Associations between cognitive function and lifestyle in community-living older people: a correlational study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have examined relationship between cognitive function and lifestyle; however, the nature of this relationship is expected to vary in diverse cultural and low-income setting where lifestyle practices differ from those in high-income countries. AIM: This study aims to investigate the correlation between lifestyle factors and cognitive function among individuals aged 60 years and older in 2021. METHODS: This cross-sectional, Community-based study involved 300 older adults from comprehensive urban health centers in Khorramabad, Iran, selected through stratified cluster sampling. Data were collected using the demographic information questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Lifestyle Questionnaire. Data management and analysis were performed using SPSS (version 22) and independent t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were used. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study included 156 males (52%) and 144 females (48%). Findings revealed a significant correlation between cognitive function and lifestyle (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that physical health, environmental health, exercise, accident prevention, and avoidance of medication exerted the most significant positive effect on cognitive function. Conversely, social health exhibited a notable negative influence on cognitive function. (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that specific aspects of lifestyle, such as physical health, accident prevention, and avoidance of medication are associated with cognitive function in older adults. Consequently, lifestyle promotion programs may enhance cognitive function and improve the quality of life among older adults.

Students' experience of interpersonal interactions quality in e-Learning: A qualitative research.

BACKGROUND: Online Interaction is a critical characteristic of distance learning, and effective online communication models empower students. PURPOSE: This research aimed to explain students' experiences on the quality of interpersonal interactions in e-learning. METHOD: This study was conducted from November 2021 to October 2022. The qualitative descriptive design via conventional content analysis was utilized. Purposeful and maximum variation methods recruited sixteen participants from three medical science universities in Iran. The data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face, or online interviews. Interviews were recorded through a digital recorder, and analysis was achieved simultaneously with data collection using Graneheim and Lundman (2004). The Lincoln and Guba criteria, including credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability, were used to improve the trustworthiness of the findings. RESULTS: The results indicated the importance of different dimensions related to teaching-learning. It seems crucial to develop a comfortable and safe environment to improve interpersonal interactions. Educators should be provided with pedagogical skills to support interactions. In addition, focusing on some learners' soft skills is also vital. In addition to the significance of the teacher's inclusive role, the educational content must have critical standards. Constructive feedback and the proper use of simultaneous and non-simultaneous communication tools and social networks are other important issues in strengthening interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, comprehensive and ongoing support of learners improves the quality of interpersonal interactions. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the significance of different dimensions of teaching-learning as facilitating factors of interpersonal interactions. The proper use of simultaneous and non-simultaneous communication tools and social networks are other important issues in strengthening interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, comprehensive and ongoing support of learners improves the quality of interpersonal interactions. IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study give teachers the insight to keep essential issues in mind when developing their online courses and students to be aware of their roles in the online learning process. Also, the characteristics of simultaneous and non-synchronous platforms, social messaging networks, and learner support are crucial.

The effect of Aromatherapy with Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) on the fatigue and sleep quality of critical care nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Measures to reduce nurses' fatigue are necessary to improve the patient's care and the nurse's health and well-being. This study investigated the effectiveness of aromatherapy with Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) essential oil on fatigue and sleep quality of nurses working in intensive care units (ICU). METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 84 nurses working in the ICU of Covid-19 patients were assigned to two groups of P. graveolens and placebo by the stratified block method. The intervention group inhaled one drop of pure P. graveolens. The placebo group inhaled one drop of pure sunflower oil in three consecutive shifts (morning or evening) and each shift twice for 20 min. Using the Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAS-F), fatigue was measured 30 min before the intervention, immediately, and 60 min later. Also, on the morning of the intervention days, sleep quality was assessed with the Verran and Snyder-Halpern (VSH) Sleep Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 24. Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square tests, and MANOVA, were used. RESULTS: The mean score of fatigue immediately and 60 min after aromatherapy in the P. graveolens group was lower than in the control group (P Ë‚ 0.05). There was no significant difference between the mean sleep scores of nurses in the P. graveolens group before and after the intervention (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhalation aromatherapy with P. graveolens essential oil can reduce nurses' fatigue in the ICU. The findings of this study can make nurses interested in using aromatherapy as a self-care method.

The sudden transition to online learning: Teachers' experiences of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The sudden transition from face-to-face teaching to virtual remote education and the need to implement it during COVID-19 initially posed specific challenges to educational institutions. Identifying and understanding teachers' experiences pave the way for discovering and meeting educational needs. This study explored faculty members' teaching experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The qualitative descriptive design via conventional content analysis was used. It was conducted from January 13, 2020, to May 10, 2022. In-depth interviews (online and in-person) of ten faculty members, three managers, and one staff from Lorestan University of Medical Sciences were conducted. They were purposefully selected with maximum variation. Simultaneously with data collection, analysis was performed using the approach Graneheim and Lundman proposed (2004). Lincoln and Goba's criteria were used to obtain the study's rigor. RESULTS: Six categories emerged from the data: education in the shadow of the crisis, Challenges related to the teaching-learning process, Blurred boundaries between personal and professional lives, Positive consequences of e-learning, Trying to deal with the crisis, And dealing with the crisis. CONCLUSIONS: Initially, teachers faced several challenges in the teaching-learning process and even in their personal life. However, with time, the actions of the teachers and the managers caused an increase in the quality of education. However, planning and foresight are needed in developing countries, including Iran, to appropriately face and optimally manage similar crises and move towards blended learning.

The Effect of Education and Telephone Follow-up on the Burden of Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer.

Introduction: Family caregivers of patients with cancer face a care burden due to the responsibilities and problems of providing care to the patients. Applying appropriate strategies to reduce the burden is essential. Objective: The study aimed to determine the effect of education and telephone follow-up on family caregivers' burden on patients with cancer. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 69 family caregivers of patients with cancer referred to only one chemotherapy center of a hospital in Lorestan province in Iran were recruited by convenience sampling method. They were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 33) and control (n = 36) groups. For the intervention group, two face-to-face training sessions and six telephone counseling sessions were held related to the care of the patients and self-care. The control group received only routine care. The family caregiver burden was measured by Novak and Gast Caregiver Burden Inventory (1989) completed before, immediately, and 6 weeks after the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS21 using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and repeated measures. Results: Both groups were homogeneous regarding demographic characteristics and the baseline care burden. The caregiver burden decreased significantly in the intervention group, so its score was 77.33 ± 8.49, 58.93 ± 8.03, and 52.78 ± 6.86 before the study, immediately after and 6 weeks later, respectively (p < .001). In the control group, there were no significant changes. Conclusion: Education and telephone counseling reduced the burden on family caregivers. Therefore, this type of support is beneficial for providing holistic care and preserving the health of family caregivers.

The impact of training chemotherapy safety standards with a smartphone application on the knowledge, attitude, and performance of nurses.

BACKGROUND: Nurses who play the leading role in caring for patients, especially nurses in the chemotherapy department who are constantly exposed to high-risk drugs and their side effects, should pay more attention to occupational safety. This study was performed to determine the effect of training chemotherapy safety standards using a smartphone application on nurses' knowledge, attitude, and performance. METHODS: The whole enumeration of fifty oncology nurses was recruited who they worked in 3 hospitals affiliated with Lorestan University of Medical Sciences (west of Iran). The study was conducted from June to November 2021. The training was done for four weeks with a smartphone application, including six main courses of familiarity with hazardous drugs, Personal Protective Equipment, preparation, storage and transfer, spilling, and wastes disposal of hazardous drudges . The nurses' knowledge, attitude, and performance questionnaire were completed before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, descriptive and inferential statistical tests of independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, repeated measures analysis of variance, and the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model. RESULTS: Mean knowledge score of participants before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention was (47.18 ± 8.19), (60.08 ± 3.82), and (61.88 ± 3.45), respectively. The mean attitude score of participants before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention was (30.34 ± 3.94), (34.32 ± 3.25), and (34.98 ± 2.88), in order, and the mean performance score of participants before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention was (43.60 ± 5.11), (51.78 ± 3.15) and (52.88 ± 3.06), respectively. The mean nurses' knowledge, attitude, and performance score increased significantly over time (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Teaching chemotherapy safety standards using the application improved oncology nurses' knowledge, attitude, and performance. Appropriate educational programs, especially by new methods such as E-learning, are recommended for providing safety for nurses.

Impact of dyadic practice on the clinical self-efficacy and empathy of nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Dyadic practice of learners creates supportive learning. So far, few studies have investigated the impact of this approach on students' empathy and self-efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dyadic practice on nursing students' clinical self-efficacy and empathy. METHODS: This study was based on a pretest-posttest randomized group from September to December 2018. All the junior nursing students (n = 44) were divided into intervention (n = 22) and control groups (n = 22) using stratified random sampling. The intervention group was trained for 6 days as student dyads, while the control group was under the supervision of an instructor and worked individually. The students' levels of empathy and self-efficacy were evaluated on the first day (pretest) and the last day (post-test) by The Self-Efficacy in Clinical Performance Scale and Mehrabian and Epstein empathy scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software by Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test, independent t-test paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Dyadic practice increased empathy in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The adjusted mean of total empathy in the intervention group was 21.1 degrees higher than the adjusted mean of total empathy in the control group. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in clinical self-efficacy (P = 0.762). CONCLUSIONS: The employment of this approach seems helpful in creating an empathic atmosphere. However, further studies are required to prove the effectiveness of this method on self-efficacy.

Effects of a multidisciplinary management program on symptom burden and medication adherence in heart failure patients with comorbidities: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Comorbidities in heart failure (HF) are a complex clinical challenge. There is little data on the benefits of multidisciplinary postdischarge management programs in such patients. This study aimed to examine the effects of a multidisciplinary management program (MMP) on symptom burden and medication adherence in HF patients with comorbidities. METHODS: In this clinical trial study, 94 HF patients with comorbidities were assigned to intervention (n = 47) and control (n = 47) groups by the stratified-random method. The intervention group underwent MMP supervised by a nurse for two months after discharge, including multi-professional visits, telephone follow-ups, and an educational booklet. Medication adherence and symptom burden were assessed using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), respectively, on three occasions: Before discharge, six weeks, and eight weeks after discharge. RESULTS: Both groups almost matched at the baseline, and the most frequent comorbidities included myocardial infarction (MI), hypertension, peptic ulcer, and depression, respectively. The interactive effect of time in groups showed that mean changes in total scores of symptom burden and medication adherence were significantly different (P < 0.001) at other time points. A significant increase in medication adherence (P < 0.001) and a significant reduction in the burden of all symptoms were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group from Time 1 to Time 3. CONCLUSIONS: The MMP (targeting comorbidity) is a promising strategy for managing symptoms and medication adherence in HF patients with comorbidities.

The role of the ICU liaison nurse services on anxiety in family caregivers of patients after ICU discharge during COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to maintain social distancing and changes in wards' structure, families no longer access the routine support they received during the hospitalization of their patients in the ICU. This study aimed to determine the effects of ICU liaison nurse services on the anxiety in patients' family caregivers after ICU discharge during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was performed in western Iran from February 2020, to March 2021. Sixty subjects were selected from the family caregivers of the patients transferred from the ICU and were randomly assigned to the control (n = 30) and the intervention groups (n = 30). The control group received routine transfer care. In the intervention group, liaison nurse services were offered in 4 dimensions: patient support, family support, training, support of the ward's staff, and the evaluation of the destination ward. The participants' anxiety was measured using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory immediately after the patient transfer and 6 h after admission to the general ward. Data analyzed with SPSS V16, descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon test, and Generalized Linear Model with cumulative logit link function. Results were reported at a 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in baseline anxiety levels (P = 0.035) and age group (P < 0.001) between the intervention and control groups. After moderating baseline anxiety levels, the age group, and marital status, the impact of the intervention was significant (X2 = 10.273, df = 1, P < 0.001), meaning that the intervention could reduce the relative chances of developing higher levels of anxiety by 92.1% (OR: 0.08, 95%CI: 0.017-0.373, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the positive impact of nursing services on reducing anxiety in family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended to use these services, especially during the COVID-19 condition, to facilitate the patient transfer, support the patient's family, and reduce the health care gap between the ICU and the ward.

Comparison of the effectiveness of home visits and telephone follow-up on the self-efficacy of patients having un-dergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and the burden of their family caregivers: A randomized con-trolled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare home visits and telephone follow-up effectiveness on patients' self-efficacy undergoing Coro-nary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery -CABG- and caregivers' burden. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 114 patients undergoing CABG were assigned to the three groups of home visits, telephone follow-up, and control based on the stratified block randomization. The self-management program of the home visit group included four face-to-face 60-minute training sessions once a week, and for the telephone follow-up group, four 30-minute telephone counseling sessions twice each week for a month. The control group received routine care. Data were collected using the cardiac rehabilitation self-efficacy questionnaire and the caregiver burden scale before and after the interven-tion. RESULTS: Before the study, there were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in terms of the means of self-efficacy and caregiver burden scores. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the home visit and control groups (p<0.001) and between the telephone follow-up and control groups (p<0.001) after the intervention, with in-creased self-efficacy and reduced caregiver burden reported. In contrast, there was no significant difference between the home visit and telephone follow-up groups regarding self-efficacy and caregiver burden scores. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods of self-management education have similar effectiveness in increasing self-efficacy and reducing the care-giver burden after discharge for patients who have undergone CABG.

Comparison of the effectiveness of home visits and telephone follow-up on the self-efficacy of patients having undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and the burden of their family caregivers: A randomized controlled trial / Comparación de la efectividad de las visitas domiciliarias y el seguimiento telefónico sobre la autoeficacia de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de derivación arterial coronaria con injerto y la carga para sus cuidadores familiares: Un ensayo controlado aleatorio / Comparação da efetividade das visitas domiciliares e o seguimento telefónico sobre a autoeficácia dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de derivação arterial coronária com enxerto e a carga para seus cuidadores familiares: Um ensaio controlado aleatório

Objective. This study aimed to compare home visits and telephone follow-up effectiveness on patients' self-efficacy undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery -CABG- and caregivers' burden. Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 114 patients undergoing CABG were assigned to the three groups of home visits, telephone follow-up, and control based on the stratified block randomization. The self-management program of the home visit group included four face-to-face 60-minute training sessions once a week, and for the telephone follow-up group, four 30-minute telephone counseling sessions twice each week for a month. The control group received routine care. Data were collected using the cardiac rehabilitation self-efficacy questionnaire and the caregiver burden scale before and after the intervention. Results. Before the study, there were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in terms of the means of self-efficacy and caregiver burden scores. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the home visit and control groups (p<0.001) and between the telephone follow-up and control groups (p<0.001) after the intervention, with increased self-efficacy and reduced caregiver burden reported. In contrast, there was no significant difference between the home visit and telephone follow-up groups regarding self-efficacy and caregiver burden scores. Conclusion. Both methods of self-management education have similar effectiveness in increasing self-efficacy and reducing the caregiver burden after discharge for patients who have undergone CABG.

Objetivo. Comparar la eficacia de las visitas domiciliarias y del seguimiento telefónico sobre la autoeficacia de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de derivación arterial coronaria con injerto (CABG en inglés) y la carga de sus cuidadores. Métodos. En este ensayo clínico aleatorio, 114 pacientes sometidos a CABG se asignaron a uno de los tres grupos de investigación: visitas domiciliarias, seguimiento telefónico y control sobre la base de la aleatorización en bloque estratificada. El programa de educación en autoeficacia en el grupo de visitas domiciliarias incluía cuatro sesiones presenciales de formación de 60 minutos una vez a la semana, y para el grupo de seguimiento telefónico, cuatro sesiones de asesoramiento telefónico de 30 minutos dos veces por semana por un mes. El grupo de control recibió atención rutinaria. Los datos se recogieron mediante el cuestionario de autoeficacia de la rehabilitación cardíaca y la escala de carga del cuidador antes y después de la intervención. Resultados. Antes del estudio, no hubo diferencias entre los tres grupos en cuanto a las medias de las puntuaciones de las escalas de autoeficacia y carga del cuidador. Sin embargo, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos de visitas domiciliarias y de control (p<0.001) y entre los grupos de seguimiento telefónico y de control (p<0.001) después de la intervención, con un aumento de la autoeficacia y una reducción de la carga del cuidador. Es de anotar que no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos de visita domiciliaria y de seguimiento telefónico en cuanto a las puntuaciones de autoeficacia y de carga del cuidador. Conclusión. Ambos métodos de educación en este estudio tuvieron una efectividad similar en el aumento de la autoeficacia y la reducción de la carga de los cuidadores tras el alta de los pacientes sometidos a CABG.

Objetivo. Comparar a eficácia das visitas domiciliares e do seguimento telefónico sobre a autoeficácia dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de derivação arterial coronária com enxerto (CABG em inglês) e a carga dos seus cuidadores. Métodos. Neste ensaio clínico aleatório, 114 pacientes submetidos a CABG foram designados a um dos três grupos de investigação: visitas domiciliares, seguimento telefónico e controle sobre a base aleatorizada em blocos estratificada. O programa de educação em autoeficácia no grupo de visitas domiciliares incluía quatro sessões de formação presenciais de 60 minutos uma vez por semana, e para o grupo de seguimento telefónico, quatro sessões de assessoramento telefónico de 30 minutos duas vezes por semana durante um mês. O grupo de controle recebeu atenção rotineira. Os dados se recolheram mediante o questionário de autoeficácia da reabilitação cardíaca e a escala de carga do cuidador antes e depois da intervenção. Resultados. Antes do estudo, não houve diferenças entre os três grupos enquanto às médias das pontuações das escalas de autoeficácia e carga do cuidador. Porém, se encontrou uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos de visitas domiciliares e de controle (p<0.001) e entre os grupos de seguimento telefónico e de controle (p<0.001) depois da intervenção, com um aumento da autoeficácia e uma redução da carga do cuidador. É importante anotar que não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos de visita domiciliar e de seguimento telefónico enquanto às pontuações de autoeficácia e de carga do cuidador. Conclusão. Ambos os métodos de educação neste estudo tiveram uma efetividade similar no aumento da autoeficácia e a redução da carga dos cuidadores após a alta dos pacientes submetidos a CABG.

The effect of the online flipped classroom on self-directed learning readiness and metacognitive awareness in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated digital developments in higher education while closing in-person university classes. As this crisis continues, the need to revive virtual learning opportunities was seriously felt. The present study was conducted to determine the online flipped classroom's effect on nursing students' self-directed learning readiness and metacognitive awareness. METHODS: This quasi-experimental single-group study with pretest-posttest design recruited 34 sophomore students of a nursing school in Lorestan province, Western Iran selected by census according to the inclusion criteria. Online asynchronous learning and online flipped classrooms were used during the semester's first and second eight weeks, respectively. Students filled out self-directed learning readiness scale and metacognitive awareness inventory online before, in the middle of, and at the end of the semester. Data were analyzed using paired t-test in Stata-14 software. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the mean score of metacognitive awareness before and after Online asynchronous learning (P=0.15), but the mean score of self-directed learning readiness increased significantly after OA (P=0.0004). After applying online flipped classrooms, students' mean (SD) scores of metacognitive awareness and self-directed learning readiness were 272.03 (53.03) and 162.03 (21.77), respectively, which confirmed their significant improvement compared to before the intervention. A comparison of the mean score changes of both methods indicated that their implementation did not lead to significant differences between the mean total score of metacognitive awareness (P=0.15) and the mean total score of self-directed learning readiness (P=0.07). DISCUSSION: Online flipped classroom approach can be used as an effective method in nursing education by improving self-directed learning and metacognitive awareness, which are essential in online education for nursing students.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Frontline Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Relationship with Occupational Burnout.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among nurses and its relationship with occupational burnout. Method : This online cross-sectional survey was conducted from late November to early January 2020 in six hospitals in Iran. 309 frontline nurses in COVID-19 wards were selected via stratified random sampling and asked to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Impact of Event Scale-revised version (IES-R), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) in an anonymous online survey. Data management and analysis were performed in SPSS 25.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation coefficient, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression. Results: The majority of the participants were women (81.6%) with a mean ± SD age of 31.56 ± 6.42 years. The mean ± SD of the total PTSD score was 39.2 ± 16.44 years, indicating severe PTSD among nurses. The mean ± SD of the total occupational burnout score was 82.77 ± 19.38, expressing moderate burnout. The findings also demonstrated a significant moderate correlation between PTSD and occupational burnout (r = 0.363, P < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed a significant relationship of occupational burnout with PTSD, work experience, number of night shifts per month, and employment status (P < 0.05). However, in multivariate analysis, only PTSD had a positive and significant relationship with occupational burnout (P < 0.001; R2 = 160; ß = 0.339) and was a predicting factor for it. Conclusion: We found that both PTSD and burnout are common among nurses. Given the role of PTSD especially as a predictor of burnout and the significant impact of these disorders on occupational and non-occupational activities, immediate and appropriate measures are necessary to monitor and reduce their effects on the nurses who are at the forefront of fighting the pandemic.

Patients' Satisfaction with Humane Care in Critical Care Units.

BACKGROUND: It is important to assess the provision of care in a humane framework to achieve patients' holistic needs in Critical Care Units (CCUs) and to promote health outcomes. The aim of the current study was to determine patients' satisfaction with humane care in CCUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current descriptive-analytical study, data were collected from 225 patients admitted to the CCUs of seven teaching hospitals in Lorestan Province, Iran, in 2017. The Persian version of the Revised Humane Caring Scale (P-RHCS) was used in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (independent t-test and one-way ANOVA). RESULTS: The mean (SD) overall score of the P-RHCS was 4.61 (0.53), which indicated that patients were highly satisfied with humane care. The patients were most satisfied with "professional performance" [mean (SD) 4.72 (0.60)] and "interdisciplinary collaboration" [mean (SD) 4.72 (0.65)], and the least satisfied with "awareness of and contribution to self-care" [mean (SD) 4.23 (0.78)]. The findings revealed that patients' satisfaction with humane care depends on their demographic and clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, patients were satisfied with humane care provided in CCUs; however, it is recommended that nurses' skills be reinforced, especially regarding information provision and effective communication with patients to improve health outcomes.

Management of students' uncivil behaviors in academic environments: A context-based educational intervention.

BACKGROUND: Incivility has been raised as a growing concern and a hot topic in nursing education. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a context-based educational intervention on the nursing students' civility index and their perception of uncivil behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was done from 2019 to 2020 in Khorramabad, Iran. A context-based educational intervention focusing on problem-based scenarios was conducted for 4 weeks. Clark Civility Index for Students and Classmates (2017) and Clark Incivility Scale in the University Environment (2014) were used. Data were analyzed using Stata, descriptive statistics, and paired t-test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the mean score of students' civility index before and after the intervention (8.31 points increase, P = 0.004). However, there was no significant difference between the mean score of the civility index for classmates before and after the intervention. Furthermore, the mean score of students' perception of incivility after the intervention increased by 5.88 points, which confirmed the significant effect of the intervention in improving students' understanding of uncivil behaviors (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the effectiveness of the problem-based scenario along with other strategies such as journal club and self-learning in increasing the awareness of civility and improving the civility index, the use of these strategies is recommended in order to reduce incivility.

Gaining Experience Over Time: The Family Caregivers' Perception of Patients with a Tracheostomy in Home Care.

BACKGROUND: The transition of tracheostomy patients to the home poses many challenges for both the patient and the family. Identifying and understanding the experiences of family caregivers pave the road for discovering and meeting care needs. This study has been aimed to explain the experiences of family caregivers of patients with a tracheostomy about patient care at home. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach from September 2018 to January 2019. Participants included nine family caregivers and one professional caregiver who were selected through purposive sampling method. The in-depth interviews were conducted at home or in health centers using field notes. Data were recorded manually and analyzed using the five-step method proposed by Granehim and Lundman. RESULTS: The data led to the emergence of 1591 initial codes, 23 subcategories, and 6 categories. Categories include the need for training, the need for receiving care support, care challenges, care burden, gaining experience, hope, and inner satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the family caregivers faced with lots of challenges in caring patients with tracheostomy so that they were in needs of training and support from professionals. Although they got skillful in care and endure burden, they were so hopeful and satisfied with their attempts. Hence, there is a need for official nongovernmental organizations with the aim of maintaining care and protecting their families.

The Role of Students with Practical Nursing Diplomas in the Process of Undergraduate Nursing Education: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Awareness of the experiences of students and educators in the educational process plays an important role in facilitating and improving this process. This study aimed to explain and investigate the experiences of nursing educators and students about the presence of students with practical nursing diplomas in the process of undergraduate education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this qualitative study conducted from 2016 to 2018, which adopted a content analysis approach, 24 nursing students and educators of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences were selected using the purposive sampling method and were interviewed in depth. The data were manually recorded and analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman method. RESULTS: The three main themes of "from contrast to alignment with professional competence," "peaceful coexistence in the educational process," and "reflection of the perceived reality of the clinical environment," along with six categories and 30 subcategories were extracted from the interviews. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that monitoring and managing undergraduate courses more thoroughly, as well as raising the awareness of educators about the positive and negative dimensions of the presence of nursing students with practical nursing diplomas in undergraduate nursing courses can make it possible to optimize and improve students' learning process.

Promoting the Quality of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Control in Intensive Care Units: an Action Research.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common infection in intensive care units (ICUs), with the highest mortality rate of all hospital-acquired infections. This study aimed to improve the quality of VAP control in the ICU of a university-affiliated teaching hospital in Kouhdasht, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This action research was conducted during 2016-2018. The survey data of 18 participants, who were included in the study using the non-probability sampling method, were evaluated. Qualitative data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's qualitative content analysis, and descriptive indices and t-test were measured to analyze quantitative data. Finally, the qualitative and quantitative data were integrated.This research was developed and implemented in four stages, including assessment and identification of priorities for improvement, design of action plans, implementation of action plans, and reassessment. Data were collected by analyzing 540 performance observations, 55 interviews, six focused group discussions, and two steering group discussions. RESULTS: The mean scores of VAP control before and after implementing the action plans were 259.33±21.64 and 395.16±13.90, respectively (P<0.001). The qualitative findings indicated that the low quality of the personnel's working life and poor organizational culture were the main barriers to the quality improvement of VAP control. Improvement was achieved after implementing the action plans for enhancing the nurses' quality of working life and realization of their professional identity. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that effective approaches, such as personnel empowerment, improvement of environmental conditions, and provision of facilities and equipment can improve the quality of VAP control in ICUs.

Psychometric Testing of the Persian Version of the Revised Humane Caring Scale for Patients Admitted to Critical Care Units.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Revised Humane Caring Scale (RHCS) for patients admitted to critical care units. METHODS: Data were collected from 337 patients admitted to critical care units. A methodological study was carried out to assess content, face and construct validity and reliability. RESULTS: The results revealed good content validity. After the elimination of four items in the confirmatory factor analysis, a 42-item model with acceptable fit indices was confirmed. The scale had a high internal consistency. The reliability of each item was satisfactory using the intra-class correlation. Only item 33 was considered unstable and was ultimately eliminated. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the 41-item RHCS is an acceptable assessment scale for measuring patient satisfaction with humane caring in critical care units.

A Critical Review of Instruments Measuring the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients in Iranian Studies and Their Psychometrics Properties

Objective: Over the past three decades, more than 100 instruments have been developed that measure the quality of life. In order to ensure accuracy and authenticity of the measurements, it is essential to utilize the instruments that have proper psychometric properties. Therefore, this critical review study aimed at comparing the instruments that measured the life quality of cancer patients in Iranian studies. Methods: In this study, Persian articles published in Iranian databases (IranMedex, Irandoc Magiran, SID) from 2006 to 2016 were searched, using the following keywords: nursing, cancer, tools, scale, and quality of life. A total number of 159 articles were obtained, of which 33 articles complied with the inclusion criteria of this study and thereby were reviewed. Results: Sixty nine percent of the articles explored the life quality of adult females with breast cancer, and the most-commonly used instrument was a quality-of-Life instrument for use in international clinical trials in oncology belonging to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. More than half of the studies referred solely to Iranian studies to address psychometric properties. Though, no method was introduced in order to address the validity and reliability of instruments in the articles under consideration. Conclusion: According to the findings, the studies which explored the validity and reliability of instruments concerning the life quality of cancer patients were scarce. Therefore, the researchers should pay further attention to the validity and reliability of instruments for selection of an appropriate instrument in this area of research. Also, the researchers are encouraged to further study the psychometric properties of relevant instruments so that optimal generalizability and authenticity of their findings can be attained.