (147) working in departments of diagnostic radiology. Each competence was evaluated twice - the level on a 10-point scale, and the frequency of practical application on a 6-point scale. RESULTS: The overall level of the radiographers' competence and the frequency of its use in practice were evaluated high or very high by both respondent groups. The radiographers attributed the highest evaluations to such competences as "Encouraging and supporting the patient" and "Collaborating with other radiographers", while the lowest evaluations were attributed to "Guiding the patient's relatives" and "Empowering the patient by involving him/her in the examination and treatment" competences. The radiologists attributed the highest evaluations to such competences as "Collaborating with radiologists" and "Independent carrying out of the radiologist's prescriptions", while the lowest evaluations - to the same competences as the radiographers did. Irrespectively of the work experience and age, the radiographers gave significantly higher ratings to all competences that the radiologists did (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both groups of the respondents attributed high or very high evaluations to the competences in both the "Nurse-initiated care" and the "Technical and radiographic processes" domains.

Associations of the quality of life and psychoemotional state with sociodemographic factors in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interrelationships between the quality of life and psycho-emotional, demographic, and clinical factors in patients with psoriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 18-year-old or older patients with psoriasis recruited from the university hospital (n=385). Their sociodemographic data, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score and disease duration were assessed. The quality of life was evaluated by using the Dermatology Life Quality Index. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. RESULTS: A severe change in the quality of life (DLQI≥10 points) was found by 1.8 times more commonly in females, by 2.7 times more commonly in patients with moderate and severe psoriasis (PASI≤10) than in those with a mild psoriasis (PASI≤10), and by about 2 times more commonly in patients with nail psoriasis than in those without, as well as in patients with psoriasis-related anxiety or depression than in subjects without those symptoms. Anxiety and depression were observed in 37.4% and 23.4% of the patients, respectively. Depression was more frequent in patients older than 55 years than in those <35 years of age. Anxiety was more frequent in females and in the respondents with primary and unfinished secondary education. CONCLUSIONS: One-half of patients with psoriasis, women more often than men, regardless of the severity of the disease, reported a significant change in their quality of life. Patients with psoriasis, especially women and older people (aged more than 55 years), experienced anxiety and symptoms of depression.