Spiritual care interventions for palliative care patients: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and map spiritual care interventions to address spiritual needs and alleviate suffering of patients in the context of palliative care. METHODS: A scoping review using the PRISMA ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist was conducted according to the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) guidelines. The search was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 using 9 electronic databases and gray literature. Studies on spiritual care interventions in palliative care were included. Disagreements between the 2 reviewers were resolved by discussion or a third reviewer. RESULTS: A total of 47 studies were included in this review. All selected articles were published between 2003 and 2022. In total, 8 types of spiritual care interventions were identified to assess spiritual needs and/or alleviate suffering: conversations between the patient and a team member, religious practice interventions, therapeutic presence, guided music therapy, multidisciplinary interventions, guided meditation, art therapy, and combined interventions with multiple components such as music, art, integrative therapy, and reflection. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Our study identified few spiritual care interventions in palliative care worldwide. Although this review noted a gradual increase in studies, there is a need to improve the reporting quality of spiritual care interventions, so they can be replicated in other contexts. The different interventions identified in this review can be a contribution to palliative care teams as they provide a basis for what is currently being done internationally to alleviate suffering in palliative care and what can be improved. No patient or public contribution was required to design or undertake this methodological research.

Clinic validation protocol for venous ulcers in high complexity. / Validação clínica de protocolo para úlceras venosas na alta complexidade.

OBJECTIVE: To perform clinical validation of a clinical protocol for treatment of individuals with venous ulcers in highly complex health services. METHOD: Methodological quantitative study conducted by four specialist nurses who evaluated 32 patients with venous ulcers, at the Onofre Lopes University Hospital, in Natal/Rio Grande do Norte. Data was collected between July and December/2013 and analysis was carried out using Kappa test (K), considering K ≥ 0.61. RESULTS: Items with unsatisfactory Kappa coefficients were excluded and the experts suggested changes in the categories anamnesis; examinations; verification of pain and pulse signs; surgical treatment of chronic venous disease; prevention of recurrence; reference and counter-reference. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol was validated in the clinical setting and, after adjustments, it contained 15 categories and 76 items. Validation optimized the instrument regarding applicability and relevance.

Effects of dignity therapy on terminally ill patients: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the evidence of the effects of dignity therapy onterminally ill patients. METHOD: A Systematic review of the literature conducted using the search strategy in six databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies, excluding literature reviews (systematic or not) and conceptual articles. RESULTS: Ten articles were analyzed regarding method, results and evidence level. Dignity therapy improved the sense of meaning andpurpose, will to live, utility, quality of life, dignity and family appreciationin studies with a higher level of evidence. The effects are not well established in relation to depression, anxiety, spirituality and physical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Studies with a moderate to high level of evidence have shown increased sense of dignity, will to live and sense of purpose. Further studies should be developed to increase knowledge about dignity therapy. OBJETIVO: Analisar as evidências sobre os efeitos da terapia da dignidade para pacientes em fase terminal de vida. MÉTODO: Revisão sistemática da literatura realizada em seis bases de dados na estratégia de busca. Os critérios de inclusão foram estudos primários, excluindo-se revisões da literatura (sistemáticas ou não) e artigos conceituais. RESULTADOS: Dez artigos foram analisados quanto ao método, aos resultados e nível de evidência. Nos estudos com maior nível de evidência, a terapia da dignidade melhorou o senso de significado, propósito, vontade de viver, utilidade, qualidade de vida, dignidade e apreciação familiar.Os efeitos não estão bem estabelecidos em relação à depressão, ansiedade, espiritualidade e aos sintomas físicos. CONCLUSÃO: Os estudos de nível de evidência de moderado a alto demonstraram aumento do senso de dignidade, vontade de viver e senso de propósito. Mais estudos devem ser desenvolvidos para ampliar o conhecimento sobre a terapia da dignidade.

[Analysis of the physical aspects of quality of life of kidney recipients]. / Análise dos aspectos físicos da qualidade de vida de receptores de rim .

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main factors of the physical domain modified after kidney transplantation and analyze the influence of those aspects in the perception of Overall quality of life (QOL). METHOD: Longitudinal study, conducted with 63 chronic kidney patients, evaluated before and after kidney transplant, using the quality of life scale proposed by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: We observed significant improvement in the physical aspects of QOL after kidney transplantation. Significant correlations were observed between physical aspects and the Overall QOL. CONCLUSION: The kidney transplant generated improvement in all physical aspects of QOL. The factors that showed stronger correlation with the Overall QOL before the transplant were the capacity to work and pain. After the transplant, the perception of need for treatment was the factor that showed stronger correlation with the Overall QOL.

[Instrument for evaluating care given by undergraduate nursing students to people with wounds]. / Instrumento para avaliar o cuidado de graduandos de enfermagem à pessoa com ferida.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present the process of construction and validation of an instrument for evaluating the care provided to people with wounds, to be used with undergraduate nursing students. METHOD :Methodological study, with quantitative approach, using the Delphi technique in two rounds, the first with 30 judges and the second with 18. The analysis was made with Kappa coefficient ≥0.80, and content validity index greater than >0.80, also using the Wilcoxon test for comparison of the indices between the rounds. RESULTS: It was found that of the 20 categories of the instrument, 18 presented better scores in the second Delphi round. Scores were greater in the second round in seven of the ten evaluation categories. CONCLUSION: Based on the evaluation by the judges, a version of the instrument was defined with adequate indices of agreement and validity, which will be able to help in evaluating care of people with cutaneous injury given by undergraduate nursing students.

[Instrument for assessing the quality of mobile emergency pre-hospital care: content validation]. / Instrumento para avaliação da qualidade da assistência préhospitalarmóvel de urgência: validação de conteúdo.

OBJECTIVES: To validate an instrument to assess quality of mobile emergency pre-hospital care. METHOD: A methodological study where 20 professionals gave their opinions on the items of the proposed instrument. The analysis was performed using Kappa test (K) and Content Validity Index (CVI), considering K> 0.80 and CVI ≥ 0.80. RESULTS: Three items were excluded from the instrument: Professional Compensation; Job Satisfaction and Services Performed. Items that obtained adequate K and CVI indexes and remained in the instrument were: ambulance conservation status; physical structure; comfort in the ambulance; availability of material resources; user/staff safety; continuous learning; safety demonstrated by the team; access; welcoming; humanization; response time; costumer privacy; guidelines on care; relationship between professionals and costumers; opportunity for costumers to make complaints and multiprofessional conjunction/actuation. CONCLUSION: The instrument to assess quality of care has been validated and may contribute to the evaluation of pre-hospital care in mobile emergency services.

Brazilian version of the Pasero Opioid-Induced Sedation Scale: cross-cultural adaptation study.

OBJECTIVE: Perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale to the Brazilian setting. METHOD: This is a methodological study using Beaton's framework, which consists in six stages: translation, synthesis of translations, re-translation, expert committee, pre-test, and sending the adapted version of the instrument to the author of the original. The study was carried out from April to December 2021. The research was conducted in a private hospitalin the city of São Paulo, in the adult hospitalization and critical care units. It was approved by the research ethics committee. RESULTS: After translation, translation synthesis and back-translation steps, the version was evaluated by the expert committee, requiring two rounds to obtain acceptable CVI values above 0.80. In the pre-test phase, the scale was well understood, with a CVI of 0.98. CONCLUSION: The scale was adapted for the Brazilian context; however, further studies will be needed to analyze validity and reliability evidence.

Implementation of the São Paulo Nursing Courses Consortium for the Progress Test: experience report.

OBJECTIVE: To report the experience of implementing the São Paulo Nursing Courses Consortium for the Progress Test. METHOD: This is an experience report of the consortium's work in Progress Test preparation and application for Public Schools of Nursing in São Paulo in 2019, 2021 and 2022, with a descriptive analysis of the work process and the results obtained. RESULTS: The consortium's activities are structured into the following stages: planning; theme review; distributing and requesting questions; professor training; question elaboration; question reception; question selection; question validation; student registration; test application; analysis and dissemination of results. A total of 57.3% of enrolled students participated. There was a predominance of questions of medium difficulty and a gradual progression in the level of discrimination of the questions, with, in 2022, 82.5% being considered adequate. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The consortium has allowed the test to be applied interinstitutionally, with greater scope, accuracy, and quality of questions. Through this experience, it is expected to encourage progress testing in undergraduate nursing courses in other contexts.

['Sandwich PhD': considerations for a successful experience abroad]. / Doutorado sanduíche: considerações para uma experiência de sucesso no exterior.

International PhD internship, named "Sandwich PhD" in Brazil is an opportunity to improve research abilities, to become known in academic area and to establish and/or increase work opportunities in an international context. In this article, we describe key factors regarding the planning and development of the "Sandwich PhD" as experienced by professors and students involved in the collaboration between the School of Nursing, University of São Paulo and Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada. We also present the participation of PhD students' network as an alternative to the "Sandwich PhD". An international experience, when well-planned and developed correctly, promotes students' personal and professional development and favors the internationalization of Brazilian graduate programs and research groups.

Educational interventions for cervical cancer prevention: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: to identify, map and describe characteristics of educational interventions for cervical cancer prevention in adult women. METHODS: a scoping review conducted on eleven databases and the gray literature, including studies that described educational interventions aimed at preventing cervical cancer in adult women. RESULTS: thirty-three articles with 151,457 participants were analyzed. The most used educational strategies were participatory discussions and educational leaflets. Most of the interventions took place in a single session, ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. The most used theoretical model in interventions to improve women's compliance with Pap smear was the Health Belief Model. CONCLUSIONS: group discussions, lectures and educational brochures can increase knowledge and reduce barriers to cervical cancer prevention. Theory-based and culturally sensitive interventions can have a positive impact on women's health.

Spiritual well-being, symptoms and performance of patients under palliative care.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the relationship between spiritual well-being, symptoms and performance of patients under palliative care. METHODS: this is a descriptive correlational study, conducted with 135 patients seen in palliative care outpatient clinics. Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, Spirituality Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: among participants, 68.2% were cancer patients. The most prevalent symptoms were changes in well-being (65.2%), anxiety (63.7%), sadness (63%) and fatigue (63%). Sadness, dyspnea, sleepiness, anxiety and depression presented weak to moderate correlation with spiritual well-being. Symptom overload showed weak negative correlation with performance. CONCLUSIONS: symptom intensification was correlated with worsening in spiritual well-being perception. The reduction in performance was related to increased number of symptoms, especially depression and anxiety.

[Disability related to chronic low back pain: prevalence and associated factors]. / Incapacidade relacionada à dor lombar crônica: prevalência e fatores associados.

Disability related to chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of disability and factors associated with disability outcome in 177 CLBP adults. Respondents were recruited from three health care service centers and answered questions from: Demographic Identification Form, Oswestry Disability Index, Chronic Pain Self-efficacy Scale, Tampa Scale Kinesiophobia, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale. The prevalence of disability among the respondents was 65% (95% CI: 57.5 - 72.0), and disability was moderate to severe in 80.7% of them. The multiple regression model identified three factors as independently associated with disability: work situation, low self-efficacy and depression. The factors identified to be associated with disability are modifiable. Interventions such as work relocation, depression treatment and re-conceptualization of self-efficacy may have an important impact in preventing and reducing disability in chronic low back pain patients.

Symptom cluster: management and advanced practices in oncology nursing.

OBJECTIVE: To present the definition of "symptom cluster" in cancer patients and to reflect on the theory, assessment, outcomes, and interventions for symptom management, based on the perspective of advanced practices in oncology nursing. METHOD: Theoretical-reflective study that presents and discusses possibilities for managing "symptom clusters" through advanced practices in oncology nursing. RESULTS: The term "symptom cluster" can be defined as a set of two or more related symptoms. The theoretical concepts and models that can help in its understanding are: Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms, Theory of Symptom Management, concept of self-efficacy and Theory of symptom self-management. Advanced practice nurses have the skills to manage "symptom clusters," optimizing outcomes and positively influencing the quality of life of cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Advanced practice nurses have the essential characteristics to design, to implement and to evaluate intervention protocols aimed at the management of "symptom clusters" in cancer patients.

Effectiveness of warm compresses in reducing the temperature of febrile children: A pilot randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the application of a warm compress in association with the prescribed antipyretic drug compared to the effect of the prescribed antipyretic alone, in reducing fever in hospitalized children. METHOD: This is a pilot randomized clinical trial performed in pediatric units of a secondary-level hospital. The convenience sample consisted of 33 children with axillary temperature greater than or equal to 37.8°C (100°F), randomized to the control group (antipyretics) or intervention group (antipyretics + warm compresses). Temperature was monitored in both groups for 3 hours and data were collected using standardized instruments, analyzed using Mann Whitney, Fisher's Exact, Chi-Square, and ANOVA tests. RESULTS: The control group consisted of 17 children and the intervention group of 16 children. The temperature of all children decreased over time, with progressive attenuation, with a lower final mean in the control group (p=0.035). In the intervention group, irritability and crying were observed in 12.5% of the children. CONCLUSION: The application of warm compresses in association with antipyretics was not effective in reducing fever in hospitalized children compared to the use of pharmacological measures alone. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION PROTOCOL: UTN-U1111-1229-1599.

Brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of a brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management. METHODS: Before and after pilot study. The brief interprofessional intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was based on the Self-Efficacy Theory, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy strategies. The intervention aimed to improve the management of chronic pain. It was conducted in group, over six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting, including educational strategies on pain management, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Self-efficacy, pain intensity, disability, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Adults with moderate to severe pain took part in the study. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (p = 0.004) and significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.024), disability (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The effects of brief interprofessional intervention were positive for chronic pain management. We suggest the conduction of studies with more robust designs and a larger sample to confirm these findings.

Factors associated with infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in Nursing professionals: a cross-sectional study. / Fatores associados à contaminação e internação hospitalar por COVID-19 em profissionais de enfermagem: estudo transversal.

OBJECTIVE: to identify factors associated with infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in nursing professionals. METHOD: a cross-sectional study carried out with 415 nursing professionals in a hospital specialized in cardiology. The sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, working conditions and issues related to illness due to COVID-19 were evaluated. Chi-Square, Fisher's, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Brunner Munzel tests were used in data analysis, as well as Odds Ratio for hospitalization, in addition to binary logistic regression. RESULTS: the rate of nursing professionals affected by COVID-19 was 44.3% and the factors associated with infection were the number of people living in the same household infected by COVID-19 (OR 36.18; p<0.001) and use of public transportation (OR 2.70; p=0.044). Having severe symptoms (OR 29.75), belonging to the risk group (OR 3.00), having tachypnea (OR 6.48), shortness of breath (OR 5.83), tiredness (OR 4.64), fever (OR 4.41) and/or myalgia (OR 3.00) increased the chances of hospitalization in professionals with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: living in the same household as other people with the disease and using public transportation increased the risk of infection by the new coronavirus. The factors associated with the hospitalization of contaminated professionals were presence of risk factors for the disease, severity and type of the symptoms presented.

Prevalence, characteristics, and impact of pain during the postpartum period.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of pain in puerperal women, describe the characteristics of pain and its impacts on the performance of daily life activities, and evaluate satisfaction with received analgesia. METHOD: Cross-sectional study which included women who had given birth. These were evaluated within 72 hours postpartum in a public teaching hospital in São Paulo city. Obstetric and clinical data were evaluated, as well as presence and characteristics of pain and its impact on daily activities. RESULTS: A total 128 women participated in this study. The prevalence of pain was 36.7% during the interview and 54.6% in the previous 24 hours. The main pain site was the abdominal region (64.7%) and pain intensity was moderate to 48.9% of women, with intermittent frequency in 58% of the cases. There was a significant association between presence of pain and type of delivery (cesarean; p=0.030). Not being able to provide care to the newborn, requiring going to a different unit, increased pain perception (p=0.038). A significant impact of pain on the capacity of walking, eating, sleeping, taking care of the baby, evacuating, breathing deeply, breastfeeding, and sitting was verified. CONCLUSION: Pain was frequent during the postpartum period and significantly affected the mothers' activities, indicating a need for improving pain management in puerperium.

Validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br).

OBJECTIVE: to perform the psychometric validation of the Brazilian version of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br) in patients with advanced diseases in palliative care. METHOD: a methodological study to verify the psychometric properties of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br) instrument, through validity and reliability tests. RESULTS: the exploratory factor analysis showed a factorial solution with three factors, responsible for 40.9% of the explained variance, with adequate internal consistency for the Presence of Symptoms (α=0.859), Dependence (α=0.871), and Existential Suffering (α=0.759) domains. The test-retest was performed and indicated moderate to strong correlations. Convergent validity demonstrated a positive correlation between the Presence of Symptoms and the sadness (r=0.443) and anxiety (r=0.464) variables. Weak negative correlations were observed between the PDI - Br domains and functionality, spiritual well-being and quality of life. CONCLUSION: composed of three domains and 25 items, the PDI - Br instrument presented satisfactory psychometric properties for its use in our environment, through the evidence of validity and reliability.

Characteristics of pregnant women at risk and relationship with type of delivery and complications.

OBJECTIVE: to describe characteristics of pregnant women at risk and analyze the relationship with type of delivery and complications during pregnancy and puerperium. METHODS: a retrospective study with secondary data of 1,574 at-risk pregnant women followed up in an educational intervention by telemedicine. RESULTS: pregnant women with an average age of 35 years and high educational level participated. Preference for normal delivery was 43.1%, but only 17.3% had normal delivery. During pregnancy, 43.5% sought emergency care. In the postpartum period, 2.0% needed an ICU. Emergency room search was associated with age and contacts with the intervention. Cesarean delivery was associated with age, physical inactivity and overweight/obesity. ICU admission was associated with age and BMI. CONCLUSION: pregnant women were of high age and education, the younger and who had more contacts with the intervention sought more the emergency room. Older age, physical inactivity and overweight/obesity were factors associated with cesarean delivery.

Psychoeducational Nursing Intervention for Symptom Management in Cancer Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a psychoeducational intervention upon symptom control and quality of life (QoL) among cancer patients. METHODS: This was an open randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo. The RCT comprised 107 outpatients in chemotherapy or radiation for malignant neoplasms. Participants were randomized to control group (usual treatment) or intervention group (IG) (psychoeducational intervention) with assessments at baseline and upon completion of the intervention. Sociodemographic information, clinical data, QoL, functionality, and symptoms were assessed. This trial is registered with the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry number RBR-9337nv. A mixed-effects model was applied to compare the effects of the intervention between the groups. RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms were fatigue (76.6%), insomnia (47.7%), pain (42.1%), and loss of appetite (37.4%). The symptom intensity analysis suggests that insomnia was the strongest symptom, followed by fatigue, loss of appetite, and pain. The IG experienced a significant improvement in terms of loss of appetite (P = 0.002) and a tendency toward less insomnia (P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention significantly reduced appetite loss in cancer patients. Despite no effects observed in global QoL or functionality, the intervention yielded a tendency to improve insomnia, and this outcome should be investigated in future studies.