Adaptation and Validation of the Self-Administered Foot Health Assessment Instrument for Portuguese Undergraduate Nursing Students.

Background and Purpose: To translate and adapt the Self-Administered Foot Health Assessment Instrument from English to European Portuguese and explore its reliability and validity among undergraduate nursing students in Portugal. Methods: The study was divided into two phases. First, the translation and cross-cultural adaptation followed Beaton's guidelines, with a pretesting of the final version with 30 students. The validation process used the content validity index with a minimum of 75% agreement between experts and Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency. The second step provided the results of the principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, which were performed to study the overall fit of the model and item correlations. The STROBE checklist was used. Results: The Portuguese version, Instrumento de Auto-Avaliação da Saúde do Pé (IAASP), showed an overall acceptable evidence regarding content validity and internal consistency. The factor analysis results suggested removing the "Foot pain" dimension from the original scale. Conclusions: IAASP is suggested to maintain the original 22-item structure, with four domains, "Skin health," "Nail health," "Foot structure," and "Foot pain," being an initial reliable version with interest to measure the current foot health of nursing students. Future studies should contribute to IAASP's continuous improvement.

Nurses' Adherence to the Portuguese Standard to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs): An Observational Study.

Urinary tract infections are among the most prevalent types of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals and nursing homes, and they are primarily a result of unnecessary catheter usage and inadequate care. In Portugal, epidemiological data indicate that catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain widespread in clinical settings, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates among vulnerable populations. This study aimed to assess urinary catheter use in an oncology ward in Portugal and to evaluate nurses' adherence to the government-endorsed standards for preventing CAUTIs. An observational study was conducted over a four-month period with daily assessments of nurses' practices during urinary catheter insertion and maintenance using a government-endorsed auditing tool. Data were collected through on-site observations and nurses' feedback. The findings revealed a urinary catheter utilization rate of 17.99%. However, there was a lack of complete adherence to government-endorsed standards among oncology nurses (0%). These results indicate that current practices lack evidence-based standardization. Therefore, there is a need to develop and implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and experiences.

Cancer Patients with Chronic Pain and Their Caregivers during COVID-19: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: The sanitary measures imposed by COVID-19 intensified challenges in the pain management of cancer patients. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted in a chronic pain unit of an oncological hospital aiming to explore the experiences of cancer patients with chronic pain and their caregivers during the pandemic period, as well as identify strategies to improve care in chronic pain management. An electronic questionnaire was developed containing sociodemographic variables, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, and open-ended questions exploring the experiences and circumstances of pain management. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients and 13 caregivers filled in the questionnaire. Patients revealed a higher level of depression, anxiety, and stress than caregivers, without statistically significant differences. Both groups mentioned having experienced difficulties in self-care, particularly in relation to sleep, nutrition, and recreation. In total, 83.7% patients needed pain relief medication related to uncontrolled pain. Both mentioned that they would have benefited from a digital application to ease the communication with the healthcare professionals of the chronic pain unit, as well as non-pharmacological interventions, such as therapeutic massage. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing that chronic pain leads to significant limitations, it is essential to implement and anticipate objective and effective responses in pain management.

Nursing Practices and Sensitive Outcomes Related to Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization in Portugal: A Scoping Review.

Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for ensuring high-quality nursing care. In Portugal, nurses are responsible for care delivery to patients who require peripheral intravenous access. However, recent authors emphasized the predominance of a culture based on outdated professional vascular access practices in Portuguese clinical settings. Thus, the aim of this study was to map the studies conducted in Portugal on peripheral intravenous catheterization. A scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations, with a strategy adapted to different scientific databases/registers. Independent reviewers selected, extracted, and synthesized the data. Of the 2128 studies found, 26 were included in this review, published between 2010 and 2022. Previous research shows that Portuguese nurses' implementation of EBP was found to be relatively low overall, while most studies did not attempt to embed EBP change into routine care. Although nurses are responsible for implementing EBP at an individual patient level, the studies conducted in Portugal report nonstandardized practices among professionals, with significant deviations from recent evidence. This reality, combined with Portugal's absence of government-endorsed evidence-based standards for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion and treatment and vascular access teams, may explain the country's unacceptably high incidence of PIVC-related complications reported over the last decade.

A influência do ambiente de prática de enfermagem nos cuidados omissos e na individualização dos cuidados / The influence of the nursing practice environment on missed care and individualized care / La influencia del ambiente de la práctica de enfermería en los cuidados omitidos y en la individualización de los cuidados

Resumo Enquadramento: O ambiente de prática de enfermagem (APE) influencia a qualidade dos cuidados de saúde, a prática de cuidados centrados na pessoa e a segurança dos doentes. Concretamente, prestar cuidados seguros engloba não deixar cuidados omissos. Objetivo: Analisar a influência do APE nos cuidados omissos e na individualização dos cuidados. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo e correlacional, desenvolvido em três serviços de internamento de um hospital de oncologia em Portugal. A perceção dos enfermeiros acerca do APE foi avaliada pela Practice Environment Scale of the Nurse Work Index, sendo-lhes também solicitado que identificassem os cuidados omissos do último turno por falta de tempo. A perceção das pessoas internadas acerca da individualização dos cuidados prestados foi avaliada recorrendo à Individualized Care Scale Patient. Resultados: Participaram 66 enfermeiros e 40 pessoas internadas. O APE global foi avaliado como desfavorável. O serviço com ambiente no limiar favorável reportou menos cuidados omissos. As pessoas internadas perceberam os cuidados como sendo individualizados. Conclusão: O APE identificado pode colocar em causa a qualidade dos cuidados prestados.

Abstract Background: The nursing practice environment (NPE) influences the quality of care, person-centered care, and patient safety. More specifically, providing safe care includes not leaving care left undone. Objective: To analyze the influence of the NPE on missed care and individualized care. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted in three inpatient wards of an oncology hospital in Portugal. Nurses' perceptions of the NPE were assessed using the Practice Environment Scale of the Nurse Work Index. Nurses were also asked to identify types of care missed during their last shift due to lack of time. Inpatients' perceptions of individualized care were assessed using the Individualized Care Scale Patient. Results: The sample consisted of 66 nurses and 40 inpatients. The overall NPE was rated as unfavorable. The ward with an environment in the favorable threshold reported less missed care. Inpatients perceived care as individualized. Conclusion: The identified NPE may call into question the quality of care.

Resumen Marco contextual: El ambiente de la práctica de la enfermería (APE) influye en la calidad de los cuidados de salud, en la práctica de los cuidados centrados en la persona y en la seguridad del paciente. En concreto, proporcionar cuidados seguros implica no dejar cuidados omitidos. Objetivo: Analizar la influencia del APE en los cuidados omitidos y la individualización de los cuidados. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y correlacional desarrollado en tres unidades de hospitalización de un hospital oncológico de Portugal. La percepción de los enfermeros sobre el APE se evaluó mediante la Practice Environment Scale of the Nurse Work Index, y también se les pidió que identificaran los cuidados omitidos en el último turno por falta de tiempo. La percepción de los pacientes internos sobre la individualización de los cuidados se evaluó mediante la Individualized Care Scale Patient. Resultados: Participaron 66 enfermeros y 40 pacientes internos. El conjunto del APE fue evaluado como desfavorable. El servicio con un ambiente en el umbral favorable notificó menos cuidados omitidos. Los pacientes internos perciben los cuidados como algo individualizado. Conclusión: El APE identificado puede poner en peligro la calidad de los cuidados prestados.

Nurses' Involvement in the Development and Usability Assessment of an Innovative Peripheral Intravenous Catheterisation Pack: A Mix-Method Study.

Guaranteeing peripheral venous access is one of the cornerstones of modern healthcare. Recent evidence shows that the lack of adequate clinical devices can result in the provision of substandard care to patients who require peripheral intravenous catheterization (PIVC). To address this challenge, we aimed to develop a PIVC pack for adult patients and assess the usability of this new device. METHODS: Following a mix-method design, the PIVC pack development and usability assessment were performed in two phases with the involvement of its potential end-users (nurses). In phase one (concept and semi-functional prototype assessment), focus group rounds were conducted, and a usability assessment questionnaire was applied at each stage. In phase two (pre-clinical usability assessment), a two-arm crossover randomised controlled trial (PIVC pack versus traditional material) was conducted with nurses in a simulated setting. Final interviews were conducted to further explore the PIVC pack applicability in a real-life clinical setting. RESULTS: High average usability scores were identified in each study phase. During the pre-clinical usability assessment, the PIVC pack significantly reduced procedural time (Z = -2.482, p = 0.013) and avoided omissions while preparing the required material (Z = -1.977, p = 0.048). The participating nurses emphasised the pack's potential to standardise practices among professionals, improve adherence to infection control recommendations, and enhance stock management. CONCLUSIONS: The developed pack appears to be a promising device that can assist healthcare professionals in providing efficient and safe care to patients requiring a PIVC. Future studies in real clinical settings are warranted to test its cost-effectiveness.

Evidence-Informed Development of a Bundle for Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization in Portugal: A Delphi Consensus Study.

Contrary to many international settings, there are no clinical guidelines for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion and maintenance in Portugal. We sought to derive an international consensus on a PIVC bundle that could guide Portuguese nurses' clinical decision-making in this scope. METHODS: Two international vascular access specialist groups participated in an online Delphi panel. During the first round, specialists (n = 7) were sent a summary report from a previous observational study conducted in a surgical ward in Portugal. Based on the report findings, specialists were asked to provide five to eight PIVC insertion and maintenance interventions. Then, another set of specialists (n = 7) scored and revised the recommendations until a consensus was reached (≥70% agreement). The PIVC bundle was made available and discussed with the surgical ward's nurses. RESULTS: After three rounds, a consensus was achieved for five evidence-informed interventions: (i) involve the person and assess the peripheral venous network; (ii) maintain an aseptic no-touch technique; (iii) ensure proper catheter dressing and fixation; (iv) perform catheter flush & lock; (v) test the peripheral venous catheter's functionality and performance at each shift. CONCLUSION: The final version of the PIVC bundle achieved consensus among international experts. Despite the positive feedback provided by the ward nurses, future studies are warranted to assess its effectiveness in standardizing PIVC care delivery and its potential implications for care outcomes in Portuguese clinical settings.

Baropodometric Assessment of the Podiatric Profile of Nursing Students in Clinical Settings: A Study Protocol.

Introduction: Nursing students are exposed to increased risks of developing foot and ankle disorders due to prolonged standing and walking positions during clinical settings. This can lead to high dropout rates from nursing degree, thus contributing to a future shortage in nursing professionals. This protocol aims to develop a study to understand the influence of prolonged standing and walking positions on nursing students' foot health, and specifically to study the relationship between the podiatric profile (regional force and pressure exerted on the foot) and related signs and symptoms. Methods and Analysis: A prospective observational cohort study will be conducted with 194 nursing students. Participants will be asked to walk through a baropodometric platform before and after a 5-month clinical training session. Assessment will focus on the change in podiatric profile, namely foot posture and foot function, at 5 months, and changes in foot health at 5 months. The study will start in January 2022 and it's expected to end by June 2022. Discussion: The study aims to perform an innovative assessment of nursing students' podiatric profile, which will allow for a comprehensive description of foot/ankle changes and their relationship with prolonged standing and walking contexts. Ethics and Dissemination: The study was approved by The Ethical Committee of the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), of the Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), with the approval code nr. P799_07_2021. The study was also recorded in ClinicalTrials.gov on the number NCT05197166. Findings will be used to publish articles in peer-review scientific journals and oral communications and posters at scientific meetings.

Nurses' Practices in the Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization of Adult Oncology Patients: A Mix-Method Study.

A significant number of adult oncology patients require at least one peripheral intravenous catheter to fulfill their therapeutic plan. Recent evidence indicates that catheter failure rates are high in this cohort, impacting care outcomes and patient experience during cancer treatment. This reality represents a challenge to nurses worldwide since in most international settings they are responsible for delivering quality care during the insertion and maintenance of such devices. This study aims to explore current nursing practices regarding the insertion, maintenance, and surveillance of peripheral intravenous catheters in oncology patients. A two-phase mix-method study was conducted with the nursing team from the surgical ward of a large oncology hospital in Portugal. In phase one (observational prospective study), nurses' practices during catheter insertion and maintenance were observed by the research team and recorded using standardized instruments and validated scales. In phase two, three online focus groups were conducted with the nursing team to present the results observed in phase one and explore their perceptions of current practices. All ethical principles were assured throughout the study. Significant divergent practices were observed and identified by the nurses, especially concerning patient involvement, nurses' adherence to the aseptic, non-touch technique, catheter stabilization and dressing, and catheter flushing and locking. Such practices may partially explain the high complication rate found (26%) and substantiate the need for future intervention in this field.

Estudios realizados en Portugal en el ámbito del cateterismo urinario: protocolo de scoping review / Estudios realizados en portugal en el ámbito del cateterismo urinario: protocolo de scoping review / Urinary catheterization studies carried out in portugal: scoping review protocol

Contexto: A literatura internacional sugere há um distanciamento entra as evidências científicas e a prática clínica relativamente ao uso de cateteres urinários. Em Portugal, a informação referente às práticas relacionadas com o cateterismo urinário encontra-se dispersa na literatura, o que dificulta a com-preensão da temática e suas implicações.Objetivos: Mapear os estudos realizados em Portugal no âmbito do cateteris-mo urinário para dar resposta a: i) quais os principais focos de investigação de estudos? ii) Quais os settings dos estudos de investigação? iii) Quais as práti-cas relacionadas com inserção, manutenção e remoção do cateter urinário? iv) Quais são os indicadores reportados no âmbito de cateterismo urinário?Método de revisão: Metodologia de scoping review proposta pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Definiu-se um protocolo adequado a cada base de dados científica, para identificar os estudos que respondam aos critérios delinea-dos. Serão incluídos todos os estudos cujos participantes sejam pessoas com cateter urinário ou profissionais de saúde com competências para inserção, manutenção e remoção de cateteres urinários, excluindo estudos relaciona-dos com cirurgia do trato urinário ou estruturas adjacentes, autocateterismo e cateterismo intermitente. O processo de análise da relevância, extração e síntese dos dados será desenvolvido por revisores independentes.Apresentação e interpretação dos resultados: O mapeamento dos estudos contribuirá para a identificação dos principais focos de estudo, práticas rela-cionadas com o cateterismo urinário e principais indicadores associados.Conclusão: Espera-se que esta revisão sustente o desenvolvimento de futuros estudos que potenciem a eficácia/segurança dos cuidados prestados ao doen-te com cateter urinário. (AU)

Contexto: La literatura internacional sugiere que existe una brecha entre la evidencia científica y la práctica clíni-ca en relación al uso de catéteres urinarios. En Portugal, la información sobre las prácticas relacionadas con el cateterismo urinario está dispersa en la literatura, lo que dificulta la comprensión del tema y sus implicaciones.Objetivos: Mapear los estudios realizados en Portugal en el ámbito del cateterismo urinario para responder: i) ¿Cuáles son los principales focos de investigación? ii) ¿Cuáles son los escenarios de los estudios de investi-gación? iii) ¿Cuáles son las prácticas relacionadas con la inserción, mantenimiento y extracción del catéter urinario? iv) ¿Cuáles son los indicadores reportados en el ámbito del cateterismo urinario?Método de revisión: metodología de revisión de alcance propuesta por el Joanna Briggs Institute. Se definió un protocolo apropiado para cada base de datos científi-ca, para identificar los estudios que cumplen con los criterios descritos. Se incluirán todos los estudios cuyos participantes sean personas con catéter urinario o pro-fesionales de la salud con habilidades para la inserción, mantenimiento y extracción de catéteres urinarios, ex-cluyendo los estudios relacionados con cirugía del tracto urinario o estructuras adyacentes, autocateterismo y cateterismo intermitente. El proceso de análisis de rele-vancia, extracción y síntesis de los datos será desarrollado por revisores independientes.Presentación e interpretación de resultados: El mapeo de los estudios contribuirá a la identificación del foco principal de estudio, las prácticas relacionadas con el ca-teterismo urinario y los principales indicadores asociados.Conclusión: Se espera que esta revisión apoye el de-sarrollo de estudios futuros que mejoren la eficacia / seguridad de la atención brindada a los pacientes con catéteres urinarios. (AU)

Context: International literature suggests that there is a gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice concerning the use of urinary catheters. In Portugal, evidence regarding practices related to urinary catheterization is dispersed in the literature, which makes it difficult to understand the theme and its implications.Objectives: To map the studies carried out in Portu-gal in the scope of urinary catheterization to answer: i) what are the main research investigation focuses? ii) What are the research studies settings? iii) What are the practices related to insertion, maintenance and removal of the urinary catheter? iv) What are the indicators reported in the scope of urinary catheter-ization?Review method: Scoping review methodology pro-posed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. An appropriate protocol was defined for each scientific database, to identify studies that meet the criteria outlined. All studies will be included whose participants are people with a urinary catheter or health professionals with skills for insertion, maintenance and removal of uri-nary catheters, excluding studies related to surgery of the urinary tract or adjacent structures, self-catheter-ization and intermittent catheterization. The process of analyzing the relevance, extraction and synthesis of the data will be developed by independent reviewers.Presentation and interpretation of results: The map-ping of the studies will contribute to the identification of the main study focuses, practices related to urinary catheterization and the main associated indicators.Conclusion: It is hoped that this review will support the development of future studies that enhance the efficacy/safety of care provided to patients with uri-nary catheters. (AU)