Nurses' Work Methods Assessment Scale: a study of content validation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the content of the Nurses' Work Methods Assessment Scale. METHODS: Methodological study conducted between January and February 2022, based on the Quality Standards for Nursing Care and Imogene King's framework. A literature review was previously undertaken to design the scale. The content validation was carried out by 23 experts. RESULTS: The initial version consisted of 40 items organized in four work methods identified in the literature. In the first dimension, from ten items, seven were considered, and one was reformulated. Seven of the initial ten items were considered in the second version. The third dimension consisted of seven items. In the fourth dimension, three items were reformulated, and three were excluded, leaving seven items. The final version ended with 28 items, whose Content Validity Index ranged between 0.83 and 1. CONCLUSIONS: The involvement of experts has become pivotal in the development and validation of the items, providing confidence to the continuity of psychometric procedures.

Effect of the Active Aging-in-Place-Rehabilitation Nursing Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: It is of great importance to promote functional capacity and positive lifestyles, since they contribute to preventing the progression of frailty among the older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active aging-in-place−rehabilitation nursing program (AAP-RNP) on the functional capacity and lifestyles of frail older adults. (2) Methods: This was a single-blinded, two-group, randomized, controlled trial of 30 frail older people enrolled at a Health-care unit in Portugal between 2021 and 2022. The duration of the program was 12 weeks, and the sessions took place at the participants' homes. We used as instruments the Tilburg Frailty Indicator; Fried frailty phenotype; Senior Fitness Test battery; Barthel Index; Lawton Index; handgrip strength measurement; Tinetti Index; Individual lifestyle profile; and Borg's perception of effort. (3) Results: Post-program, there was an improvement in multidimensional and physical frailty, functional capacity, balance, and perceived exertion (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. Among the older adults' lifestyles, we observed significant improvements in physical activity habits, relational behavior, and stress management. (4) Conclusions: Rehabilitation nurses have a relevant role, and the AAP-RNP seems to be effective in improving functional capacity and lifestyles in frail older adults.

Nurses' Work Methods Assessment Scale: a study of content validation / Escala de evaluación de los métodos de trabajo de los enfermeros: un estudio de validez de contenido / Escala de avaliação dos métodos de trabalho dos enfermeiros: um estudo de validação de conteúdo

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop and validate the content of the Nurses' Work Methods Assessment Scale. Methods: Methodological study conducted between January and February 2022, based on the Quality Standards for Nursing Care and Imogene King's framework. A literature review was previously undertaken to design the scale. The content validation was carried out by 23 experts. Results: The initial version consisted of 40 items organized in four work methods identified in the literature. In the first dimension, from ten items, seven were considered, and one was reformulated. Seven of the initial ten items were considered in the second version. The third dimension consisted of seven items. In the fourth dimension, three items were reformulated, and three were excluded, leaving seven items. The final version ended with 28 items, whose Content Validity Index ranged between 0.83 and 1. Conclusions: The involvement of experts has become pivotal in the development and validation of the items, providing confidence to the continuity of psychometric procedures.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Construir y validar contenido de Escala de Evaluación de Métodos de Trabajo de Enfermeros. Métodos: Estudio metodológico realizado entre enero y febrero de 2022, basado en Estándares de Calidad de Atención de Enfermeríay referencial de Imogene King. Para construcción de Escala, realizado previamente revisión de literatura. La validez de contenido contó con 23 peritos. Resultados: La versión inicial contenía 40 items, organizados en cuatro métodos de trabajo identificados en la literatura. La primera dimensión, de diez items, fueron considerados siete y uno fue reformulado. La segunda, de diez iniciales, fueron considerados siete. La tercera dimensión constituída por siete ítems. La cuarta dimensión, reformulados tres y excluidos tres, quedando siete. La versión final quedó con 28 items, cuyo Índice de Validez de Contenido osciló entre 0,83 y 1. Conclusiones: Recorrer a peritos volvió fundamental en la construcción y validez de los items, confiriendo seguridad a continuidad de procedimientos psicométricos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Construir e validar o conteúdo da Escala de Avaliação dos Métodos de Trabalho dos Enfermeiros. Métodos: Estudo metodológico realizado entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2022, baseado nos Padrões de Qualidade dos Cuidados de Enfermagem e no referencial de Imogene King. Para construção da Escala, realizou-se previamente revisão de literatura. A validação de conteúdo contou com 23 peritos. Resultados: A versão inicial continha 40 itens, organizados nos quatro métodos de trabalho identificados na literatura. Na primeira dimensão, dos dez itens, foram considerados sete e um foi reformulado. Na segunda, dos dez iniciais, foram considerados sete. A terceira dimensão constituiu-se por sete itens. Na quarta dimensão, reformularam-se três e excluíram-se três, ficando sete. A versão final ficou com 28 itens, cujo Índice de Validade de Conteúdo oscilou entre 0,83 e 1. Conclusões: Recorrer aos peritos tornou-se fundamental na construção e validação dos itens, conferindo segurança à continuidade dos procedimentos psicométricos.

Multidimensional Frailty and Lifestyles of Community-Dwelling Older Portuguese Adults.

(1) Background: Lifestyles are referred to as conditioning factors for the frailty of older adults. However, there are few studies that explore its association. The objective of the present study is to analyze the association between sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors of older adults people with multidimensional frailty. (2) Methods: Descriptive and correlational study carried out with older adults people registered in a Health Unit in Portugal. Data were collected through a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and application of the Individual Lifestyle Profile and Tilburg Frailty Index to assess the lifestyles and multidimensional frailty of older adults, respectively. This last instrument, being of a multidimensional nature, assesses not only physical, but also psychological and social frailty, with a cut-off point of 6. (3) Results: Of the 300 older adults who participated, most were female (60.3%) and had a mean age of 81.34 ± 6.75 years. Moreover, 60.3% of the sample were frail older adults. Gender, marital status, number of household members, number of chronic diseases, number of daily medications, self-perception of health status and lifestyle and use of a walking device were associated with multidimensional frailty (p ≤ 0.001). Healthy eating habits, physical activity, relational behaviour, preventive behaviour, and stress management were significantly associated with lower physical, psychological, and social frailty (p ≤ 0.001). (4) Conclusions: When community health workers are aware of multidimensional frailty predictors and their components, they can intervene early and, consequently, delay the onset and progression of frailty in older adults.

Adaptation and Validation of the Individual Lifestyle Profile Scale of Portuguese Older Adults Living at Home.

(1) Background: Unadjusted lifestyles have been the main cause of risk for the loss of years of healthy life. However, currently valid and reliable instruments to assess the lifestyles of the elderly are quite long and difficult to interpret. For this reason, the objective of this study was to adapt and validate the 'Individual Lifestyle Profile' (ILP) scale in a sample of elderly people; (2) Methods: A methodological study was carried out and a sample of 300 older adults enrolled in a Health Unit located in the North of Portugal was used, who responded to the scale. We examined internal consistency, predictive validity, and discriminative ability; (3) Results: After the Exploratory Factorial analysis, a solution was found with four factors that explain a variance of 67.8%. The designation of the factors was changed from the original scale, with the exception of one dimension, and they were called Health Self-management, Social Participation and Group Interaction, Citizenship and Physical Activity. The total internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.858, ranging from 0.666 to 0.860 in the mentioned factors; (4) Conclusions: The ILP scale proved to be easy to apply and presented a good reliability and validity index, based on internal consistency, AFE and AFC. The scale allows evaluating the lifestyle of older adults, and its use will be aimed at modifying behaviors associated with negative lifestyles of older adults and their individual needs.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Professional Nursing Practice in the Context of Hospitals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed challenges to health systems and institutions, which had to quickly create conditions to meet the growing health needs of the population. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on professional nursing practice environments and to identify the variables that affected their quality. Quantitative, observational study, conducted in 16 Portuguese hospitals, with 1575 nurses. Data were collected using a questionnaire and participants responded to two different moments in time: the pre-pandemic period and after the fourth critical period of COVID-19. The pandemic had a positive impact on the Structure and Outcome components, and a negative trend in the Process component. The variables associated with the qualification of the components and their dimensions were predominantly: work context, the exercise of functions in areas of assistance to COVID-19 patients, length of professional experience and length of experience in the service. The investment in professional practice environments impacted the improvement of organizational factors, supporting the development of nurses' work towards the quality of care. However, it is necessary to invest in nurses' participation, involvement and professional qualifications, which are aspects strongly dependent on the institutions' management strategies.

Dying in the emergency service: nurses' attitudes before and after the first critical period of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Death is an increasingly frequent event in hospitals, and nurses are the health professionals who live with this reality the most. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 made this event more present, showing that nurses' attitudes toward death may influence the care provided to people at the end of life. The objective of this study was to analyze the attitudes of nurses in the emergency service toward death, before and after the first critical period of the pandemic by COVID-19 in Portugal. METHODS: A quantitative, comparative, and cross-sectional study was conducted in a hospital in Northern Portugal at 2 different moments: the first in February 2018 and the second in May 2020, after the first critical period of the pandemic by COVID-19. In both moments, data were collected using a self-completion questionnaire, which included the Death Attitude Profile Assessment Scale. RESULTS: The attitudes fear, avoidance, closeness, and escape did not show significant differences. In neutral/neutral acceptance, differences were found between the first and second moments of data collection (P = .01), with a lower mean after the critical period of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in 2018 and 2020 showed slight changes in attitudes toward death. The need to invest in the training and preparation of nurses who deal directly with death and the dying process was evident. Nurse managers should promote spaces for reflection and team training on death, aiming to reduce the professionals' suffering and anxiety.

Environments of professional nursing practice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Although COVID-19 attracted attention to the environments of professional nursing practice, triggering a series of responses to address some of the most pressing problems, it is important to identify the size and scope of other weaknesses that have emerged. METHODS: In an observational and cross-sectional study, using the Scale for the Evaluation of the Environment of Professional Nursing Practice, 752 nurses from a Portuguese university hospital, provided socio-demographic and professional data about the components structure, process and outcome of their professional nursing environment. Data collection took place from June 1-30, 2020, immediately after the first critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. RESULTS: In the analysed environment of professional nursing practice, Process factors were favourable to the quality of care, while the Structure and Outcome factors had a moderately favourable effect. Structure factors related to work contexts (P < .001) and nursing functions in patient care areas with COVID-19 (P = .001). Process factors related significantly to work contexts (P < .001). A significant association was found between Outcome factors and work contexts (P < .001) and nursing functions in patient care areas with COVID-19 (P = .005). CONCLUSION: The environments of professional nursing practice in the hospital under study are moderately favourable to the quality of care. However, the need to invest in nurses' participation, involvement and professional qualification is clear. Maintenance of a sustainable nursing workforce requires attention to be given to ensuring that practice environments are conducive to the quality of care and geared to promoting professional involvement and job satisfaction among nurses.

Métodos de trabalho dos enfermeiros em hospitais: scoping review / Working methods of nurses in hospitals: scoping review / Métodos de trabajo de las enfermeras en los hospitales: scoping review

RESUMOObjetivo: sintetizar o conhecimento científico sobre os métodos de trabalho dos enfermeiros no contexto hospitalar. Método: estudo de revisão do tipo scoping, baseada nos princípios do Joanna Briggs Institute, com recurso às bases de dados Medline (PubMed), CINAHL®e LILACS. Como critérios de inclusão, definiram­se os artigos publicados nos idiomas de português, inglês e espanhol, entre 2016 e 2021, que abordassem a temática em estudo. Excluíram-se os achados referentes à assistência de enfermagem na atenção primária e nos contextos específicos de prestação de cuidados de enfermagem. Resultados: entre os 986 estudos encontrados, foram considerados 15 artigos para análise e identificadas três áreas temáticas, métodos de trabalho adotados pelos enfermeiros, implicações da adoção dos métodos de trabalho dos enfermeiros e fatores facilitadores/dificultadores da adoção dos métodos de trabalho dos enfermeiros. Conclusão: o método de trabalho constitui uma das bases do exercício profissional, com diversas implicações e fatores que podem concorrer para a qualidade e segurança dos cuidados de enfermagem prestados

ABSTRACTObjective: to synthesize scientific knowledge about nurses' working methods in the hospital context.Method: scoping review study, based on the principles of the Joanna Briggs Institute, using the Medline (PubMed), CINAHL® and LILACS databases. As inclusion criteria, articles published in the languages of Portuguese, English and Spanish, between 2016 and 2021, that addressed the subject under study were defined. Findings related to nursing care in primary care and in specific contexts of nursing care were excluded.Results: of the 986 studies found, 15 articles were considered for analysis and three thematic areas were identified, working methods adopted by nurses, implications of adopting nurses' working methods, and facilitating/ hindering factors in adopting nurses' working methods.Conclusion: the work method is one of the bases of professional practice, with several implications and factors that can contribute to the quality and safety of the nursing care provided.Descriptors: Delivery of Health Care; Nursing care; Nursing; Hospitals; Models, Nursing; Organization and Administration.

RESUMENObjetivo: sintetizar el conocimiento científico sobre los métodos de trabajo del enfermero en el contexto hospitalario.Método: estudio de revisión scoping, basado en los principios del Instituto Joanna Briggs, utilizando las bases de datos Medline (PubMed), CINAHL® y LILACS. Como criterios de inclusión se definieron los artículos publicados en los idiomas portugués, inglés y español, entre 2016 y 2021, que abordaran el tema en estudio. Se excluyeron los hallazgos relacionados con la atención de enfermería en la atención primaria y en contextos específicos de la atención de enfermería.Resultados: de los 986 estudios encontrados, se consideraron 15 artículos para su análisis y se identificaron tres áreas temáticas, métodos de trabajo adoptados por enfermeras, las implicaciones de la adopción de los métodos de trabajo de las enfermeras y los factores facilitadores/ obstaculizadores en la adopción de los métodos de trabajo de las enfermeras.Conclusión: el método de trabajo es una de las bases de la práctica profesional, con diversas implicaciones y factores que pueden contribuir a la calidad y seguridad de la atención de enfermería brindada.

A cultura organizacional em tempos de pandemia pela COVID-19: repercussões nos enfermeiros especialistas e gestores / The organizational culture in times of COVID-19 pandemic: repercussions on specialist nurses and nurse managers

Objetivo:refletir sobre a cultura organizacional, em contexto de pandemia pela COVID-19, e as repercussões no exercício profissional dos enfermeiros especialistas e enfermeiros gestores.Método: estudo teórico-reflexivo, elaborado entre outubro e novembrode 2020, a partir da revisão da literatura e experiência dos autores. Resultados: perante uma adversidade, nunca antes vivida, as instituições de saúde são confrontadas com inúmeros desafios. A existência de uma cultura organizacional consistente torna-sefundamental, mostrando a dinâmica da instituição para a sociedade e o objetivo comum de todos os seus profissionais de saúde. Os enfermeiros especialistas e enfermeiros gestores desempenham um papel de destaque junto dasequipes, através de estratégias deliderança e de gestão de cuidados, recorrendo à reflexão sobre a prática e à capacitação dos enfermeiros de cuidados gerais.Conclusão: os enfermeiros especialistas e gestores em contexto depandemia poderão ser elementos promotores da cultura organizacional, garantindo a qualidade da assistência em saúde

Objective: to reflect on the organizational culture, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the repercussions on the professional practice of specialistnursesand nurse managers. Method:theoretical-reflective study, carried out between October and November 2020, based on a review of the literature and the authors'experience. Results:in the face of difficulties, never experienced before, health institutions are dealingwith severalchallenges. Havingan established organizational culture is highly relevant,showing the institution's dynamics to society and the common objective of all its health professionals.Specialistnurses and nurse managersplay a prominent role with the teams, through leadership and care management strategies, employing reflection on the practice and training of general care nurses. Conclusion:specialistnurses and nurse managersin a pandemic context may be elements that promote organizational culture, ensuring the quality of health care.

Planejamento organizacional no contexto de pandemia por COVID-19: implicações para a gestão em enfermagem / Organizational planning in pandemic context by COVID-19: implications for nursing management / Planificación organizativa en el contexto pandémico por COVID-19: implicaciones para la gestión de enfermería

Objetivo: refletir sobre o planejamento organizacional no contexto da pandemia por COVID-19 e as implicações para a gestão em enfermagem. Método: estudo téoricoreflexivo, realizado entre os dias 01 e 09 de junho de 2020 e baseado nos documentos emanados pela Direção Geral da Saúde de Portugal para o planejamento organizacional no contexto hospitalar, durante o período de 03 de março a 03 de junho de 2020. Resultados: foram identificados nove documentos do tipo normas ou orientações emitidas pela Direção Geral da Saúde, referentes às medidas para controle da pandemia da COVID-19, sendo possível a organização dos dados em duas macrocategorias: estruturas, materiais e procedimentos e exercício profissional dos enfermeiros, com enfoque no papel do enfermeiro gestor. Conclusão: a Direção-Geral da Saúde de Portugal, através da disseminação de documentos orientadores, permitiu um planejamento organizacional, ajustado às necessidades dos pacientes com COVID-19. O enfermeiro gestor teve de reorganizar a gestão de estruturas e materiais, assim como a gestão dos enfermeiros para cumprir as orientações emanadas e continuar a assegurar cuidados de qualidade aos pacientes internados em sua unidade.(AU)

Objective: to reflect on organizational planning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for nursing management. Method: theoretical-reflective study, carried out between 01 and 09 June 2020 and based on documents issued by the General Directorate of Health of Portugal for organizational planning in the hospital context, during the period from March 03 to June 03, 2020. Results: nine documents of the norms or guidelines issued by the Directorate-General for Health were identified, referring to the measures to control the pandemic of COVID-19, making it possible to organize the data in two macro categories: structures, materials and procedures and professional practice of nurses, focusing on the role of nurse manager. Conclusion: the Directorate-General for Health of Portugal, through the dissemination of guiding documents, allowed for organizational planning, adjusted to the needs of patients with COVID-19. The nurse manager had to reorganize the management of structures and materials, as well as the management of nurses to comply with the guidelines issued and continue to ensure quality care for patients admitted to his unit.(AU)

Objetivo: reflexionar sobre la planificación organizacional en el contexto de la pandemia COVID-19 y las implicaciones para el manejo de enfermería. Método: estudio teórico-reflexivo, realizado entre el 01 y el 09 de junio de 2020 y basado en documentos emitidos por la Dirección General de Salud de Portugal para la planificación organizativa en el contexto hospitalario, durante el período del 03 de marzo al 03 de junio. 2020. Resultados: se identificaron nueve documentos de las normas o directrices emitidas por la Dirección General de Salud, en relación con las medidas para controlar la pandemia de COVID-19, que permiten organizar los datos en dos macro categorías: estructuras, materiales y procedimientos y práctica profesional. de enfermeras, centrándose en el papel de gerente de enfermería. Conclusión: la Dirección General de Salud de Portugal, a través de la difusión de documentos guía, permitió la planificación organizacional, ajustada a las necesidades de los pacientes con COVID-19. El gerente de enfermería tuvo que reorganizar la gestión de estructuras y materiales, así como la gestión de las enfermeras para cumplir con las directrices emitidas y continuar garantizando una atención de calidad para los pacientes ingresados en su unidad.(AU)

Identificação do paciente como estratégia de segurança / Patient identification as a safety strategy

Objetivo: relatar a experiência na construção de um projeto de melhoria contínua da qualidade para a identificação inequívoca do paciente. Método: trata-se de um descritivo, tipo relato de experiência, que compartilha a construção de um projeto que tem como finalidade a identificação inequívoca do paciente, no contexto hospitalar, segundo o referencial da Ordem dos Enfermeiros de Portugal. Resultados: apresentaram-se em oito etapas: identificação e descrição do problema; percepção do problema e suas causas; formulação de objetivos; definição do público-alvo e critérios de inclusão/exclusão; planejamento e execução das atividades; verificação dos resultados; proposta de medidas corretivas; uniformização e capacitação da equipe e, finalmente, reconhecimento e compartilhamento do sucesso. Conclusão: conclui-se que a identificação inequívoca do paciente se torna fundamental para diminuir os incidentes no decorrer da prestação de cuidados. Sugere-se, assim, criar estratégias para sensibilizar os profissionais para a implementação do procedimento de modo a garantir a qualidade e segurança dos cuidados prestados.

Objective: to report the experience in the construction of a project of continuous quality improvement for the unequivocal identification of the patient. Method: it is a descriptive, type of experience report, which shares the construction of a project that aims to unequivocally identify the patient, in the hospital context, according to the framework of the Order of Nurses of Portugal. Results: presented in eight stages: identification and description of the problem; perception of the problem and its causes; formulation of objectives; definition of the target audience and inclusion / exclusion criteria; planning and execution of activities; verification of results; corrective measures proposal; uniformity and training of the team and, finally, recognition and sharing of success. Conclusion: it is concluded that the unequivocal identification of the patient becomes essential to reduce the incidents during the provision of care. It is suggested, therefore, to create strategies to sensitize professionals to the implementation of the procedure in order to guarantee the quality and safety of the care provided.

Objetivo: reportar la experiencia en la construcción de un proyecto de mejora continua de la calidad para la identificación inequívoca del paciente. Método: es un informe descriptivo, de tipo de experiencia, que comparte la construcción de un proyecto que tiene como objetivo identificar inequívocamente al paciente, en el contexto hospitalario, de acuerdo con el marco de la Orden de Enfermeros de Portugal. Resultados: presentados en ocho etapas: identificación y descripción del problema; percepción del problema y sus causas; formulación de objetivos; definición del público objetivo y criterios de inclusión / exclusión; planificación y ejecución de actividades; verificación de resultados; propuesta de medidas correctivas; uniformidad y formación del equipo y, finalmente, reconocimiento y reparto del éxito. Conclusión: se concluye que la identificación inequívoca del paciente se vuelve esencial para reducir los incidentes durante la prestación de la atención. Se sugiere, por lo tanto, crear estrategias para sensibilizar a los profesionales sobre la implementación del procedimiento a fin de garantizar la calidad y seguridad de la atención brindada.