Occupational Health Nursing models and theories: A critical analysis in the scope of the unitary-transformative perspective.

Occupational Health Nursing (OHN) has followed a complex path to build and strengthen its theoretical basis. Starting with Public Health core principles, theories were shaped by the dualism of person worker and working environment, where sometimes the centre of the thought was given to the latter and other times to the former. The problem was not much on such conflict but on the definition of the correct OHN focus and whether genuine nursing knowledge was being applied. We are worried that other disciplines radically influenced the theoretical path taken by OHN theorists. To approach this problem, a unitary-transformative perspective can help us describe and analyse this phenomenon and engage scholars to reflect upon the accurate epistemological focus of OHN. We aimed to deepen this reflection and uncover a new OHN theoretical focus.

Are we making the most of safe staffing research.

INTRODUCTION: The uptake of research evidence on staffing issues in nursing by nursing leadership, management and into organizational policies seems to vary across Europe. This study wants to assess this uptake of research evidence. DESIGN: Scoping survey. METHOD: The presidents of twelve country specific Sigma Chapters within the European Region answered written survey questions about work organisation, national staffing levels, national skill mix levels, staff characteristics, and education. RESULTS: Seven of the 12 chapters could not return complete data, reported that data was unavailable, there was no national policy or only guidance related to some settings. CONCLUSION: Enhancing the awareness of nursing research and of nursing leaders and managers regarding staffing level evidence is not enough. It seems necessary to encourage nurse leaders to lobby for staffing policies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Research evidence on staffing issues in nursing and how it benefits health care is available. In Europe this evidence should be used more to lobby for change in staffing policies.

Making room for occupational health nursing in Nanda­I: "Impaired foot health" as a diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the label "impaired foot health" to be considered a problem-focused nursing diagnosis according to the taxonomy of NANDA-I. METHODS: Discussion article based on literature reviews and observational studies based on the authors' PhD ongoing research about foot health among nursing students and professionals. FINDINGS: Attending to the definition of nursing diagnosis and the scope of nursing practice internationally, several human responses and contexts should be considered, opening new opportunities for NANDA-I completeness. CONCLUSIONS: A new nursing diagnosis has been disclosed, opening new dimensions to the NANDA-I taxonomy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: This nursing diagnosis represents an opening door for the taxonomy, particularly for occupational health nursing in an international context.

OBJETIVO: Descrever de que forma a "saúde do pé comprometida" pode ser considerado um diagnóstico de enfermagem centrado no problema a incluir na taxonomia da NANDA­I. MÉTODOS: Artigo de discussão baseado em revisões da literatura e estudos observacionais incluídos no estudo de doutoramento em curso dos autores sobre a saúde do pé em estudantes de enfermagem e enfermeiros. RESULTADOS: Atendendo à definição de diagnósticos de enfermagem e no âmbito da prática de enfermagem a nível internacional, várias respostas humanas e contextos profissionais devem ser considerados, abrindo novas oportunidades para a completude da NANDA­I. CONCLUSÕES: Um novo diagnóstico de enfermagem foi revelado, descobrindo novas dimensões para a taxonomia da NANDA­I. IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A ENFERMAGEM: Este diagnóstico de enfermagem representa uma oportunidade para a taxonomia, nomeadamente para a enfermagem de saúde ocupacional em contexto internacional.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire (NSCQ) for Portuguese nursing students.

BACKGROUND: The professional self-concept of nursing students significantly influences their attitude and identity within the profession, ultimately impacting their mental health and overall well-being. Recent evidence underscores the importance of assessing students' professional self-concept to prevent adverse outcomes such as burnout and stress. Since there are currently no validated instruments available in Portugal for this purpose, our objective was to translate, adapt, and validate the Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire (NSCQ) with nursing students in Portugal. METHODS: A two-phase research study with a non-probabilistic sample of 216 undergraduate nursing students, using the QualtricsXM electronic platform for data collection. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to verify the validity of the theoretical construct and its internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha was calculated, and a confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess the model fit. RESULTS: The final instrument, designated as Questionário de Autoconceito dos/as Enfermeiros/as (Pt - NSCQ), is composed of 24 items distributed across five dimensions: "General self-concept", "Staff relations", "Leadership", "Communication-care" and "Knowledge", which explain 67.71% of the total variance. All dimensions and the global scale revealed good internal consistency values, ranging from 0.775 to 0.927. The resulting factorial structure is coherent with the theoretical framework. CONCLUSION: The Pt - NSCQ proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess Portuguese nursing students' professional self-concept. Future studies should be carried out on larger samples and different educational contexts, aligned with the importance to ensure the continuity of the psychometric analysis of the instrument.

Exposure of Undergraduate Nursing Students to Standing Environments: A Longitudinal Study on Plantar Force and Pressure Distribution.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the link between plantar force, pressure, and foot discomfort is important for nursing students' well-being, given the prevalence of foot and ankle musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. Assessing these factors can inform tailored self-care interventions, supporting holistic nursing education. PURPOSE: To assess the plantar force and pressure distribution of third-year nursing students at baseline and after 5 months of exposure to a clinical setting. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in a Portuguese nursing school measured changes in podiatric profile at 5 months, including peak pressure, maximum force, and contact area. RESULTS: Elevated mean peak pressure in the heel correlated positively with maximum force and contact area. Negative correlations were found between the contact area and edema. Peak pressure correlated positively with thigh pain, indicating pressure transfer to metatarsal heads. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the importance of integrating ergonomic education into nursing curricula and raising awareness of self-care interventions.

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.

A formação em enfermagem de reabilitação em Portugal desde 2006 / Education/training in rehabilitation nursing in Portugal since 2006 / La formación en enfermería de rehabilitación en Portugal desde 2006

Resumo Enquadramento: Desde o início do século que se verifica uma diminuição da natalidade e maior envelhecimento populacional, existindo mais pessoas com incapacidade e dependência, exigindo cuidados de enfermagem mais especializados. Objetivo: Descrever a evolução na formação da especialidade em enfermagem de reabilitação. Metodologia: Recolha documental no Diário da República, com análise e interpretação hermenêutica das fontes com referência à especialidade de enfermagem de reabilitação, publicadas desde 2006. Resultados: Foram aprovados vários planos de estudo de pós-licenciatura de especialização e mestrado em enfermagem de reabilitação. Progressivamente, houve inclusão de unidades curriculares como Epidemiologia Estatística e Demografia, Aspetos Psicossociais da Incapacidade, Políticas e Modelos de Cuidados de Saúde e Estágios de Cuidados de Enfermagem de Reabilitação à Pessoa com Problemas Oncológicos e em Fim de Vida. Conclusão: A formação em enfermagem de reabilitação desenvolveu-se com influência das alterações políticas e sociodemográficas. Com os avanços tecnológicos, científicos e a evolução dos sistemas de saúde, os cuidados de enfermagem de reabilitação têm evoluído na inovação e formação, com enquadramento legal e nas competências específicas.

Abstract Background: Since the beginning of the 21st century, fertility rates have decreased and life expectancy has increased, with more people with disabilities and dependent on others requiring more specialized nursing care. Objective: To describe the evolution of education/training in rehabilitation nursing. Methodology: Documental search conducted in the Portuguese official journal (Diário da República), with hermeneutic analysis and interpretation of the sources on the specialty of rehabilitation nursing since 2006. Results: Several curricula of postgraduate specialization and master's degrees in rehabilitation nursing have been approved since 2006. Several course units were gradually integrated into the curricula, such as Statistical Epidemiology and Demography, Psychosocial Aspects of Disability, Health Care Policies and Models, and Internships in Rehabilitation Nursing Care for People with Cancer and at the End of Life. Conclusion: Education/training in rehabilitation nursing evolved under the influence of political and socio-demographic changes. With the technological and scientific advances and the evolution of health systems, rehabilitation nursing care has evolved in terms of innovation and education/training within a legal framework and based on specific competencies.

Resumen Marco contextual: Desde principios de siglo se ha producido un descenso de la natalidad y un mayor envejecimiento de la población, con más personas con discapacidad y dependencia, que requieren más cuidados especializados de enfermería. Objetivo: Describir la evolución en la formación de la especialidad en enfermería de rehabilitación. Metodología: Recopilación documental en el Diario de la República, con análisis e interpretación hermenéutica de las fuentes con referencia a la especialidad de enfermería de rehabilitación, publicadas desde 2006. Resultados: Se aprobaron varios planes de estudio de posgrado de especialización y máster en enfermería de rehabilitación. Progresivamente, se incluyeron unidades curriculares, como Epidemiología Estadística y Demografía, Aspectos Psicosociales de la Discapacidad, Políticas y Modelos de Atención Sanitaria y Prácticas de Atención de Enfermería de Rehabilitación a la Persona con Problemas Oncológicos y al Final de la Vida. Conclusión: La formación en enfermería de rehabilitación ha evolucionado con la influencia de los cambios políticos y sociodemográficos. Con los avances tecnológicos y científicos, así como con la evolución de los sistemas sanitarios, los cuidados de enfermería de rehabilitación han evolucionado en innovación y formación, con marcos legales y competencias específicas.

Design of Innovative Clothing for Pressure Injury Prevention: End-User Evaluation in a Mixed-Methods Study.

The global relevance of pressure injury (PI) prevention technologies arise from their impact on the quality of life of people with limited mobility and the costs associated with treating these preventable injuries. The purpose of this mixed methods study is to evaluate the design of a prototype integrating Smart Health Textiles for PI prevention based on feedback from specialist nurses who care for individuals who are prone to or have PIs. This is a mixed methods study. A structured questionnaire was conducted as part of an evaluation of a prototype garment for the prevention of PIs. This questionnaire was applied during the evaluation of the prototype and afterwards focus group discussions were held with experts. Descriptive statistics techniques were used to analyze the data and thematic and integrated content analysis was conducted through concomitant triangulation. Nineteen nurses took part, aged 30 to 39 years (52.6%) and with 12.31 ± 8.96 years of experience. Participants showed that the prototype required more manipulation and physical effort, which interfered its usefulness, in addition to presenting difficulties with the openings and the material of the closure system, which interfered with the ease of use and learning. Overall satisfaction with the product was moderate, with some areas for improvement found, such as satisfaction, recommendations to colleagues, and pleasantness of use. It is concluded that areas for improvement have been found in all dimensions, including in the design of openings and the choice of materials. These findings supply significant insights for improving clothing to meet the needs of healthcare professionals and patients.

Development of Smart Clothing to Prevent Pressure Injuries in Bedridden Persons and/or with Severely Impaired Mobility: 4NoPressure Research Protocol.

Pressure injuries (PIs) are a major public health problem and can be used as quality-of-care indicators. An incipient development in the field of medical devices takes the form of Smart Health Textiles, which can possess innovative properties such as thermoregulation, sensing, and antibacterial control. This protocol aims to describe the process for the development of a new type of smart clothing for individuals with reduced mobility and/or who are bedridden in order to prevent PIs. This paper's main purpose is to present the eight phases of the project, each consisting of tasks in specific phases: (i) product and process requirements and specifications; (ii and iii) study of the fibrous structure technology, textiles, and design; (iv and v) investigation of the sensor technology with respect to pressure, temperature, humidity, and bioactive properties; (vi and vii) production layout and adaptations in the manufacturing process; (viii) clinical trial. This project will introduce a new structural system and design for smart clothing to prevent PIs. New materials and architectures will be studied that provide better pressure relief, thermo-physiological control of the cutaneous microclimate, and personalisation of care.

Documenting fall episodes: a scoping review.

Documentation is an important measure for the management of fall risk because it concentrates the attention of professionals, raises awareness of the existence of fall risk factors, and promotes action to eliminate or minimize them. This study aimed to map the evidence on information to document episodes of falls in older adults. We opted for a scoping review, which followed the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol for this kind of study. The research question that guided the research strategy was "What recommendations emerge from the research on the documentation of falls of the older person?" The inclusion criteria defined were older adults who had at least one fall; nursing documentation after a fall has occurred; and nursing homes, hospitals, community, and long-term care. The search was performed on the following platforms: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in January 2022 and allowed the identification of 854 articles, which after analysis resulted in a final sample of six articles. The documentation of fall episodes should answer the following questions: Who? What? When? Where? How? Doing what? What was said? What were the consequences? and What has been done? Despite the recommendations for the documentation of fall episodes as a preventive measure for their recurrence, there are no studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this measure. Future studies should explore the association between fall documentation, fall recurrence prevention programs, and their impact on the prevalence rate of the second and subsequent falls, as well as the severity of injuries and fear of falling.

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.

End-User Assessment of an Innovative Clothing-Based Sensor Developed for Pressure Injury Prevention: A Mixed-Method Study.

This study aimed to evaluate a clothing prototype that incorporates sensors for the evaluation of pressure, temperature, and humidity for the prevention of pressure injuries, namely regarding physical and comfort requirements. A mixed-method approach was used with concurrent quantitative and qualitative data triangulation. A structured questionnaire was applied before a focus group of experts to evaluate the sensor prototypes. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the discourse of the collective subject, followed by method integration and meta-inferences. Nine nurses, experts in this topic, aged 32.66 ± 6.28 years and with a time of profession of 10.88 ± 6.19 years, participated in the study. Prototype A presented low evaluation in stiffness (1.56 ± 1.01) and roughness (2.11 ± 1.17). Prototype B showed smaller values in dimension (2.77 ± 0.83) and stiffness (3.00 ± 1.22). Embroidery was assessed as inadequate in terms of stiffness (1.88 ± 1.05) and roughness (2.44 ± 1.01). The results from the questionnaires and focus groups' show low adequacy as to stiffness, roughness, and comfort. The participants highlighted the need for improvements regarding stiffness and comfort, suggesting new proposals for the development of sensors for clothing. The main conclusions are that Prototype A presented the lowest average scores relative to rigidity (1.56 ± 1.01), considered inadequate. This dimension of Prototype B was evaluated as slightly adequate (2.77 ± 0.83). The rigidity (1.88 ± 1.05) of Prototype A + B + embroidery was evaluated as inadequate. The prototype revealed clothing sensors with low adequacy regarding the physical requirements, such as stiffness or roughness. Improvements are needed regarding the stiffness and roughness for the safety and comfort characteristics of the device evaluated.

A three step protocol for the development of an innovative footwear (shoe and sensor based insole) to prevent diabetic foot ulceration.

Background: The incidence of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is increasing worldwide. Therapeutic footwear is usually recommended in clinical practice for preventing foot ulcers in persons with diabetes. The project Science DiabetICC Footwear aims to develop innovative footwear to prevent DFU, specifically a shoe and sensor-based insole, which will allow for monitoring pressure, temperature, and humidity parameters. Method: This study presents a three-step protocol for the development and evaluation of this therapeutic footwear, specifically: (i) a first observational study will specify the user requirements and contexts of use; (ii) after the design solutions were developed for shoe and insole, the semi-functional prototypes will be evaluated against the initial requirements; (iii) and a pre-clinical study protocol will enable the evaluation of the final functional prototype. The eligible diabetic participants will be involved in each stage of product development. The data will be collected using interviews, clinical evaluation of the foot, 3D foot parameters and plantar pressure evaluation. This three-step protocol was defined according to the national and international legal requirements, ISO norms for medical devices development, and was also reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E) of the Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC). Results: The involvement of end-users (diabetic patients) will enable the definition of user requirements and contexts of use to develop design solutions for the footwear. Those design solutions will be prototyped and evaluated by end-users to achieve the final design for therapeutic footwear. The final functional prototype will be evaluated in pre-clinical studies to ensure that the footwear meets all the requirements to move forward to clinical studies. Discussion: The three-step study outlined in this protocol will provide the necessary insights during the product development, ensuring this new therapeutic footwear's main functional and ergonomic features for DFU prevention.

Foot and Ankle Disorders in Nurses Exposed to Prolonged Standing Environments: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged standing environments constitute an occupational risk factor for nurses, particularly for developing foot and ankle disorders. The definitions and potential relationship to hours spent walking or standing are poorly understood. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the main disorders found on nurses' ankles and feet, their prevalence, the influence of hours spent walking or standing, and gender differences. METHODS: This review followed a previously published protocol. Primary and secondary studies were retrieved from relevant databases from December 2020 to March 2021. Potential articles were collated to Mendeley, and two independent reviewers assessed the title and abstracts. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were included. Two researchers retrieved and reviewed the full text of these studies independently. A predetermined extraction tool was used to retrieve relevant data, summarized in a tabular and narrative format. FINDINGS: The most common disorder was pain, followed by numbness, burning feet, bunions, structural deformities, and calluses. Prevalence differed among studies, depending on settings and specific local policies. Discussion: Various foot and ankle disorders and related variables have been found, with clear gaps that may be addressed in the future. CONCLUSION/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE:: Few studies have focused on nurses' foot and ankle disorders. Mapping signs and symptoms may contribute to the future development of preventive interventions for nurses' workplaces.

Nursing Interventions for Head and Neck Cancer Patients That Promote Embracement in the Operating Room/Surgery Unit: A Near-Empty Scoping Review.

Head and neck tumours are the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. They are hostile invasive neoplastic diseases that negatively impact individuals' functionality. The aim of this study was to map the nursing interventions to be carried out with head and neck cancer patients in preoperative nursing consultations. Given the study's aim, a scoping review was chosen based on the principles advocated by the Joanna Briggs Institute and using the CINAHL and Medline databases. The review was conducted in April and May 2021. Of the 56 articles obtained, only 1 met the inclusion criteria, indicating a gap in studies about head and neck cancer patients. Preoperative nursing consultations allow patients and family members to ask questions and voice concerns. The nursing intervention identified by the review included interviews, in which nurses explain the concepts related to the diagnosis, the procedures involved in the surgery, and the inherent consequences. Flyers containing images and photos can be used to facilitate interpretation.

Usabilidade teórica de um dispositivo inovador de reabilitação para doentes pós-enfarte: Estudo observacional com enfermeiros de reabilitação / Theoretical usability of an innovative device for post-infarction rehabilitation: Observational study with rehabilitation nurses / Usabilidad teórica de un dispositivo innovador para la rehabilitación posinfarto: Estudio observacional con enfermeros de rehabilitación

Resumo Enquadramento: Os programas de reabilitação cardíaca são fundamentais para a recuperação e manutenção da capacidade funcional em pessoas vítimas de enfarte agudo do miocárdio. Os programas atuais evidenciam taxas de abandono elevadas e requerem mais elementos geradores de motivação nos utilizadores. Objetivos: Avaliar e comparar a usabilidade de dois protótipos de um dispositivo de reabilitação inovador para doentes pós enfarte agudo do miocárdio. Metodologia: Estudo observacional quantitativo, utilizando uma escala do tipo Likert de 5 pontos numa amostra de 16 enfermeiros especialistas em reabilitação, selecionados através da técnica de amostragem "bola de neve". Resultados: A análise quantitativa revelou uma avaliação tridimensional dos protótipos com uma pontuação média de 4 valores, indicando usabilidade e intenção de uso. Ambos os protótipos foram considerados úteis, funcionais e fáceis de aprender e utilizar, observando-se poucas diferenças nas três dimensões. A facilidade de aprendizagem revelou-se mais consensual no protótipo Alfa. Conclusão: Os dois protótipos desenvolvidos alcançaram pontuações de usabilidade elevadas e são muito semelhantes, apresentando um forte potencial de eficácia no contexto desejado.

Abstract Background: Cardiac rehabilitation programs are essential for recovering and maintaining functional capacity in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Current programs have high dropout rates and require more motivational features. Objectives: To assess and compare the usability of two prototypes of an innovative rehabilitation device for post-infarction patients. Methodology: This is a quantitative observational study using a 5-point Likert-type scale with 16 nurse specialists in rehabilitation, selected through snowball sampling. Results: The quantitative analysis showed a three-dimensional assessment of the prototypes with mean scores of 4, indicating usability and intention to use. Both prototypes were considered useful, functional, and easy to learn and use, with few differences reported on the three dimensions. The ease of learning was more consensual in the Alpha prototype. Conclusion: The two developed prototypes present high usability scores and are very similar, demonstrating great potential for effectiveness in the intended context.

Resumen Marco contextual: Los programas de rehabilitación cardíaca son esenciales para la recuperación y el mantenimiento de la capacidad funcional de los pacientes que han sufrido un infarto agudo de miocardio. Los programas actuales tienen altas tasas de abandono y requieren más características de motivación. Objetivos: El estudio pretende cuantificar y comparar la usabilidad de dos prototipos de un dispositivo innovador para la rehabilitación de pacientes que han sufrido un infarto. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo observacional con enfermeros especialistas en rehabilitación, para lo cual se aplicó una escala tipo Likert de 5 puntos. Se reunieron 16 participantes con un método de muestreo por bola de nieve. Resultados: El análisis cuantitativo mostró una evaluación tridimensional de los prototipos con una puntuación media de 4, lo que denota la facilidad de uso y la intención de uso. Ambos prototipos se consideraron útiles, funcionales y fáciles de aprender y utilizar, con pocas diferencias en las tres dimensiones. La facilidad de aprendizaje se consensuó más en el prototipo alfa. Conclusión: Ambos prototipos desarrollados presentan altos valores de usabilidad y son muy similares, con gran potencial para ser efectivos en el contexto deseado.

Funcionalidade e aprendizagem de um dispositivo de reabilitação para doentes pós-enfarte: Perspetiva de enfermeiros de reabilitação / Functionality and learning of a post-infarction rehabilitation device: The perspective of rehabilitation nurses / Funcionalidad y aprendizaje de un dispositivo de rehabilitación para pacientes que han sufrido un infarto: Perspectiva de los enfermeros de rehabilitación

Resumo Enquadramento: A patologia cardiovascular constitui uma das principais causas de morte e incapacidade em Portugal. Para a promoção da recuperação funcional da pessoa, o desenvolvimento de dispositivos de reabilitação é uma prioridade importante. Objetivos: Descrever dois protótipos do Ablefit a nível da funcionalidade e aprendizagem para doentes pós-enfarte. Metodologia: Investigação qualitativa com recurso a grupos focais. Foram recrutados enfermeiros especialistas em reabilitação por amostragem de conveniência. Resultados: Foram incluídos 16 participantes no estudo. Os protótipos são funcionalmente distintos, possibilitando o beta maior variação de resistência e introdução de progressão a nível do programa de exercícios. A função de biofeedback introduzida posteriormente permite adaptação do programa e facilita o regresso a casa. A cicloergometria para membros inferiores incluída no alfa é uma vantagem significativa e deverá ser melhorada. Conclusão: O protótipo alfa apresenta menos características funcionais e facilidade de aprendizagem que o beta, sendo limitativo na modulação da resistência dos exercícios, bem como na incapacidade de monitorizar os parâmetros fisiológicos. Recomenda-se explorar a funcionalidade de biofeedback em futuros protótipos.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death and disability in Portugal. The development of rehabilitation devices is crucial for the promotion of functional recovery. Objectives: To describe the two Ablefit prototypes in terms of functionality and learning for post-infarction patients. Methodology: Qualitative research using focus groups. A convenience was composed of nurse specialists in rehabilitation. Results: The study included 16 participants. The prototypes are distinct in functionality: the beta allows for greater resistance variation and progressive exercise programs. The biofeedback feature allows adapting the program to the user and facilitates returning home. The cycloergometer for the lower limbs included in the alpha is a significant advantage and should be improved. Conclusion: The alpha prototype has fewer functional characteristics and lower ease of use than the beta, limiting the variety of exercise resistance and being incapable of monitoring physiological parameters. The biofeedback feature should be explored in future prototypes.

Resumen Marco contextual: La patología cardiovascular es una de las principales causas de muerte y discapacidad en Portugal. Para promover la recuperación funcional de la persona, el desarrollo de dispositivos de rehabilitación es una prioridad importante. Objetivos: Describir dos prototipos del Ablefit sobre la funcionalidad y el aprendizaje para pacientes que han sufrido un infarto. Metodología: Investigación cualitativa mediante grupos de discusión. Los enfermeros especializados en rehabilitación fueron seleccionados por muestreo de conveniencia. Resultados: Se incluyeron dieciséis participantes en el estudio. Los prototipos son funcionalmente diferentes, lo que permite a beta tener una mayor variación de resistencia e introducir la progresión en el programa de ejercicios. La función de biofeedback introducida posteriormente permite la adaptación del programa y facilita el regreso a casa. La cicloergometría para los miembros inferiores incluida en alfa es una ventaja significativa y debe mejorarse. Conclusión: El prototipo alfa tiene menos características funcionales y facilidad de aprendizaje que el beta, y es limitativo en la modulación de la resistencia a los ejercicios, así como en la incapacidad de monitorizar parámetros fisiológicos. Se recomienda explorar la funcionalidad de biofeedback en futuros prototipos.

Intergenerationality Programs-Between Children and Older Adults-For Portuguese Population: A Scoping Review.

The aging process is characterized by diverse and complex changes in the individual's various dimensions, requiring continuous adaptation. In this sense, this transition can be faced from an active aging standpoint through strategies such as intergenerationality programs/projects, resulting in an active social participation and valorization that is so important to life in society. This review aimed to map existing programs/projects to promote interaction between children and older adults in Portugal to understand the extent and type of evidence available. A scoping review was developed guided by the JBI methodology and using PRISMA-ScR. The studies included six programs/projects promoting intergenerationality identified in Portugal, focusing their actions on promoting active aging and preventing problems associated with aging. The evaluated dimensions along the implementation of these programs were in the cognitive, motor, emotional and communicational domains, including parameters such as self-esteem, self-confidence, self-worth, well-being, loneliness and depression. These programs/projects present themselves as potential senior mental health promoters. However, other dimensions have been evaluated during these programs'/projects' applications.

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.