Relationship between autonomy and moral distress in emergency nurses.

Reducing nurses' autonomy can impair their decision-making and ability for appropriate interventions. Lowered independence hinders ethical reasoning, which may lead to moral distress. This descriptive correlation study investigates the relationship between professional independence and moral distress in 173 nurses working in emergency departments in Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected using questionnaires designed to assess professional autonomy and moral distress and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics via the SPSS 13 software. The level of professional autonomy among emergency nurses was low (83.2±16.9), and moral distress, moderate (7.43±3.52). A statistically significant negative relationship was reported between professional independence and the frequency of moral distress (p=0.018). Bivariate analysis related professional autonomy with the frequency and intensity of moral distress. Multiple regression analysis showed that age significantly predicted moral distress (frequency, intensity, and total scores). Lack of autonomy hinders nurses from functioning effectively and efficiently in practice and even can lead to moral distress. Increasing professional independence and the use of experienced nurses as mentors in emergency settings to support younger nurses can help with the reduction of moral distress.

Effectiveness of Text Messaging and Face to Face Training on Improving Knowledge and Quality of Life of Patients undergoing Hemodialysis: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis is lower; to improve their living conditions, patients need further training. This study conducted to compare the effectiveness of two methods of text messaging and face to face education on knowledge and quality of life of patients under hemodialysis. Methods: Undergoing in a clinical trial study, 60 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Sina-teaching hospital of Tabriz, Iran were selected by convenience sampling and randomly allocated into three groups: two intervention groups: text massaging (P=20), face to face group (n=20) and one control group (n=20). Their knowledge and quality of life were assessed and compared by Chronic Hemodialysis Knowledge Survey (CHeKS) and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-short form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13. Results: After intervention, the knowledge of text messaging and face to face groups were significantly more than the control group, but the quality of life scores after intervention had not any significant difference among the three groups. Intra-group comparisons showed that quality of life in face to face group have been significantly increased. Conclusion: Text messaging and face to face teaching were effective on improving knowledge of patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, the effectiveness of these methods on quality of life needs further evaluations in different setting for longer times in hemodialysis patients.

Relationship between Sleep, Pain and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as a progressive chronic auto-immune disease. Measurement of inflammatory markers are applied for follow up the activity of disease. So determining factors that effects these markers such as sleep and pain can help to prevent the severity of disease. The aim of study was to determine the relationship between sleep disorders, pain and inflammatory markers in patients with RA. Methods: Participants included 210 patients with RA referred to educational medical clinics of Imam Reza and Sina in Tabriz selected by convenience sampling. They were assessed by Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SDQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) also applied for pain measurement. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver.13 by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Most of participants (74%) were female, the mean age of participants was 48.41 years. The mean (SD) of sleepiness was 13.14 (5.6) and pain 6.09 (2.14). Significant relationship obtained between sleep disorders and pain. As well as sleep problems had significant relation with CRP. Also pain had significant correlation with inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Sleep pattern in RA appears to be disrupted by pain. Pain severity and sleep problems can predict increasing inflammatory markers that can be a clues of intensity of disease. So relieving pain and improved sleep can decrease the intensity of disease.

The Effects of Oral Cryotherapy on Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Patients Undergoing Autologous Transplantation of Blood Stem Cells: A Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis is one of the irritating side effects of chemotherapy in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. However, up until now, the common methods of oral mucositis therapy have failed to show significant effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of local cryotherapy on the intensity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in autologous bone marrow transplantation patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single, blinded, randomized clinical trial, 29 patients undergoing stem cell transplantation in Iran were selected by convenience sampling, and randomly allocated to control (n = 13) and intervention groups (n = 16). In the intervention group, cryotherapy was applied, while the control group received a normal saline mouthwash. The severity of the mucositis and neutrophil rate were investigated in five periods, based on the world health organization (WHO) scales. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression. RESULTS: In both groups, the mucositis reached its peak intensity on the 7th day, and the least intensity was obtained on the 21st day. The neutrophil rate reached the minimum value on the 7th day, then increased up to the 21st day. The two groups showed no significant differences between the mucositis severity on the 14th and 21st days (P = 0.164), while the severity of the mucositis in the cryotherapy group was significantly less than that in the saline mouthwash group (1.81 < 2.54 and 0.13 < 0.92, respectively) on the 7th and 14th days (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the neutrophil rate between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that cryotherapy is more effective than the saline mouthwash in reducing the severity of mucositis. This method is recommended for the prevention of mucositis in bone marrow transplantation.

Relationship between Sleep Disorders, Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis as one of the most common autoimmune diseases is known to be one of the leading causes of disability. Sleep disorders have direct influence on patient's life. According to studies, sleep problems are known to have negative impact on well-being and functioning, but the exact nature of relationship between sleep disorders and Rheumatoid arthritis is not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep disorders, pain and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHODS: In a descriptive -correlative study, 210 patients with rheumatoid arthritis referred to Tabriz medical university clinics selected by convenience sampling and were assessed by Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SDQ), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS-13 by descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean (SD) and inferential statistics including Spearman correlation analysis, linear regression, χ(2),t-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 48.41(12.92) years in which most of them (74%) were female. The mean (SD) quality of life was 40.51(22.94), sleepiness 13.14 (5.6) and pain 6.09 (2.14). There was significant negative relationship between some sleep disorders such as (naps, apnea, asphyxia,…) and pain with quality of life but pain severity had more effect on QOL compared to sleep problems. Furthermore, participants had low quality of life with more restriction in physical (mean=34.71) and general health (mean=34.42). CONCLUSION: Sleep problems and pain were associated with poor quality of life in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.

Effects of a self-care education program on quality of life of patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Gastrectomy affects different aspects of functionality and impacts on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with gastric cancer. The importance of appropriate assessment of QoL in cancer patients is well established, yet strategies that help improve this important patient outcome are relatively scarce. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a brief self-care education program to improve QoL of gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy. METHODS: Using a randomized controlled trial, 59 patients with gastric cancer and candidate for gastrectomy were randomly assigned either to an intervention group (n = 31) to participate in a brief self-care education program or to a usual-care group (n = 28). Data were collected on patient demographics, and QoL was measured by the QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-STO22 at baseline and 1 month after gastrectomy. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant between-group differences in any subscales of the QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-STO22. However, participants in the brief self-care education program showed significant improvements from baseline in the global health status-QoL scale (t = 2.243, 𝘗 < .05), experience of pain (t = 2.508, 𝘗 < .05), constipation (t = 2.773, 𝘗 < .05), and the experience of dysphagia at the follow-up assessment. LIMITATIONS: This study is likely to be underpowered to show differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: A brief self-care education program was not sufficient to significantly improve the quality of life patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy.

Effectiveness of the clinical teaching associate model to improve clinical learning outcomes: a randomized controlled trial.

This study examined the effectiveness of the clinical teaching associate (CTA) model to improve clinical learning outcomes in nursing students. Students were randomly allocated to either the CTA (n = 28) or traditional training group (n = 32), and their clinical knowledge, skills, and satisfaction with the learning experience were assessed and compared. The results showed that the CTA model was equally effective in improving clinical knowledge, skills, and satisfaction of nursing students.

Impact of guided reciprocal peer questioning on nursing students' self-esteem and learning.

BACKGROUND: Self-esteem is essential for clinical judgments. Nursing students in clinical environments should make a bridge between theoretical education and clinical function. This study was aimed to survey the effect of guided questioning in peer groups on nursing students' self-esteem and clinical learning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, all nursing students in semester 4 (60) were selected. The autumn semester students (n = 28) were chosen as the control group, and the spring semester students (n = 32) as the experimental group. The experimental group underwent the course of cardiac medical surgical training by the Guided Reciprocal Peer Questioning. The control group was trained by lecture. After confirmation of the validity and reliability of tools including Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the researcher-made questionnaire, data were collected and analyzed by SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: There was no significant difference concerning demographic and educational characteristics between the two groups. Mean score differences of self-esteem and learning were not significant before teaching, while they were significantly promoted after teaching in the experimental (P < 0.001) and control (P < 0.05) groups. Promotion in the experimental group was more considerable than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: As revealed by the results, inquiry method, due to its more positive impact on self-esteem and students' learning, can be applied alone or in combination with the other methods. Conducting this study for other students and for theoretical courses is suggested.

Effect of educational program on quality of life of patients with heart failure: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases which decrease the quality of life. Most of the factors influencing the quality of life can be modified with educational interventions. Therefore, this study examined the impact of a continuous training program on quality of life of patients with heart failure. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted during May to August 2011. Forty four participants with heart failure referred to Shahid Madani's polyclinics of Tabriz were selected through convenient sampling method and were randomly allocated to two groups. The intervention group (n = 22) received ongoing training including one-to-one teaching, counseling sessions and phone calls over 3 months. The control group (n = 22) received routine care program. Data on quality of life was collected using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire at baseline as well as three months later. RESULTS: The statistical tests showed significant differences in the physical, emotional dimensions and total quality of life in intervention group. But in control group, no significant differences were obtained. There was not any significant association in demographic characteristics and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Ongoing training programs can be effective in improving quality of life of patients with heart failure. Hence applying ongoing educational program as a non-pharmacological intervention can help to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Quality of sleep and its relationship to quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Despite many advances in the treatment of chronic renal failure, the quality of sleep in patients who suffer from this disease is at the risk. The high prevalence of sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients, which is concomitant with physical, behavioral, and psychological problems, has always affected these patients' quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to determine the relationship between quality of sleep and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: By using a descriptive and correlational design, this study was conducted on 245 hemodialysis patients in 2012. Patients were selected by convenience sampling from the hemodialysis ward of four training hospitals of Tabriz and Maragheh. Quality of sleep was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the quality of life for patients was measured by the Kidney Disease Quality Of Life questionnaire (KDQOL-SF). RESULTS: 83.3% of hemodialysis patients had poor quality of sleep. Poor quality of life was significantly associated with poor quality of sleep. There was a significant negative correlation between global PSQI and important aspects of quality of life including physical health, symptoms and problems, the impact of kidney disease on daily life, burden of kidney disease, mental health, social support, and sexual function. CONCLUSION: The low quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients has an effect on the deterioration of their quality of life. Therefore, training, counseling, and advocacy programs should be developed to improve the patients' quality of sleep and quality of life, especially those with lower education level and income, and older people.

Impact of patient-controlled analgesia on pain relief after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Pain has been pointed out as one of the concerns of cardiac surgery patients. Acute pain management has been a challenge for health professionals and several regiments have been described. We designed this study to evaluate the effectiveness of pain control with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) versus conventional nurse-controlled analgesia (NCA) during the postoperative period in the intensive care unit (ICU) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 80 elective CABG candidates were selected by convenience sampling. They were randomly allocated to two groups to receive either PCA or NCA. PCA plus continuous infusion of morphine started immediately after transferring the patients to the ICU. NCA was based on intravenous injections of morphine on demand. Pain was assessed using a verbal rating scale (VRS). Sedation level and morphine consumption were also evaluated from extubation until 48 hours after surgery. Data was analyzed using SPSS13. RESULTS: VRS scores were higher in the NCA group compared to the PCA group [3.27 (1.17) vs. 0.75 (0.66); p < 0.001]. Morphine consumption was significantly higher in the PCA group compared to the NCA group [28.43 (7.15) mg vs. 8.37 (5.36) mg; p < 0.001]. PCA was safe and respiratory depression was not observed in any of the subjects. Mean sedation scores did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: PCA with background infusion of morphine increases morphine consumption and improves pain relief. It appears to be superior to NCA and can be recommended for patients after CABG surgery.

Nurse's Perception of Stressors Associated with Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery has many physiological, psychological, emotional, growth and spiritual potential consequences due to stress. Identifying and understanding the nature of stress can help nurses in controlling and reducing it. However, few studies have been conducted to identify the stressors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine nurses' perceptions of patients' stressors associated with coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: During a two month investigation, qualified nurses (n = 68) of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass were selected on the third to fifth day after surgery. With the use of Revised Cardiac Surgery Stressors Scale (RCSSS), interpersonal, intrapersonal and extrapersonal stressors were determined. RESULTS: The findings showed that the most interpersonal, intrapersonal and extrapersonal stressors were; "the need to have cardiac surgery", "death due to illness or surgery", "needing assistance with various activities", "doctors and nurses discussing about other patients", "having chest tube" and "Payment of hospital and medical bills". CONCLUSION: Identification of stressors in patients with coronary artery bypass graft helps nurses in taking better care of them. It would make a better ground for the officials and practitioners towards managing the stressors, especially interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors. Thereby patients are helped to cope with stressors.