Nurse Educator's experiences and challenges with online teaching: A qualitative descriptive study.

Introduction: During the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, many educational institutions faced the challenge of providing and implementing online education. Despite this challenge, most adopted online education systems to ensure that the teaching and learning process continued. This study aimed to explore nursing educators' experiences related to adopting online-only teaching during the (COVID-19) pandemic, providing nursing students with the best learning experiences, and preparing faculty members to teach online. Method: This qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews from June 2020 to September 2020. Using purposive sampling, 12 nursing educators in Saudi Arabia who taught university courses online during COVID-19 were recruited. They were selected based on their teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate degree nursing programs. Results: Thematic analysis revealed an overarching theme-faculty challenges-and three sub-themes-emotional, technical, and educational challenges. Secondary sub-themes comprised four challenges that the nursing faculty faced-using online platforms, accessibility, cheating, and dealing with students' clinical practice-which were found to be interconnected and interrelated. Discussion: Most nursing educators had to shift to online distance teaching suddenly; thus, they faced several challenges related to online teaching, e-learning literacy, classroom management, and connectivity as they transitioned to digitalization. To address these issues, this study recommends that university management organize training programs for educators to help them more effectively conduct online classes. These findings will be valuable for universities, policymakers, designers, and producers to enhance the implementation of their e-learning systems.

Nurses' Attitudes and Factors Affecting Use of Electronic Health Record in Saudi Arabia.

(1) Background: Nurses' attitudes toward electronic health records (EHRs) is a very valuable issue that needs to be evaluated, understood, and considered one of the main factors that can lead to its improvement or handicap its implementation. This study aimed to assess nurses' attitudes toward EHRs and associated factors that affect the implementation of EHRs in different hospitals in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was utilized to collect data from 297 nurses working in public hospitals and primary healthcare centers in Ha'il Province from January to May 2023. Data were collected using the Nurses' Attitudes Towards Computerization questionnaire and a sociodemographic and work-related characteristics sheet. (3) Results: Most of the participants' attitude scores (81.1%, n = 241) were more than or equal to 60, representing positive attitudes, whereas 18.9% (n = 56) of the nurses' scores were less than 60, which is interpreted as negative attitudes. There was a significant relationship between nurses' attitudes toward EHRs and a participants' sex, where males had a more positive attitude than females (p < 0.001). Particularly, young nurses and those who had previous computer experience had a more positive attitude than older nurses and those who had no computer experience (p = 0.044 and < 0.001, respectively). Saudi nurses holding a master's degree had significantly more positive attitudes toward EHRs than non-Saudi nurses holding a bachelor's or diploma degree (p = 0.007 and 0.048, respectively). Nurses with less experience (less than five years) in the nursing field had a significantly positive attitude. Multiple linear regression showed that sex (p = 0.038), level of education (p = 0.001), and previous computer experience (p < 0.001) were independent factors of nurses' knowledge of EHRs. (4) Conclusion: The majority of nurses had positive overall attitudes toward using EHRs. Nurses who are Saudi nationals, male, younger, have previous computer experience, and have less than five years of experience had a more positive attitude toward EHRs than nurses who are non-Saudi, female, older, have no computer experience, have bachelor's or diploma degree, and have less than five years of experience, respectively. Sex, education level, and previous computer experience were independent factors of nurses' knowledge of EHRs.

The Lived Experiences of Nurses Caring for Patients With COVID-19 in Arabian Gulf Countries: A Multisite Descriptive Phenomenological Study.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies worldwide have explored nurses' experiences of caring for COVID-19 patients in various healthcare settings. However, these studies were conducted in context, culture, and healthcare systems that differ greatly from the Arabian Gulf context. This descriptive phenomenological study aimed to understand nurses' lived experiences caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Arabian Gulf countries. Individual virtual interviews were conducted with 36 nurses from five countries and were analyzed using Giorgi's methodology. Four main themes were identified: (1) living with doubts, (2) living through the chaos of challenges, (3) moving toward professional resilience, and (4) reaching the maximum level of potential. The findings from this study hopefully will guide health organizations in this region in developing strategies and policies to support and prepare nurses for future outbreaks.

Quality of Life in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from a range of physical, psychological, and social problems. The disease affects the quality of life (QOL) of the affected person. Several factors contribute to QOL, and these factors should be examined to develop appropriate strategies. This study aimed to determine the factors related to QOL in patients with PD. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a tool with strong validity and reliability (39-Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)) to assess the quality of life. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and non-parametric chi-square tests were applied to evaluate the relationship between QOL and the variables. Frequent hospital admissions, level of education, and marital status were among the factors that affected QOL. The ability to perform Ramadan fasting correlated with the degree of QOL. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected the quality of life due to changes in access to medical care and medications. To improve QOL in patients with PD, a comprehensive approach is required in many healthcare domains that includes physiotherapy together with the conventional pharmacotherapy, other treatments, and psychological support.

Patient activation, adherence to hypertension treatment plans and blood pressure control in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between patient activation, adherence to hypertension treatment plans, blood pressure control and other important demographic factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Primary healthcare centres in Riyadh province, Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 114 adults with hypertension, including 68 men and 46 women. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Blood pressure control is achieved if (a) patients under 80 years of age with treated hypertension have blood pressure under 140/90 mm Hg or (b) patients aged 80 years or over with treated hypertension have blood pressure under 150/90 mm Hg. Secondary outcomes included patient activation, adherence to hypertension treatment plans and demographic factors (age, gender, education, income and comorbidity). Data were analysed using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression models. RESULTS: 57% (n=66) of participants did not achieve the ideal blood pressure target. Perfect adherence to hypertension treatment plans was significantly associated with lower systolic (r=-0.38, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.50, p<0.01). Age was significantly correlated with patient activation (r=-0.20, p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.33, p<0.01). There was no statistically significant association between Patient Activation Measure, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. In the hierarchical regression analysis, adherence to hypertension treatment plans was found to be a significant predictor and explained 15% of the variance in systolic blood pressure (ß=-0.36, p<0.001) and 26% of the variance in diastolic blood pressure (ß=-0.51, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The individual and family self-management theory can serve as an effective theory for understanding the key factors in achieving ideal blood pressure target. The majority of patients with hypertension reported lower levels of activation and poor blood pressure control. Inadequate adherence to treatment plans was related to poor blood pressure control. This work is pivotal in devising self-management interventions to assist patients in the management of hypertension disease, especially in Saudi Arabia.

Modification, Translation, and Psychometric Testing of the Arabic Version of the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience.

BACKGROUND: This paper aimed to describe the modification, translation, and psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE). METHODS: This study included the following phases: modification of the original BES-CPE based on the qualitative findings from a previous study; translation and back-translation of the scale; evaluation of the content validity by experts from Saudi Arabia; evaluation of the internal consistency reliability; and other psychometric properties of the Arabic BES-CPE. RESULT: The results demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties. The Cronbach' s alpha ranged from 0.68 to 0.92. CONCLUSION: The Arabic BES-CPE is a promising tool that can be used to assess Saudi nursing students' sense of belonging. However, testing the tool with other undergraduate nursing students in a different context is recommended.

Saudi nursing students' graduate program experiences from reality shock to reaching desired outcomes: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Graduate students across disciplines encounter countless academic, social, individual, and financial challenges. Research in nursing has shown that nursing students have trouble during their graduate studies. However, this phenomenon has not yet been explored in Saudi Arabia. PURPOSE: To explore the obstacles faced by graduate nursing students; assess the effects of these difficulties on their academic, social, and psychological life; determine how the students overcame these challenges; and recognize their needs throughout the graduate program. METHODS: We used a qualitative descriptive method to interview 14 graduate nursing students from various graduate programs in Saudi Arabia. All interviews were conducted on Zoom platform and were audio recorded. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The findings revealed that graduate nursing students went through three particular stages during the program. These were reality shock, accepting challenges, and reaching desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings will help decision makers in supporting and designing programs that facilitate graduate students' experiences. It will also help in improving the quality of graduate programs, by attracting and retaining more Saudis to pursue their graduate studies.

Self-compassion influences the caring behaviour and compassion competence among saudi nursing students: A multi-university study.

AIM: This research investigated the perceptions of Saudi nursing students regarding self-compassion and examined its influence on their caring behaviour and compassion competence. DESIGN: This is a quantitative and cross-sectional study. METHODS: This multiuniversity study surveyed a convenience sample of 961 nursing using the Self-compassion Scale, Compassion Competence Scale and Caring Behavior Inventory-16 version. Standard multiple analysis was performed separately for caring behaviour and compassion competence as dependent variables. For both models, the self-compassion dimensions and the demographic variables were considered predictor variables. RESULTS: The students reported their self-compassion moderately, with mindfulness receiving the highest mean and self-judgment receiving the lowest mean. Significant differences were observed on self-compassion of students between universities. Caring behaviour and compassion competence were also rated moderately by the students. "Self-kindness" and "common humanity" were identified as significant predictors of caring behaviour, whereas "self-kindness," "self-judgment," "common humanity" and "mindfulness" were significant predictors of compassion competence.

The Compassion Competence Scale Arabic version: A validation study among student nurses and interns in Saudi Arabia.

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of the Compassion Competence Scale Arabic version for Saudi nursing students and interns. BACKGROUND: Compassion is an essential element of quality health care in which training nursing students to deliver compassionate care is important. Assessment of compassion competence of Arabic-speaking nursing students requires a valid and reliable tool. DESIGN: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. METHODS: This investigation was conducted from April to May 2019 in two universities in Saudi Arabia involving nursing students and interns. Cultural adaptation was performed using a forward-backward translation method. Content validity and construct validity through exploratory factor analysis were established. Internal consistency, stability and reliability were also determined for the scale. RESULTS: The Arabic version has an excellent content validity. The exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor solution that accounts for 50.62% of the scale's variance. The Cronbach's alpha of the scale was 0.806, whereas the Cronbach's alpha of the subscales ranged from 0.739 to 0.797. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the two-week test-retest scores was 0.84. The university, gender, year level and family type predicted the students' compassion competence. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version can be used to measure Arabic-speaking nursing students' compassion competence in clinical areas.

Perceptions of Media's Contribution Toward Stigmatization of Mental Health by Saudi Arabian Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Public often obtains mental health information from mass media and Saudi Arabia is characterized by high media penetration. Fictional and nonfictional media dramatize, trivialize, and misrepresent characteristics and needs of clients who need mental health care and may create and reinforce existing stigma. This pattern of stigma may adversely affect mental health care clients, practitioners, education, and programs. Portrayal of mental illness and opportunities for care in Saudi Arabia need development. OBJECTIVE: This study examined Saudi graduate nurses' perceptions of stigma created by mass media and influence on public perceptions of mental health issues and use of these views to formulate ways to effect changes in mental health care availability and delivery. METHOD: Participants included 18 graduate practicing female mental health nurses at King Saud University School of Nursing. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews and analyzed using NVivo 10.1 software for thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The core theme that emerged was "stigma in media," which in turn had five subthemes: (a) media portrayal, (b) mass media, (c) social stigma, and (d) mental health care services. CONCLUSION: This inquiry may be helpful in enabling development of stigma-reduction programs by shedding light on the role of mass media in forming normative behavior and attitudes toward mental illness in Saudi culture.

Saudi female nursing students experiences of sense of belonging in the clinical settings: A qualitative study.

Many studies have reported that nursing students' sense of belonging during their clinical experiences is essential to their motivation to learn. This study was conducted to learn more about the meaning of sense of belonging, the consequences of sense of belonging, and the factors that affect Saudi female nursing students' sense of belonging in clinical settings. Using interpretive description methodology, the data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 16 students about their sense of belonging in clinical settings. It was conducted in three baccalaureate nursing programs in government institutions in Saudi Arabia. Each interview was audiotaped, transcribed verbatim in Arabic, and translated into English, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results indicated that participation in patient care, a welcoming environment, English language skills, the nationality of nursing staff, and acceptance by nursing staff, patients, and other health care professionals are some of the factors that affect Saudi female nursing students' sense of belonging in clinical settings. The findings may contribute to the creation and support of more effective clinical learning situations for nursing students in Saudi Arabia, improving the quality of their educational experiences and retaining them in the nursing profession.

Nursing Education Challenges from Saudi Nurse Educators' and Leaders' Perspectives: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Aim To explore the challenges in nursing education in Saudi Arabia from nurse educators' and leaders' perspectives. Background Saudi Arabia considerably lacks Saudi nurses and most nurses in Saudi healthcare facilities are expatriates with diverse academic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. The perception regarding nurses' profession and their low status in Saudi Arabia affect the nursing profession negatively, leading to staff insufficiency. Understanding the difficulties of the nursing profession could help intervene accordingly, in encouraging students to pursue a career in nursing. Methods An exploratory qualitative method was used. Three Saudi nursing educators and four leaders were interviewed. They were recruited through purposive sampling. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings Participants indicated that nursing education in Saudi Arabia is facing multiple challenges requiring serious attention from Saudi leaders. The challenges were divided to four themes and different categories; cultural challenges, educational challenges, organizational challenges (weak nursing authority, lack of acknowledgement for Saudi nurses), and work challenges (poor working environment, language barrier). Discussion The challenges that face nursing education in Saudi Arabia were mainly at three levels: management, system, and social. These challenges were the reasons for Saudi nurses to leave the profession. Conclusion This study revealed some of the challenges facing nursing education in Saudi Arabia. These challenges are not unique to Saudi Arabia but knowing about these challenges will help nurse educators and leaders to improve nursing programs, enhance students' clinical experiences, and promote nursing profession in Saudi Arabia.

Minicraniotomy for standard temporal lobectomy: a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Introduction. The common surgical approach for standard temporal lobectomy is a question-mark skin incision and a frontotemporal craniotomy. Herein, we describe minicraniotomy approach through a linear skin incision for standard temporal lobectomy. Methods. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted for a group of consecutive 21 adult patients (group I) who underwent minicraniotomy for standard temporal lobectomy utilizing a linear skin incision. This group was compared to a consecutive 17 adult patients (group II) who previously underwent a reverse question-mark skin incision and standard frontotemporal craniotomy. Results. The mean age was 29 and 23 for groups I and II, respectively. The mean estimated blood loss was 190 mL and 280 mL in groups I and II, respectively (P = 0.019). Three patients in group II developed chronic postcraniotomy headache compared to none in group I. Cosmetic outcome was excellent in group I while 4 patients in group II developed disfiguring depression at lateral sphenoid wing and anterior temple. In group I 17 out of 21 became seizure-free at one-year followup. Conclusion. Minicraniotomy through a linear skin incision is a sufficient surgical approach for effective standard temporal lobectomy and it has an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Histopathological effects of radiosurgery on a human trigeminal nerve.

BACKGROUND: Radiosurgery is a well-established treatment modality for medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia. The exact mechanism of pain relief after radiosurgery is not clearly understood. Histopathology examination of the trigeminal nerve in humans after radiosurgery is rarely performed and has produced controversial results. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report on a 45-year-old female who received radiosurgery treatment for trigeminal neuralgia by Cyberknife. A 6-mm portion of the cisternal segment of trigeminal nerve received a dose of 60 Gy. The clinical benefit started 10 days after therapy and continued for 8 months prior to a recurrence of her previous symptoms associated with mild background pain. She underwent microvascular decompression and partial sensory root sectioning. Atrophied trigeminal nerve rootlets were grossly noted intraoperatively under surgical microscope associated with changes in trigeminal nerve color to gray. A biopsy from the inferolateral surface of the nerve proximal to the midcisternal segment showed histological changes in the form of fibrosis and axonal degeneration. CONCLUSION: This case study supports the evidence of histological damage of the trigeminal nerve fibers after radiosurgery therapy. Whether or not the presence and degree of nerve damage correlate with the degree of clinical benefit and side effects are not revealed by this study and need to be explored in future studies.

Carotid artery occlusion by rhinoorbitocerebral mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis is the third most common invasive fungal infection that particularly occurs in immunocompromised patients. Intracranial and extracranial arteriovenous vasculopathy is a complication that makes this disease more complex and difficult to treat. We describe a 23-year-old female, who presented to her local hospital with acute blindness and diabetic ketoacidosis-induced coma requiring intensive care treatment. She was found to have lesions in the nasal sinuses, orbit, and frontal base. The left carotid artery was occluded from its origin in the neck to the supraclinoid segment and left cavernous sinus involvement. No cerebral infarction was noted. Biopsies obtained by endonasal debridement confirmed mucormycosis. In addition to antimicrobial therapy, she underwent several multidisciplinary approaches to treat her disease. Multiple endonasal, and cranial procedures were done including bilateral orbital exenteration. After prolonged treatment on the intensive care unit she made a remarkable recovery to the point where she was communicating verbally and had normal limb movements and later discharged home. She remained alive and well for two months, but later succumbed to a recurrence of her disease. In conclusion, mucormycosis-induced vasculopathy is a complex problem, which merits aggressive treatment of this invasive disease. It is normally regarded as an indicator of grave prognosis.