[Effect of prone position on oxygenation in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation]

One of the nurses' roles in patient care is frequent position change in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Because of attaching many lines and tubes to these patients, they are in supine or lateral positions most of the time. Nurses prefer these positions due to making care simple. Many studies have shown that prone position has positive effects on oxygenation and ventilation. However, other studies have shown some negative effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prone position on oxygenation in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. In this quasi-experimental study, 36 patients were selected using simple sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire and oxygenation data sheet. First, patients were put in supine position. After 30 and 120 minutes, oxygenation was assessed. Then they were changed to prone position and after 30 and 120 minutes oxygenation was reassessed. Data were analyzed using paired t test, spearman, and fisher exact tests in SPSS. The results indicated that there was significant differences between prone position and the amount of spo2 and sao2 oxygenation after 30 and 120 minutes [P < 0.001]. Prone positioning was effective on oxygenation after 30 and 120 minutes; so nurse should use this position in their care

[Evaluation of infection control methods using by hemodialysis Units' Staff]

Hemodialysis centers are highly susceptible to nasocomial infections due to application of hemodialysis machines, medical equipment, and invasive techniques and devices. This research was carried out in order to evaluate methods of infection control using by staff of hemodialysis centers. In this descriptive study, all hemodialysis units in hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [n=4] were studied. Data were gathered using a 3-section questionnaire as well as five series of check-lists that were designed to evaluate physical characteristics of the units, methods of disinfection processes of the units, hemodialysis machines, and common equipment, and finally precaution measurements using by the staff. Data were described using SPSS statistical software. Research findings showed that just one of the study units was appropriate regarding physical characteristics of the units. Method of disinfection of hemodialysis centers was appropriate in 50 per cent of the study units and it was relatively appropriate in the rest. Disinfection of hemodialysis machines was appropriate in all units. Regarding disinfection of the shared equipment, all units were relatively appropriate. In 25 per cent of the units, staff had relatively appropriate precaution measurements and the rest [75 per cent] had inappropriate measurements. Results showed that the methods of infection control using by the staff of hemodialysis centers in hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were not appropriate

application of infection control methods by endoscope centers staffs in hospitals of Tehran university of medical sciences

Nasocomial infection is one of the biggest complications of health care facilities all over the world which involves two millions people with nearly 9 billions dollar in cost in addition to therapeutic expenses each year. This study was carried out in order to determine the application of infection control methods by staff working in endoscope centers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2004-2005. This research is a descriptive study. All ten endoscope centers staff totally 54 physicians, 27 nurses and 14 workers were chosen for the survey. Data gathering instruments consisted of a questionnaire about demographic characteristic of the participants, 6 checklists for evaluating the characteristics of disinfection solutions that workers used for disinfecting endoscope set, the characteristics of endoscope unit environment, the process of disinfecting the set and its environment, as well as the methods used to protect nurses, physicians and associate nurses. The data were gathered by the researchers using observation. Laboratory kits also were another way of data gathering used to get microbial culture from operating room; endoscope tubes and disinfecting solutions which were handed in to the hospitals laboratory centers to be analyzed. The gathered data were analyzed via SPSS computer software, and descriptive statistics. The study findings related to the application of disinfecting method in the units show that in 30% percent of hospitals were desirable, 50% semi-desirable and 20% undesirable. Results about the method of reprocessing of endoscopes through staffs showed that only one hospital [10%] was desirable, also 30% semi-desirable and 60% undesirable. About the application of disinfection or sterilization in endoscopes through nursing staff the results showed that 20% of hospitals were desirable, 70% semi-desirable and one hospital [10%] undesirable. Also the way used for protecting staff were shown as undesirable in all hospitals. About the kinds of microorganisms grown in the environment, on the equipments as well as disinfection solution it was shown that that the majority of the growth was for Bacillus [3.6%] and minimum for pseudomonas and staphylococci [%1.8]. Totally the results of this study showed that the application of infection control methods through staff of endoscope centers is not suitable. It can result in infectious diseases. Therefore prevention from nosocomial infections in endoscope units based on frequent emphasizes by articles in this regard needs a precise and yearly supervision