Nurses’ Perception and Performance of End-of-Life Care in a Tertiary Hospital / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to identify levels of perception and performance of end-oflife care among nurses and to investigate correlations between perception and performance. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional descriptive survey included 321 nurses from a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. The participants had at least 6 months of work experience and had been involved in end-of-life care at least once, in either ward or intensive care unit settings.A structured questionnaire was utilized to assess their perception and performance of endof-life care. @*Results@#The mean score for perception of end-of-life care was 3.23±0.34, while the score for performance of end-of-life care was 3.08±0.34. There was a significant positive correlation between nurses’ perception of end-of-life care and their performance in this area (r=0.78, P＜0.001). @*Conclusion@#It is necessary to change perceptions regarding end-of-life care and to develop systematic and standardized education programs including content such as assessing the hydration status of dying patients, evaluating mental aspects such as suicidal ideation, and providing spiritual care for nurses working in end-of-life departments.

The Influence of Knowledge of Coronary Artery Disease and Self-Efficacy on Health Behavior Compliance among Patients with Coronary Artery Disease / 기본간호학회지

Purpose@#This study was conducted to estimate the influence of knowledge of coronary artery disease (CAD) and self-efficacy on health behavior Compliance among patients with CAD. @*Methods@#Data were collected from August 11, 2020 to April 28, 2021. In total, 159 patients with CAD participated in this study. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. @*Results@#Health behavior compliance was correlated with knowledge of CAD (r=.33, p<.001) and self-efficacy (r=.71, p<.001), Multiple regression analysis found self-efficacy (β=.67, p<.001) and knowledge of coronary artery disease (β=.16, p=.004), to be statistically significant influ encing factors, and the explanatory power of the model was approximately 52% (F=30.39, p<.001). @*Conclusion@#Interventions to enhance self-efficacy and education programs to improve disease-related knowledge are essential for patients with CAD to improve their self-care health behaviors compliance.

The relationships between moral distress and quality of nursing care in oncology nurses / 한국간호교육학회지

Purpose@#The study aimed to investigate the relationship between moral distress and the quality of nursing care. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional correlation study included nurses working at oncology nursing units of two secondary general hospitals in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, Korea. A total of 207 nurses participated. Moral distress was measured by the Moral Distress Scale-Revised Nurse Questionnaire and quality of nursing care was evaluated by the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale. Data were collected from October 5 to 31, 2018. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. @*Results@#The quality of oncology nursing care showed a negative correlation with moral distress (r=-.19, p=.007). The factors affecting the quality of oncology nursing care were religion (β=-.22, p=.001), clinical experience in oncology units (β=.27, p=.007), and moral distress (β=-.16, p=.018). Moral distress showed a statistically significant predictive power of 13% in the regression model (F=8.70, p=<.001). @*Conclusion@#The findings of this study suggest that management of moral distress is important to increase the quality of oncology nursing care.

The relationships between moral distress and quality of nursing care in oncology nurses / 한국간호교육학회지

Purpose@#The study aimed to investigate the relationship between moral distress and the quality of nursing care. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional correlation study included nurses working at oncology nursing units of two secondary general hospitals in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, Korea. A total of 207 nurses participated. Moral distress was measured by the Moral Distress Scale-Revised Nurse Questionnaire and quality of nursing care was evaluated by the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale. Data were collected from October 5 to 31, 2018. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. @*Results@#The quality of oncology nursing care showed a negative correlation with moral distress (r=-.19, p=.007). The factors affecting the quality of oncology nursing care were religion (β=-.22, p=.001), clinical experience in oncology units (β=.27, p=.007), and moral distress (β=-.16, p=.018). Moral distress showed a statistically significant predictive power of 13% in the regression model (F=8.70, p=<.001). @*Conclusion@#The findings of this study suggest that management of moral distress is important to increase the quality of oncology nursing care.

A Concept Analysis of Posttraumatic Growth in Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to identify and define concepts of post-traumatic growth of family caregivers of cancer patients. METHODS: This study was conducted according to the method of Walker and Avant (2005)'s, focusing on research articles and books published from 2000 to 2017. RESULTS: There were five attributes of the concept: personal growth, reinforcing relationships with others, understanding of others, finding meaning of care, and gratitude for life. Furthermore, antecedents were as follows: cancer diagnosis of a family member, cancer severity, role acceptance of caregiver, caregiving related burden, self-esteem, and hope. The consequences, therefore, were promoting patient' s posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being, increased the quality of life, health related habits change, balance of life, satisfaction of life, and continuation of care. CONCLUSION: Knowing the factors of posttraumatic growth in nursing can be used to devise an intervention to enhance the posttraumatic growth of family caregivers of cancer patient, which can then be applied to a variety of nursing areas.

Predictors of Accidental Falls in the Community-dwelling Elderly by Age

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors of accidental falls by age in the Korean elderly. METHODS: The study subjects included 10,242 community-dwelling elders aged 65 or over. The data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The risk factors of accidental falls in the younger old group (aged 65~74) include fear of falling (OR=16.28, 95% CI: 12.03~22.03), depression (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.06~1.44), and hearing impairment (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.01~1.43). The risk factors of accidental falls in the older old group (aged 75~84) include fear of falling (OR=11.54, 95% CI: 7.04~18.93), muscle strength (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.15~1.60), number of chronic disease (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.09~2.50), and presence of spouse (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.06~1.51). The risk factors of accidental falls in the oldest old group (aged 85 years old or older) include fear of falling (OR=8.05, 95% CI: 1.85~34.98) and exercise (OR=2.91, 95% CI: 1.36~6.24). Fear of falling is defined as a common factor in the all age groups. CONCLUSION: Different strategies should be developed for age groups to prevent elderly falls with understanding of contributing factors of falls in each group.

Recognition of Accreditation for Nursing Education, Job Satisfaction and Intention to Change Teaching Area for Faculty in Fundamentals of Nursing / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to explore recognition of accreditation for nursing education, job satisfaction and intention to change teaching area for faculty in Fundamentals of Nursing. METHODS: Participants were 104 faculty members teaching Fundamentals of Nursing. Each participant responded to a questionnaire. Data were collected from June 25 to October 25, 2016, and analyzed using SPSS 23.0 for descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The participants' recognition of accreditation in nursing education was 3.45±0.81 out of 5 and in the sub-items, the score for quality improvement in professors in Fundamentals of Nursing was lowest at 3.21±1.03. Job satisfaction was 3.30±5.30, and intention to change teaching area was 2.62±1.00. Attributes related to practice appear to be major reasons why participants intended to change their teaching area and scores for intention to change teaching area were medium or higher. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that it is necessary to develop strategies to improve job satisfaction and reduce intention to change teaching area for faculty with less experience in Fundamentals of Nursing education. Development of strategies, management and support are needed to improve young professors' job satisfaction and reduce intention to change teaching area.

Effects of Sequential Application of Superficial Cold and Heat on Pain, Patient Satisfaction with Pain Control, Comfort Level and Subjective Response after Spine Surgery / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The aims of the current study were to evaluate the effects of superficial cold and heat after spine surgery on pain, satisfaction with pain control and comfort level, and to identify subjective responses and adverse effects. METHODS: A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was utilized. The intervention group (n=36) received superficial cooling until the wound drain was removed and thereafter followed by superficial heating until discharge, while the control group (n=34) received only superficial cooling until wound drain was removed. Data were collected from August 4 to November 11 2014. RESULTS: There was significant difference in pain according to time within groups (F=71.87, p<.001). However, we found no difference in pain between groups. The intervention group reported higher patient satisfaction with pain control (4 vs 3, z=-2.83, p=.005) and higher comfort level (5 vs 4, z=-4.12, p<.001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that sequential application of superficial cold and heat is a useful method in clinical practice for management of pain after spine surgery.

Heat Application According to Nurse's Belief on Evidence-Based Practice and Behavioral Intention Related to Research / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to compare heat applications by nurses in accordance to belief in evidence-based practice and behavior intention related to research. METHODS: A cross-section survey design was used. Participants were 228 nurses from 5 institutions who completed the research questionnaire. Data were collected during July and August 2015. RESULTS: The nurses reported that duration of heat applications was 2.5 minutes to 90 minutes. Frequently used heat application devices, in order of frequency, were rubber bag, gel pack and red clay pack. Most of the nurses (78%) responded that advice from colleagues was the most frequently used basic evidence for heat application. There was a statistically significant difference for the necessity of heat application practice guidelines between the high evidence-based practice belief cluster and the low cluster (χ²=15.39, p<.001). CONCLUSION: There were difficulties in providing consistent nursing interventions because of practical differences and absence of evidence-based guidelines for heat application. The researchers recommend that basic studies with various instruments be conducted and proper practice guidelines developed for heat application.

Investigation into the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Factors Affecting Use in Korean Patients with Brain Tumors / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The study was done to define complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among primary brain tumor patients and factors influencing use. METHODS: The study was conducted with convenience sampling in 5 neuro-oncology centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Data were collected using a 25-item questionnaire developed by the researchers. RESULTS: Of 250 patients approached, 231 (92.4%) agreed to participate. Overall, 26.8% of the respondents used CAM and the average cost for CAM use was 300,000 KRW. More than 72% of CAM users did not disclose CAM use to their health care professionals. The most frequently used therapy was natural products including mushrooms. Logistic regression analysis revealed that an education level of university or higher (OR=2.92, 95% CI=1.56-5.44, p=.001), unemployment (OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.04-3.80, p=.037), and WHO grade III & IV tumors (OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.07-4.72, p=.048) were significant factors influencing CAM use. CONCLUSION: Three out of ten brain tumor patients spend substantial sum of money for CAM. In these situations, health care professionals should be aware of this phenomenon and provide adequate information and consultation to the patients.

Risk Factors for Acquisition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit(NSICU): Case-Control Study / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen in the intensive care units (ICUs). The purpose of this case-control study is to identify risk factors for acquisition of MRSA during ICU stays in patients with and without MRSA. METHOD: The study was conducted in a 16 beds-neurosurgical intensive care unit of a 2200-bed tertiary care university hospital in Seoul, Korea. Medical record and Critical Classification Scoring System were reviewed retrospectively in patients who were admitted more than 3 days from August 1, 2003 to May 30, 2004. Cases and controls were matched for age and gender. The obtained specimens were nasal swab and sputum. RESULT: There were 950 patients' admissions during the period. Among them, MRSA was isolated from twenty-three patients who were considered as hospital acquired. Artificial airway (p=.045), frequency of suction (p=.002), nasogastric tube (p=.004), wound drain (p=.045), and vancomycin (p=.019) were risk factors for MRSA acquisition in univariate analysis. Frequency of suction (p=.012, OR 3.5) was revealed as the only risk factor in multivariate conditional logistic regression. CONCLUSION: Our findings give support to recent studies that suggest that frequent physical contact may increase the nosocomial acquisition of MRSA in a neurosurgical ICU.