Investigating the level of respect for human dignity and its related factors in providing care for the elderly with COVID-19 in shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Patients' dignity includes the feelings of being valuable, maintaining their respect, and respecting their physical and spiritual privacy. Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the life-threatening diseases that affect the dignity of the elderly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the level of respect for human dignity and its related factors in providing care for the elderly with COVID-19 in Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated 250 nurses caring for the elderly with COVID-19 and 300 elderly with COVID-19 in Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan in 2021. A sampling of the elderly with COVID-19 was performed continuously based on the inclusion criteria and sampling of nurses by census method. The research tools included the questionnaire on background variables of nurses and the elderly, the questionnaire on respect for human dignity from the perspective of nurse and patient, and the job stress questionnaire. Then, the results were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient tests, t-tests, and multiple regression in SPSS 21 software. RESULTS: Based on the results, the mean and standard deviation of patient dignity was 132.13 ± 71.52 and 129.14 ± 06.44 from the perspective of the nurses and the elderly, respectively. The results revealed that the level of respect for human dignity from the nurses' perspective was significantly related to gender and job stress (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant relationship was found between the human dignity score from the elderly's perspective and the elderly's marital status and education (P < 0.05). According to the results of regression, the variables of nurses' gender and job stress explained about 8.7% of the variance of the patient's dignity observed by the nurses (Adjusted R-Square = 0.087). Finally, the variables of marriage and education of the elderly explained about 4% of the variance of their dignity observed by the nurses (Adjusted R-Square = 0.040). CONCLUSION: The results showed that with the increase of job stress in female nurses, their human dignity toward the patient decreases. Elderly people who are married and have a high school diploma have a better understanding of respect for human dignity. Since respect for human dignity is important from the point of view of nurses and the elderly, it is suggested to teach nurses how to respect patient dignity.

Intuitive Decision-making by Iranian Nurses of Patients with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: Clinical decision-making related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new experience; thus, there is a lack in knowledge in this area. The aim of this study is to explore critical care nurses' experience of intuitive decision-making in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 16 nurses who had the experience of providing care for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were selected through purposive sampling and participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and finally analyzed through the conventional content analysis approach. Results: 62.5% of participants were females and the mean (SD) of the participant's age and working experience were 36.56 (6.58) and 12.62 (5.59) years, respectively. Three main themes emerged out of the experiences of the nurses, including (a) inner revolution, (b) holistic awareness and (c) clinical wisdom. Conclusion: Critical care nurses use intuition in novel, complex situations where they often have to make quick and independent decisions. Understanding the phenomenon of intuition in clinical decision making increases the professional practice of nursing and leads to better quality care for patients, especially in acute, critical situations and pandemic diseases.

Effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients' restless legs syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients' restless legs syndrome (RLS). METHODS: Ninety hemodialysis patients with RLS were randomly allocated into two intervention groups and one control group, each consisting of 35 participants. The control group received routine care, and the intervention groups received effleurage massage with lavender and glycerin oil in addition to routine care for one month. RLS intensity was measured among the three groups using the Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, the results showed no significant difference among the three groups' scores. At the end of the study, the mean RLS scores were significantly lower in the intervention groups compared to the control group (F = 63.4, p ≤ 0.001). This difference was not significant between the two intervention groups; nonetheless, the differences between the control and lavender oil groups, as well as the control and glycerin oil groups, were significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings showed the effectiveness of the oils through the effleurage massage for reducing RLS in a sample of hemodialysis patients.

Pilates exercises and quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is a need to investigate the effects of pilates exercises on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pilates exercises on the QOL of CKD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this randomized controlled clinical trial, we enrolled 50 CKD patients. The participants were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. Modified classical pilates exercises were performed by the experimental group three times a week over a 12-week period. The Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaire was completed by all participants at the beginning of the trial and two months after completion of the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using Chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test. RESULTS: There were significant increases in the scores of QOL dimensions in the experimental group after the intervention (p ≤ 0.05). Comparison of the mean differences at the beginning and two months after the study in the two groups showed that the scores related to QOL dimensions in the experimental group were significantly greater than the control group (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicated the pilates exercises can be valuable for improvement of CKD patients' QOL.

The effect of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on growth indices of healthy neonates.

Therapeutic touch is emphasized by healthcare professionals for improvement of neonates' growth and development. However, inconsistencies exist regarding effects and methods of massage in neonates. The purpose of this clinical trial is to assess and comprise intervention and control groups regarding the effects of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation (TKS) by mothers on growth indices of healthy term neonates. Sixty healthy term neonates were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Mothers of neonates in the experimental group were trained to perform TKS for their newborns at home before feeding for at least 28 consecutive days, two times a day, and 15 min each time. Neonates in the control group were not required to receive this intervention. The neonates' growth indices were measured within 24 h after birth, and then at days 14 and 28. During the study and the three consecutive measurements, no significant difference was found between the mean weights, heights, and head circumferences of the neonates in the two groups (p > 0.05).

Effects of Pilates exercise on general health of hemodialysis patients.

Pilates is a type of exercise which has recently drawn exercise and health experts' attention. They have noticed that it can improve hemodialysis patients' general health. A clinical trial study was performed. Fifty hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. A demographic information questionnaire and a general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) were completed by the two groups at the beginning of the study. Then, modified Pilates exercises were carried out in the intervention group three times a week over a period of eight weeks. At the end of the study, the GHQ-28 questionnaire was completed by the two groups. In the intervention group, the difference between the mean scores of general health before (45.24 ± 9.9) and after (31.2 ± 6.9) the intervention was significant (p ≤ 0.002). After the intervention, the difference between the mean scores of the control (1.6 ± 1.3) and intervention (14 ± 0.78) groups was also significant (p ≤ 0.001).

The effect of acupressure at third liver point on the anxiety level in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea may lead to severe anxiety and pain relief during menstruation may reduce the anxiety levels. This study was aimed to determine the effect of acupressure at third liver and placebo points on the anxiety level in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted in parallel in the control and treatment groups for three menstrual periods at the dormitory of Kashan University of Medical Sciences between March and June 2012. Students with pain score equal to or greater than 4 were selected and divided into groups based on severity of pain using a randomized block design with the allocation ratio of 1:1. Acupressure was applied in two acupoints including third Liver point (Liv3) and placebo points. Spielberg (STAI) anxiety questionnaire was completed before and after intervention. Randomization, subjects, and data analyzer were blinded to the analysis. Chi-square tests, t-test, Mann-Whitney, paired sample t-test, and univariate analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean [standard deviation (SD)] values of apparent anxiety levels before and after intervention for liv3 were 45.100 (9.769) and 38.100 (10.608), respectively. For the control group, they were 41.200 (9.795) and 38.900(10.140), respectively. Difference was significant only in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Hidden anxiety did not show a significant change before and after intervention. There was no difference between groups in apparent or hidden anxiety after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure on liv3 point reduces anxiety. As there are no previous studies on this topic, further studies with more samples are recommended.

The effect of mentoring on clinical perioperative competence in operating room nursing students.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mentoring on the clinical perioperative competence of nursing operating room students in Iran. BACKGROUND: Mentoring is an essential part of clinical education, which has been studied in different populations of students. However, there is a need to assess its effectiveness in operating room students' competence. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial was performed. METHODS: Sixty nursing operating room students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Both the control and experimental groups had routine training in the form of faculty supervision. The experimental group had an additional mentoring program. Using the Persian Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised, clinical competence was compared between the two groups, before and after the intervention. Using SPSS 19, descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and t-tests, were conducted. RESULTS: In the experimental group, the difference between the mean scores of clinical competence before (19·43 ± 2·80) and after (27·86 ± 1·87) the intervention was significant (p ≤ 0·001). After intervention, the difference between the mean scores of the control (3·9 ± 0·15) and experimental (8·61 ± 0·68) groups was significant (p ≤ 0·003). CONCLUSION: Findings affirmed the positive effect of mentorship programmes on clinical competence in nursing operating room students. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Mentoring is an effective method for preparing nursing students in practice. Health care systems may improve as a result of staff-student relationships that ultimately increase the quality care for patients.

Mothers' satisfaction with two systems of providing care to their hospitalized children.

BACKGROUND: Despite the paramount importance of the patient's satisfaction, there are limited data on mothers' satisfaction with the nursing care provided to their children in Iranian clinical settings. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate mothers' satisfaction with two systems of providing care to their hospitalized children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This research was a two-group quasi-experimental study. Primarily, the basics of the case method and the functional care delivery systems were educated to the practicing nurses of the study setting. Each system was implemented independently. After the implementation of each system, 200 mothers whose children were hospitalized in the pediatric care ward of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan, Iran, were invited to respond to the 28 -item Pediatric Family Satisfaction Questionnaire. Study data were analyzed by SPSS v. 16.0. RESULTS: Results were indicative of mothers' satisfaction with medical care delivered by case method as 13.2 ± 5.2 and by functional method as 13.17 ± 5.56. Also, no significant difference was seen between two groups (P = 0.4). Mothers' satisfaction with nursing care delivered by case method was 17.7 ± 4.43 and by functional method was 13.33 ± 5.69 and there was a significant difference between two groups (P = 0.004). Mothers' satisfaction with accommodations by case method was 16.78 ± 4.07 and by functional method was 17.9 ± 6.67 with a significant difference between two groups (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Improving the quality of care is associated with higher patient's satisfaction. Accordingly, developing and implementing programs for improving nurses' communication and clinical skills can improve both care quality and patient outcomes.

Effect of music on postoperative pain in patients under open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Music, as a non-pharmacological and inexpensive nursing intervention, can be used easily as a complementary technique in reducing pain along with other methods. While some studies have demonstrated pain to decrease after music, others found music to be ineffective on pain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of music on postoperative pain in patients under open heart surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was performed on 60 patients under open heart surgery referred to ICU of Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kashan city. Patients were randomly divided into two groups including experimental and control groups. Patients in music group listened to nonverbal music for 30 minutes after surgery by headphones. The control group did not receive any intervention other than routine care. Before and after intervention, pain intensity was measured and recorded by visual analog scale in two groups. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square and t-tests. RESULTS: Before intervention, the mean of pain intensity was 6.32 ± 0.21 and 6.10 ± 0.21 for experimental and control groups, respectively; and the difference was not significant (P = 0.21). After intervention, the mean of pain intensity was 3.11 ± 0.12 and 5.81 ± 0.38 for experimental and control groups, respectively; and the difference was significant (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Listening to the relaxant music can reduce postoperative pain. It is suggested that relaxant music be used as a complementary method in patients in order to reduce prospective pain.

Effect of self - care education on quality of life in patients with primary hypertension: comparing lecture and educational package.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a dangerous risk factor for public health. It profoundly affects the patients' quality of life. However, there is lack of agreement on the best method for self-care management in patients with hypertension. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to compare the effect of lecture and educational pamphlets on quality of life (QOL) in patients with primary hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was performed on 90 patients with chronic primary hypertension referred to two outpatient clinics in Kashan city. Patients were randomly divided into three groups including lecture group, educational package group, and control group. The participants' quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire at the beginning of the study, and two months later. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-Square tests. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the three groups for demographics characteristics and QOL before the intervention except for marital status. Mean scores of QOL dimensions of the intervention groups were increased at the end of the study, except for the dimension of bodily pain. Tukey post-Hoc test showed that except for general health, the two intervention groups were not significantly different in other dimensions, and significant differences were observed between the control group and the two intervention groups (P < 0.05). At start and the end of the study, the mean differences in the general health dimension in three groups were 2.25 ± 0.1, 0.07 ± 0.01, and -1.70 ± 0.01 respectively. There were significant differences among groups (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Lecture and educational package can both improve some dimensions of the QOL in patients with hypertension. However, as pamphlets are cheap and easy to use, this method may be used as an effective method for self-care education in health care settings in Iran, where the system is faced with nursing shortage.

The effects of acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea in Iranian medical sciences students. DESIGN: A randomized controlled pre and post-test design was employed to verify the effects of SP6 acupressure on dysmenorrhea. SETTING: A total of 30 young college female students with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. INTERVENTION: The intervention group received SP6 acupressure during menstruation cycle and the control group received light touch on the SP6 acupoint. Using a Visual Analog Scale, the severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed prior to and immediately, 30 min, 1, 2, and 3 h following treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were analyzed using X(2), t-test and ANOVA statistical tests. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the scores of dysmenorrhea between the two groups immediately after (3.50 ± 1.42 vs. 5.06 ± 1.43, p = 0.004) and also 3 h after treatment (1.66 ± 1.98 vs. 4.80 ± 1.37, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure on the SP6 meridian can be an effective non-invasive nursing intervention for alleviating primary dysmenorrhea and its effects last for 3 h post-treatment.