Fatigue Among Family Medicine Physicians in Slovenia.

Background: Different authors define fatigue in different ways even though it is considered a very common symptom in the primary medical care. Objective: To explore level of fatigue among Slovene family physicians and factors contributing to fatigue. Methods: Modified Fatigue Impact Scale was used in our research. The link to the questionnaire website was sent through the mailing list of Medical Chamber of Slovenia, the Family Medicine Union - Praktik.um, the Family Medicine Association and the Young Physicians. Results: 231 physicians answered the questionnaire in full. There were 180 (77.9%) females and 51 (22.1%) males. The average age was 45.3±10.4 years and their capitation amounted to averagely 2245.8±544.2. On average they had spent 13.1±11.3 years working as specialists. Women have significant higher levels of fatigue, 57.2% have scored above the threshold of 38 points. Working in the office after working hours at least three times in a week was significantly associated with total fatigue, adding 10.07 points to the score. The years working as a specialist is not an important statistical factor in differentiating fatigue among physicians, nor is the level of patient load. Working irregular hours is also not an important statistical factor. Conclusion: Slovenian family physicians are tired, as they have exceeded the limit given in the literature. Women are more tired, the most characteristic factor that contributes to fatigue is the extension of work in the clinic at least three times a week.

Análisis de la actividad de la unidad de monitorización intermedios respiratorios en el contexto de pandemia / Analysis of the activity of the interme-diate respiratory monitoring unit in the context of a pandemic

Objetivo principal: Describir la actividad y carga asistencial de una unidad de monitorización de intermedios respiratorios (UMIR) en el contexto de pandemia por Covid-19, así como características de los pacientes ingresados en ella. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo y observacional entre enero y diciembre de 2021. Se evaluaron características del paciente, características de su ingreso y la carga asistencial medida a través de la escala TISS-28. Resultados principales: Ingresaron 127 pacientes. La edad media fue de 69,52 ± 11,61 años, y la gran mayoría eran hombres. Causa principal de ingreso fue insuficiencia respiratoria aguda. La puntuación media de la escala TISS-28 fue de 21,59 ± 2,37. Conclusión principal: La UMIR demostró ser un buen recuso hospitalario para responder a las necesidades de la pandemia por Covid-19, así como reducir la estancia media en otros servicios más especializados. Se debe tener en cuenta la elevada carga asistencial existente.(AU)

Objective: To describe the activity and care load of a respiratory intermediate monitoring unit (UMIR) in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the characteristics of the patients admitted to it. Methods: Prospective and observational study between January and December 2021. Characteristics of the patient, characteristics of their admission and the care burden measured through the TISS-28 scale were evaluated. Results: 127 patients were admitted. The mean age was 69.52 ± 11.61 years, and the vast majority were men. Main cause of admission was acute respiratory failure. The mean score on the TISS-28 scale was 21.59 ± 2.37. Conclusion: The UMIR proved to be a good hospital resource to respond to the needs of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as reduce the average stay in other more specialized services. The existing high care burden must be taken into account.(AU)

COVI-Prim Longitudinal Survey: Experiences of Primary Care Physicians During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: General practitioners (GPs) are the mainstay of primary care and play a critical role in pandemics. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, this international study aimed to explore changes in the workload of general practitioners, as well as their interactions with patients and colleagues, and their self-confidence and concerns. Methods: An online survey was conducted among GPs in Austria and Germany. Participants were asked to answer a basic questionnaire and participate in a subsequent longitudinal survey containing closed and open-ended items. All data were pseudonymized. Results: Overall, 723 general practitioners from Austria and Germany took part in the longitudinal survey over a period of 12 weeks (April 3-July 2, 2020). The majority of GPs had less direct contact with patients at the beginning of the survey (96 vs. 49% at the end of the study period). At first, doctors were mainly concerned with pandemic-related issues and had to care for the patients of GP colleagues that were in quarantine, which meant they had less time for routine work such as screenings and treating chronic diseases. Over the survey period, GPs' self-confidence increased and their concerns about income loss decreased. Conclusions: Following a difficult initial phase when protective equipment and information were lacking, physicians in primary care adapted quickly to new situations. Experience with telemedicine should help them face future challenges and may help prevent a decline in the delivery of routine health care and care for chronically ill patients. Registration: Trial registration at the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00021231.

The Double-Edged Sword Effect of Relational Crafting on Job Well-Being.

Is relational crafting always beneficial? Despite the increasing research on the positive outcomes of relational crafting, some evidence still indicates its dysfunctional consequences. The current study proposed a double-edged sword effect of relational crafting on job well-being, including work dynamics and emotional exhaustion, with an integrative perspective from the resource loss and resource acquisition perspectives based on the job demands-resources model and the conservation of resources theory. By conducting a two-stage questionnaire survey on 323 employees, the results demonstrate that: (1) On the one hand, relational crafting induces emotional exhaustion through increased work load; (2) On the other hand, relational crafting also displays positive effect on increasing work dynamics and decreasing emotional exhaustion by fostering supervisor-subordinate guanxi. By analyzing the double-edged sword effect of subordinates' relational crafting on job well-being from the two processes of resource loss and resource acquisition effects, a more complete influencing mechanism between relational crafting and job well-being is constructed, which improves the understanding of relational crafting, enriches the literature on proactive behavior and provides a more integrated theoretical basis for researchers and managers.

Identifying factors that contribute to structural firefighter heat strain in North America.

This article describes results from a survey of firefighters designed to identify conditions that contribute to heat strain in structural firefighting. Based on responses from about 3000 firefighters across the USA and Canada, the article provides invaluable information about how firefighters associate environmental conditions, work tasks and other factors with heat strain. One-half of firefighters surveyed have experienced heat stress during their service. They can wear fully deployed turnout gear for 2 h or more at the fire scene, reinforcing the importance of turnout suit breathability as a factor in heat strain. Survey results are useful in weighing the comparative value of total heat loss (THL) and evaporative heat resistance (Ref) for predicting turnout-related heat strain. Survey findings support the inclusion of a performance criterion in the National Fire Protection Association 1971 standard for firefighter personal protective equipment based on limiting Ref of turnout materials along with current THL requirement.

Sobrecarga de trabalho em unidades hospitalares: percepção de enfermeiros / Work overload in hospital units: perception of nurses

Conhecer a percepção de enfermeiros sobre a sobrecarga de trabalho em unidades hospitalares. Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, exploratória-descritiva, realizada em um hospital de ensino no Rio Grande do Sul. Participaram enfermeiros atuantes em serviços de internação clínica e cirúrgica. A coleta dos dados ocorreu por meio da observação sistemática não participante e entrevista semiestruturada. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizada a técnica de análise do conteúdo temática. Participaram 12 enfermeiros. Das categorias emergiram relatos de materiais de insumo de baixa qualidade, interrupções no desenvolvimento do trabalho, consequências decorrentes da sobrecarga para a saúde dos profissionais e estratégias de enfrentamento a respeito da mesma. É imprescindível o planejamento de ações que busquem minimizar a sobrecarga de trabalho e, assim, preservar e promover a saúde dos enfermeiros, na perspectiva da valorização e apoio, possibilitando a oferta de uma assistência integral e de qualidade.

Nurses' perceptions on work overload in hospital units are analyzed. Current qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research was conducted in a university hospital in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with the participation of nurses in clinical and surgical hospitalization services. Data were collected through systematic non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews. For data analysis, the thematic content analysis technique was used. Twelve nurses participated. Categories revealed reports on low quality materials, interruptions in work development, consequences resulting from work overload on the health of professionals and their coping strategies. It is important to plan actions that minimize work overload and, thus, preserve and promote nurses health, from the perspective of valorization and support, enabling the provision of comprehensive and quality care.

Simulation Training in Neuroangiography-Validation and Effectiveness.

PURPOSE: Simulators are increasingly used in the training of endovascular procedures; however, for the use of the Mentice vascular interventional system trainer (VIST) simulator in neuroradiology, the validity of the method has not yet been proven. The study was carried out to test the construct validity of such a simulator by demonstrating differences between beginner and expert neurointerventionalists and to evaluate whether a training effect can be demonstrated in repeated cases for different levels of experience. METHODS: In this study 4 experts and 6 beginners performed 10 diagnostic angiographies on the VIST simulator (Mentice AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). Of the cases four were non-recurring, whereas three were repeated once and ten subjects performed all tasks. Additionally, another expert performed only five non-recurring cases. The simulator recorded total time, fluoroscopy time, amount of contrast medium and number of material changes. Furthermore, gaze direction and heart rate were recorded, and subjects completed a questionnaire on workload. RESULTS: Beginners and experts showed significant differences in total duration time, fluoroscopy time and amount of contrast agent (all p < 0.05). Gaze direction, dwell time and heart rate were similar between both groups. Only beginners improved during training with respect to total duration time, fluoroscopy time and amount of contrast agent. If a case was previously known to them, the total duration and fluoroscopy time were significantly shortened (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated both the construct validity of a diagnostic neuroangiography simulator as well as a significant training effect for beginners. Therefore, in particular beginner neurointerventionalists should use such simulation tools more extensively in their initial training.

The effect of occupational physical activity on dementia: Results from the Copenhagen Male Study.

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) reduces the risk of dementia, while the effect of occupational physical activity (OPA) on dementia is uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of OPA on dementia. For comparison, also the association between LTPA and dementia was analyzed. In this longitudinal study, we used self-reported questionnaire data on OPA and LTPA collected in 1970-71 from 4721 male employees, who were 40-59 years old at baseline. Dementia was identified through national registers and participants were followed from they turned 60 years and until 2016. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) and adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, marital status, and psychological stress. In additional analyses, we included health behaviors and blood pressure and mutually adjusted OPA and LTPA. We identified 697 dementia cases during 86 557 person-years. We found an IRR of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.05-2.10) among participants with high OPA compared with participants in sedentary jobs. Participants with high LTPA had a non-significantly lower IRR of dementia compared with participants with a sedentary leisure time. In conclusion, LTPA and OPA are differentially associated with dementia. Therefore, current recommendations regarding the beneficial effect of physical activity on dementia only concern LTPA, and more research on OPA and dementia is needed.

Measuring Correlates of Mental Workload During Simulated Driving Using cEEGrid Electrodes: A Test-Retest Reliability Analysis.

The EEG reflects mental processes, especially modulations in the alpha and theta frequency bands are associated with attention and the allocation of mental resources. EEG has also been used to study mental processes while driving, both in real environments and in virtual reality. However, conventional EEG methods are of limited use outside of controlled laboratory settings. While modern EEG technologies offer hardly any restrictions for the user, they often still have limitations in measurement reliability. We recently showed that low-density EEG methods using film-based round the ear electrodes (cEEGrids) are well-suited to map mental processes while driving a car in a driving simulator. In the present follow-up study, we explored aspects of ecological and internal validity of the cEEGrid measurements. We analyzed longitudinal data of 127 adults, who drove the same driving course in a virtual environment twice at intervals of 12-15 months while the EEG was recorded. Modulations in the alpha and theta frequency bands as well as within behavioral parameters (driving speed and steering wheel angular velocity) which were highly consistent over the two measurement time points were found to reflect the complexity of the driving task. At the intraindividual level, small to moderate (albeit significant) correlations were observed in about 2/3 of the participants, while other participants showed significant deviations between the two measurements. Thus, the test-retest reliability at the intra-individual level was rather low and challenges the value of the application for diagnostic purposes. However, across all participants the reliability and ecological validity of cEEGrid electrodes were satisfactory in the context of driving-related parameters.

Carga horária de enfermagem aplicada ao paciente com infarto agudo do miocárdio / Nursing hour load applied to the patient with acute myocardial infarction / Carga horaria de enfermería aplicada al paciente con infarto agudo de miocardio

Objetivo: identificar a Carga Horaria de enfermagem aplicada ao Infarto agudo do Miocárdio, de acordo com a classificação de Killip. Método: pesquisa de campo com abordagem quantitativa, descritiva, exploratória, retrospectiva. Foram utilizados prontuários de pacientes que obtiveram como diagnostico inicial o Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio, e que apresentaram alterações nos marcadores bioquímicos Resultados: foram avaliados 200 prontuários. A partir dos dados obtidos conseguimos traçar uma progressão de carga horaria entre as categorias Killip, sobre as necessidades de assistência prestada. Conclusão: a carga horaria de enfermagem varia de acordo com a complexidade que o Infarto do Miocárdio pode manifestar. O paciente necessita de maior número de pessoal de enfermagem devido alta carga horaria para atender todas as intervenções necessárias

Objective: to identify the nursing time load applied to acute myocardial infarction, according to the Killip classification. field research with quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, retrospective approach. The medical records of patients Methods: who obtained an initial diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and who presented alterations in the biochemical markers were used. Results: 200 medical records were evaluated. From the data obtained we were able to trace a progression of time load between the Killip categories, on the assistance needs provided. Conclusion: the nursing time load varies according to the complexity that the Myocardial Infarction can manifest. The patient needs a larger number of nursing personnel due to high workload to attend all necessary interventions

Objetivo: identificar la carga horaria de enfermería aplicada al infarto agudo de miocardio, de acuerdo con la clasificación de Killip. Métodos: investigación de campo con abordaje cuantitativo, descriptivo, exploratorio, retrospectivo. Se utilizaron prontuarios de pacientes que obtuvieron como diagnóstico inicial el Infarto Agudo del Miocardio, y que presentaron alteraciones en los marcadores bioquímicos. Resultados: se evaluaron 200 prontuarios. A partir de los datos obtenidos conseguimos trazar una progresión de carga horaria entre las categorías Killip, sobre las necesidades de asistencia prestada. Conclusión: la carga horaria de enfermería varía de acuerdo con la complejidad que el Infarto del Miocardio puede manifestar. El paciente necesita un mayor número de personal de enfermería debido a una alta carga horaria para atender todas las intervenciones necesarias

Occupational differences in disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion: do work-related factors matter?

OBJECTIVE: To identify occupations with a high risk of disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion and to examine the effect of physical and psychosocial work-related factors on occupational differences in disability retirement. METHODS: We followed Finnish wage earners aged 30-59 years (n = 1,135,654) from 2005 to 2014 for full disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion. The work-related exposures were assessed with job exposure matrices. We calculated age-adjusted incidence rates and hazard ratios to test for the association between occupation and disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion. We also examined the contribution of work-related exposures to the excess risk of disability retirement. RESULTS: As compared to professionals, the age-adjusted risk of disability retirement was increased among men in all occupational groups except managers and customer service clerks and among women in several occupational groups. Adjustment for education attenuated the occupational differences considerably, particularly among women. The physical work-related factors fully explained the excess risk of disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion among male finance and sales associate professionals and administrative secretaries as well as among agricultural and fishery workers. In women, the physical work-related factors fully explained the excess risk among construction workers, electricians and plumbers. For both genders, the contribution of psychosocial factors to excess risk of disability retirement was modest and seen for monotonous work only. CONCLUSIONS: A reduction of the level of physical work load factors as well as monotonousness of work has a potential to prevent work disability due to a shoulder lesion.

Relationship between work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic factor load in shipyard workers / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of ergonomic factor load on work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) in shipyard workers. METHODS: A total of 751 shipyard workers were selected as the research subjects using judgment sampling method. The exposure level of adverse ergonomic factors was assessed using the Quick Exposure Check method. The prevalence of WMSDs was investigated using the revised Musculoskeletal Disorders Investigating Questionnaire of our research group, and the relationship between them was analyzed. RESULTS: The proportions of high or very high level of work load exposure to the neck, back, shoulder and hand in shipyard workers from high to low were 66.4%, 63.5%, 59.8% and 43.7%(P<0.01) respectively. The proportions of occupational stress, driving, vibration and working rhythm at high or very high exposure level were 20.0%, 4.1%, 22.9% and 3.2%, respectively. The prevalence of WMSDs in four body parts of shipyard workers from high to low was the back, neck, hand and shoulder(the prevalence were 44.2%, 31.2%, 26.9% and 26.6%, respectively, P<0.01). After excluding the influence of confounding factors, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the higher the labor load exposure level and longer of the vibration tool using, the higher the risk of shoulder WMSDs [odds ratio(OR) and 95% confidence interval(CI) were 1.25(1.04-1.51) and 1.33(1.05-1.69), respectively, P<0.05]. The higher the level of occupational stress, the higher the risk of back and neck WMSDs [OR(95%CI) was 1.29(1.05-1.58) and 1.42(1.15-1.77), respectively, P<0.05]. CONCLUSION: There was a dose-effect relationship between the exposure level of shoulder load, the time of using vibration tools and the shoulder WMSDs, and there was a dose-effect relationship between the occupational stress level and the WMSDs in the back and neck.

[Workers' Lifestyles and Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine as an Oxidative Stress Marker].

Oxidative stress in biological components has become recognized as one of the causative factors of various diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of worker lifestyle and fatigue on the levels of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative stress. Our results revealed that urinary 8-OHdG level was increased by alcohol intake and decreased by snack intake and adequate sleep time on the day before the survey. A decrease in urinary 8-OHdG level was also observed in parallel with a decrease in workload. Urinary 8-OHdG monitoring is expected to be useful for disease prevention in the future.

Evaluating Mental Load During Realistic Driving Simulations by Means of Round the Ear Electrodes.

Film based round the ear electrodes (cEEGrids) provide both, the accessibility of unobtrusive mobile EEG as well as a rapid EEG application in stationary settings when extended measurements are not possible. In a large-scale evaluation of driving abilities of older adults (N > 350) in a realistic driving simulation, we evaluated to what extent mental demands can be measured using cEEGrids in a completely unrestricted environment. For a first frequency-based analysis, the driving scenario was subdivided into different street segments with respect to their task loads (low, medium, high) that was a priori rated by an expert. Theta activity increased with task load but no change in Alpha power was found. Effects gained clarity after removing pink noise effects, that were potentially high in this data set due to motion artifacts. Theta fraction increased with task load and Alpha fraction decreased. We mapped this effect to specific street segments by applying a track-frequency analysis. Whilst participants drove with constant speed and without high steering wheel activity, Alpha was high and theta low. The reverse was the case in sections that required either high activity or increased attentional allocation to the driving context. When calculating mental demands for different street segments based on EEG, this measure is highly significant correlated with the experts' rating of task load. Deviances can be explained by specific features within the segments. Thus, modulations in spectral power of the EEG were validly reflected in the cEEGrids data. All findings were in line with the prominent literature in the field. The results clearly demonstrate the usability of this low-density EEG method for application in real-world settings where an increase in ecological validity might outweigh the loss of certain aspects of internal validity.

A Comparison of Methods to Count Breathing Frequency.

BACKGROUND: Counting breaths for a full minute for all patients to determine breathing frequency could result in excessive work load for many medical staff. The aim of this study was to verify the agreement of 2 quick screening methods with counting breaths for a full minute. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare the breathing frequency estimates from a 15-s period multiplied by 4 (15-s quadruple) and a value which is 60 divided by the time measured for a single breath (ie, breathing time measurement) against counting breaths for a full minute. Subjects of this study included 58 nurses; 1 nurse acted as the patient, and 57 nurses counted the patient's breathing frequency using each of the 3 methods. Each nurse examiner performed the breathing time measurement, the 15-s quadruple method, and the 1-min breath count, in that order. We performed correlation and Bland-Altman analyses between the 15-s quadruple and 1-min breath count methods, and between the breathing time measurement and 1-min breath count methods. Using paired t tests, we compared the absolute difference between the 15-s quadruple and the 1-min breath count methods to the absolute difference between the breathing time measurement and the 1-min breath count methods. RESULTS: The coefficient of correlation between the 15-s quadruple and 1-min breath count was 0.83, while the coefficient of correlation between the breathing time measurement and 1-min breath count methods was 0.90. Brand-Altman analysis indicated that the bias of 15-s quadruple method to the 1-min breath count method was -2.1 ± 2.9 SD, and the limit of agreement was ±5.6; the bias of the breathing time measurement method to the 1-min breath count method was 0.5 ± 2.6 SD, and the limit of agreement was ±5.0. There were statistically significant differences between the 15-s quadruple and 1-min breath count methods and between the breathing time measurement and 1-min breath count methods (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The breathing time measurement method had better agreement with the 1-min breath count method than did the 15-s quadruple method in this study setting.

Care time and quality indicators in Intensive Care Units / Tiempo de atención e indicadores de calidad en Unidades de Terapia Intensiva / Tempo de assistência e indicadores de qualidade em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the correlation between nursing care time and care quality indicators. Method: Observational, correlational study, developed in 11 Intensive Care Units. The population comprised records of the number of nursing professionals, the number of patients with at least one of the Oro/Nasogastroenteral Probe (GEPRO), Endotracheal Tube (COT) and Central Venous Catheter (CVC) therapeutic devices and the occurrences related to the losses of these artifacts. Results: The time corresponded to 18.86 hours (Hospital A), 21 hours (Hospital B) and 19.50 hours (Hospital C); the Unplanned Outflow Incidence of GEPRO indicator presented a mean of 2.19/100 patients/day; Unplanned Extubation of COT Incidence, 0.42/100 patients/day; and CVC Loss Incidence, 0.22/100 patients/day. There was no statistically significant correlation between time and indicators analyzed. Conclusion: This research may support methodological decisions for future investigations that seek the impact of human resources on the care quality and patient safety.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la correlación entre tiempo de atención de enfermería e indicadores de calidad asistencial. Método: Estudio observacional, correlacional, desarrollado en 11 Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. La población comprendió registros del cuantitativo de los profesionales de enfermería, del número de portadores de, al menos, uno de los dispositivos terapéuticos Sonda Oro/Nasogastroenteral (SONGE), Cánula Endotraqueal (COT) y Cateter Venoso Central (CVC) y de las ocurrencias relativas a las pérdidas de estos artefactos. Resultados: El tiempo correspondió a 18,86 horas (Hospital A), 21 horas (Hospital B) y 19,50 horas (Hospital C); el indicador Incidencia de Salida No Planeada de SONGE presentó una media de 2,19/100 pacientes/día; Incidencia de Extubación no planificada de COT, 0,42/100 pacientes/día; e Incidencia de Pérdida CVC, 0,22/100 pacientes/día. No hubo correlación estadísticamente significativa entre el tiempo y los indicadores analizados. Conclusión: Esta investigación puede apoyar decisiones metodológicas para investigaciones futuras que buscan el impacto de los recursos humanos en la calidad asistencial y seguridad de los pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a correlação entre tempo de assistência de enfermagem e indicadores de qualidade assistencial. Método: Estudo observacional, correlacional, desenvolvido em 11 Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. A população compreendeu registros do quantitativo dos profissionais de enfermagem, do número dos portadores de, ao menos, um dos dispositivos terapêuticos Sonda Oro/Nasogastroenteral (SONGE), Cânula Endotraqueal (COT) e Cateter Venoso Central (CVC) e das ocorrências relativas às perdas desses artefatos. Resultados: O tempo correspondeu a 18,86 horas (Hospital A), 21 horas (Hospital B) e 19,50 horas (Hospital C); o indicador Incidência de Saída Não Planejada de SONGE apresentou média de 2,19/100 pacientes/dia; Incidência de Extubação não Planejada de COT, 0,42/100 pacientes/dia; e Incidência de Perda CVC, 0,22/100 pacientes/dia. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre o tempo e os indicadores analisados. Conclusão: Esta pesquisa pode apoiar decisões metodológicas para investigações futuras que buscam o impacto dos recursos humanos na qualidade assistencial e segurança dos pacientes.

Nursing Activities Score and the cost of nursing care required and available / El Nursing Activities Score y el costo de la asistencia de Enfermería requerida y disponible / Nursing Activities Score e custo da assistência de enfermagem requerida e disponível

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the cost of nursing care required and available through the use of the Nursing Activities Score. Method: Quantitative study, direct costing of nursing care required and available in the Intensive Care Units. Data collection included variables of the patients, nursing professionals and nursing workload measured by the Nursing Activities Score. The cost of nursing care was estimated by multiplying the cost of each hour with the total number of hours of care per category. Results: The negative difference of R$ 94,791.5 between the cost of available and required nursing care indicated an increase of 3.2 nurses and 7.0 nursing technicians. Conclusion: The cost of nursing care required identified through the application of the Nursing Activities Score, which is higher than the cost of available care, indicates the need to adjust the number of professionals to meet patients' demands.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar el costo de la asistencia de Enfermería requerida y disponible con el uso del Nursing Activities Score. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, con análisis de costo directo de la asistencia de Enfermería requerida y disponible en las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. La recolección de los datos incluyó variables de los pacientes, profesionales de Enfermería y carga de trabajo de Enfermería medida por el Nursing Activities Score. El costo de la asistencia de Enfermería fue determinado por la multiplicación entre el costo de cada hora y el total de horas de la asistencia por categoría. Resultados: La diferencia negativa de 94.791,5 reales entre el costo de la asistencia de Enfermería disponible y requerida indicó un aumento de 3,2 enfermeros y 7,0 técnicos de Enfermería. Conclusión: El costo de la asistencia de Enfermería requerida identificado por medio de la aplicación del Nursing Activities Score, más elevado que el costo de la asistencia disponible, indica la necesidad de ajustar el número de profesionales para atender las demandas de los pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar o custo da assistência de enfermagem requerida e disponível com o uso do Nursing Activities Score. Método: Estudo quantitativo, análise de custo direto da assistência de enfermagem requerida e disponível nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. A coleta dos dados incluiu variáveis dos pacientes, profissionais de enfermagem e carga de trabalho de enfermagem medida pelo Nursing Activities Score. O custo da assistência de enfermagem foi estimado pela multiplicação entre o custo de cada hora e o total de horas da assistência por categoria. Resultados: A diferença negativa de R$ 94.791,5 entre o custo da assistência de enfermagem disponível e requerida indicou acréscimo de 3,2 enfermeiros e 7,0 técnicos de enfermagem. Conclusão: O custo da assistência de enfermagem requerida identificado por meio da aplicação do Nursing Activities Score, mais elevado que o custo da assistência disponível, indica a necessidade de ajustar o número de profissionais para atender às demandas dos pacientes.

Low back pain among nursing professionals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Lower back pain (LBP) is often work-related and is commonly observed among nurses. LBP occurs below the 12th rib and above the gluteal fold. In nurses, back disorders are mainly associated with heavy physical activity, such as lifting and moving patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented work is to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and associations of personal characteristics, general health status, and physical load with complaints of LBP. METHODS: In this study, sixty nurses were randomly chosen to answer self-administered questionnaires. The results were analyzed using the SPSS system. RESULTS: An incidence rate of 61.7% for LBP among nurses was noticed. Among the sites of injury, LBP predominated with a rate of 51.2%. Severity of injury mostly ranged between mild to moderate levels of severity, and 20% of the nurses with LBP were working in obstetrics and gynecology units. Our study also showed that 66.7% of the participating nurses had experienced LBP only after taking on nursing jobs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that nurses working in Jeddah exhibit a high prevalence of lower back pain. In order to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses, the physical therapist's role is vital and nurses' practice of relaxation and stretching exercises in between work schedules is mandatory.