Insomnia, Sleepiness, and Fatigue Among Polish Nurses.

Background: Sleep disorders can result in sleepiness, fatigue, and apathy, and may contribute to serious occupational consequences such as errors at work. The aim of the study was to examine the level of insomnia, sleepiness, and fatigue in a sample of Polish nurses. Methods: The research was conducted among nurses employed in the Lublin region of Poland. A sample of nurses were invited to participate in a survey in which we measured insomnia, sleepiness, and fatigue using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Findings: Among the 200 nurses that were surveyed, 141 (70.5%) responded. The findings indicated that a total of 47.8% of the surveyed nurses reported insomnia. Half (50.0%) exceeded the threshold for fatigue relative to the general population. Although no differences in fatigue and sleepiness were observed by level of insomnia between those who did and did not work night shift, we observed an overall correlation between insomnia (AIS) and sleepiness (ESS), as well as between insomnia (AIS) and fatigue (FSS). Conclusions/Application to practice: This sample of Polish nurses displayed problems with sleep quality. The consequences of insomnia and fatigue challenge occupational health workers to go beyond traditional care and standard diagnostic tests. Undertaking preventive measures aimed at reducing health hazards, and the risk of making a mistake at work due to increased sleepiness and fatigue, in nurses are warranted.

A Multicenter Study on the Early Assessment of Functional Capacity of Patients With Brain Tumor After Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Brain tumors pose a great therapeutic problem as they cause the impairment of basic vital functions and disability of various levels. The goal of this research was to describe and compare the functional capacity of patients in an early period after surgical treatment of brain tumor. METHODS: This multicenter study includes 165 patients who underwent surgical treatment of brain tumor, hospitalized on neurosurgical wards in Poland. The research was based on the assessment of patients' functional capacity measured with the Functional Capacity Scale (FCS). The patients were examined twice: first, on the day of admission and, second, on the day of discharge. Patient FCS scores were compared with the scores obtained using the Karnofsky Performance Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: The mean FCS score was 43.72 points on the day of admission and 43.07 points on the day of discharge from hospital (P > .05). The FCS was correlated with age (r = 0.373, P < .001) and consciousness level (r = -0.418, P < .001). A high correlation (P < .001) was found between the scales used for the assessment of functional capacity (r = 0.68-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients showed independence in terms of functional capacity on the day of discharge. Significant factors influencing patient functional capacity are age and level of consciousness. The use of the FCS allows for an accurate assessment of the functional condition of a patient and correlates with the Karnofsky Performance Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale.

Evaluation of motor efficiency with respect to self-care of neurological patients.

Based on the data obtained from the individual measurements, progress was noted in locomotor and self-service activities. In the experimental group, patients who were immobilized during the initial stage of the study, regained independence to a considerable extent to the end of the study--more so in Group E (experimental), compared to Group K (control). Non-significant differences were noted between the two groups in the values concerning self-service independence; however, the effects were higher in Group E, and the differences indicated by means of the test function remained on the level of significance p = 0.001.

Health education in circulatory system diseases--cerebral strokes.

Cerebral stroke usually affects people over 60, however, it becomes increasingly more frequent among the younger population. Early mobilization and preparation of a patient for self-service by the encouragement to active participation in washing, using the toilet, eating, dressing, etc. is of the utmost importance in preventing complications and regaining independence. The main educational tasks concerning patients who have undergone cerebral stroke are, among others, life style, locomotor activity, nutrition, elimination of alcohol and cigarette smoking as well as patients' abilities to cope with stress. The scale presents the level of health education of patients after stroke.

Effect of nursing care on self-care efficiency of patients with hemiparesis.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of a nurse in rehabilitation of patients with hemiparesis. The study covered 60 patients--21 males and 39 females, aged 39-65, who underwent cerebral stroke and retained good verbal contact. While the patients were performing various instrumental-manual activities they were trained for self-care activities, and the effects were analysed. Self-care activities included hygienic activities and control of the body functions, such as: control of cardiovascular parameters, consumption of meals, control of sphincter muscles, prevention of muscular contractures and atrophy, as well as bed-sores and hemi-neglect syndrome. At Stage 1 of the study a considerable percentage of patients (approx. 50%) represented a lower category of self-care, while at Stage 2 the greatest number of patients attained a higher category (approx. 73.0%). In general, a considerable increase was noted in the percentage of patients who were efficient with respect to self-care, i.e. by 23.0%.

Regaining functional independence by neurological patients.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nursing care on the process of regaining functional independence by neurological patients. The study covered 80 patients--28 males and 52 females, aged 39-67. The data concerning patients were collected by means of a questionnaire and observation. The results obtained were expressed as a definite number of scores on the Neurological Patient's Functional Independence Scale developed by the author. The study was conducted twice among the same patients.

The study of the level of self-care among neurological patients.

The assumption of the study was to show the differences in shaping self-care by patients in two different models of nursing: traditional and modern (nursing process). In Group E self-care efficiency increased from the initial value of 10.02 to 31.13 in the third measurement, i.e. over three times, whereas in Group C--from 9.93 to 19.15 i.e., it was nearly twice as high. Only positive effects of changes were observed in both groups which consisted of patients attaining higher categories of self-care.

Shaping of psycho-social independence in neurological patients.

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of psycho-social independence among neurological patients. The study was conducted by means of the Neurological Patients' Psycho-Social Independence Scale developed by the author, and covered 120 patients--51 males and 69 females aged 21-72; unmarried--34 and married--86, with the level of education: elementary--33, secondary school--79 and university--8; who had cerebral stroke--67, multiple sclerosis--31, radicular syndrome--22. During the first stage of the study psycho-social independence remained primarily on the medium level with respect to the knowledge concerning life style, apart from the consumption of alcohol, strong tea and coffee, the patients showing a good knowledge of this problem prior to the implementation of the education programme. With respect to skills and the remaining psycho-social aspects (motivation, self-acceptance, social functioning, intellectual efficiency) the respondents represented primarily a very high or high level during the second study. Unfortunately, a considerable number of patients still showed a medium or low level. Population who represented a very high and high levels of psycho-social independence, increased by 25.0%.