[A survey of critical care nurses' perceptions of barriers to research utilization, and its relation to some demographic variables]

Introduction: To bridge the gap between scientific evidence and patient care, an in-depth understanding of the barriers is needed. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers of research utilization from the point of view of Zanjan registered and critical care unit's nurses

Methods: Data were collected using the Funk s Evidence Based Practice Barriers Scale. Based on statistics formula sample of study was 64 graduate nurses employed in critical care units of Zanjan Educational Hospitals. Descriptive and inferential statistics [Friedman, Kruskal-wallis, Mann-Whitney U-test] were employed to analyze the data

Results: According to the research results, the first three main barriers to research utilization identified by the respondents were: "Insufficient facilities", "Lack of time to read research", and "Insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas". Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference was found between the demographic variables such as sex, work years, level of education, and position, based on the general scale means

Conclusion: It is highly recommended that the educational hospitals systems need to change for preparation nurses with sufficient facilities and time to read and implement new finding

Comparison of critical thinking skills in nursing students of semnan and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences

Today, the promotion of critical thinking skills should be considered as an expected outcome of BSc nursing curriculum. This study was designed to compare the critical thinking skills of nursing students of Semnan University of Medical Sciences with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In this comparative and descriptive study, 70 and 120 of Yl and Y4 BSc nursing students of Semnan and Tehran Universities [Tehran, Iran and Shaheed Beheshti Universities] were selected respectively using stratified random sampling. The California Critical Thinking Skill Test, form B [CCTST:FB] composed of 34 multiple choice questions was used to assess the critical thinking skills in five areas of analysis, evaluation, inference, inductive and deductive reasoning. Data was then analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. The results showed that the mean and standard deviation of critical thinking scores for semnan and Tehran bachelor students were 12.34 +/- 2.45 and 10.4 +/- 2.75, respectively which were significantly different [t=1.95, p=0.002]. There was a significant difference between critical thinking skills scores of nursing students in different years of study in Semnan [F3, 0=4.28, p= 0.000], But in Tehran Universities, there was only a significant difference between critical thinking skills scores of Yl and Y4 students [t=-2.77, p=0.007]. Bachelor nursing students of Semnan University had a higher score of critical thinking skills compared to their counterparts in Tehran. There was also a significant difference between junior and senior nursing students. Results from this study and of similar works suggest that more attention should be paid to the process of education based on nurturing of critical thinking skills

perceived information of cancer patients' informed consent for clinical research

Background: Information sheets for clinical research are becoming increasingly complex but the extent to which they are understood is uncertain. The signed informed consent document certifies that the process of informed consent has taken place and provides research participants with comprehensive information about their role in the study. This study was conduct to determine the Perceived Information of Cancer Patients' Informed consent for clinical research. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive-Correlational study.50 patients with cancer were selected through convenience sampling method. A two parts questionnaire including demographics and patient rights in clinical research, were used for data collection. The cancer patientscompeleted the questionnaire before and after informed consent for clinical research. Content and face validity were used. Data were analyzed by different statistical methods such as Pearson correlation coefficient and SPSS16. Results: The perceived information of cancer patients before and after informed consent was positively correlated [0.402] and showed significant differences. [P=0.004]. Conclusion: According to the results, the perceived information of the most cancer patients before and after the inform consent for clinical research was low

[Attitudes of nursing and midwifery school's faculty toward blended E-learning at Tehran University of Medical Sciences]

Blended E-Learning is an educational method which has been used recently in higher education worldwide. So, it seems that it is crucial for the Iranian academic members to accept it as a new educational method. This study was conducted to investigate attitudes of the faculty of Nursing and Midwifery School at Tehran University of Medical Sciences toward blended E-learning. In this cross-sectional study, all faculty members of Tehran University of Medical Science [n=60] were recruited to the study. Data were gathered using validated and reliable self-designed questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. The response rate was 93.33% [n=56]. Most of the respondents [85.7%] were female. The mean age was 44.88 [SD=5.6]. The years of teaching ranged from 5-30 years [mean=16.75]. The majority of the respondents [66%] had positive attitude toward blended e-learning; thirty four per cent had completely positive attitude and none of them had negative attitudes. About 41% reported that they were eager to provide their course syllabuses according to this approach and 87.5% said that they were willing to attend the blended e-learning education workshops. There were no significant relationships between demographic variables and the attitudes. There was a significant relationship between willing to attend the workshops and positive attitude toward blended e-learning [P=0.012]. According to the positive attitude of the respondents toward blended e-learning, it is recommended that further studies take place in order to design and implement the approach in formal education in the school of Nursing and Midwifery of Tehran University of Medical Science

[Barriers and motivating factors related to cervical cancer screening]

Although cervical cancer has high prevalence, few qualitative studies have been carried out to reflect the perceptions of women on the influential factors that affect cervical cancer screening in Iran. The aim of this study was to explore a culturally-based experience of Karaji women regarding the barriers to and motivating factors for Pap smear screening test among Karadj women in 2007. In this content analysis, eight focus groups were conducted using semi-structured guide questions [n=86]. Findings revealed that factors such as medical advice, advice from friends and family, knowledge about symptoms and pap smear screening method, free and accessible services, and perceived threats would influence the women to undergo a Pap test. Major barriers were lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and its causative factors, inappropriate beliefs, fear from cancer diagnosis, and pain related to the procedure. Regarding the influencing factors on the rate of Pap smear screening test, it seems that designing appropriate educational programs in order to promote knowledge and correct health beliefs using mass media and local communications will result in referring more women to undergo Pap smear screening test

[Satisfaction of student and faculty members with implementing blended-e-learning]

Blended-E-Learning system utilizes various methods and advanced technology to improve learning quality. This study aimed at assessing students' and faculty members' satisfaction with blended-e-learning system which was developed within some courses in School of Nursing and Midwifery of Tehran University of medical Science. The study was carried out using a descriptive-comparative method. Volunteer teachers [n=17] in different programmes [BS, MS and PhD] designed their courses appropriate with blended-e-learning system. In total, 22 courses [45 credit points] of bachelor, master and PhD in Nursing as well as bachelor and master in Midwifery were presented through blended-e-learning system in first semester of educational year, 2008-2009. A self-constructed questionnaire of satisfaction was used the collect the data at end of the semester. All statistics were computed through the SPSS software [version 16] using descriptive [frequency, percentages] and non-parametric statistical tests [Wilcoxon test]. A total of 181 students answered the questionnaire [with a response rate of 88.2%]. 67.4% students were highly satisfied with the system while 24.3% were dissatisfied. Students' satisfaction was assessed within four domains of structure and practical issues; learner related issues; curriculum and content related issues and learner support related issues. Among faculty members, 88.2% were well satisfied with teaching in blended-e-learning system. Both students and faculty members preferred blended-e-learning system to conventional method [P<0.0001]. Considering the learning flexibility of blended-e-learning system and provided opportunity in taking advantages of face to face and electronic education, both which resulted learners and teachers' satisfaction, the study recommends blended-e-learning system as an effective method of education to be used in universities of medical sciences in the country. It's suggested to pay specific attention to enhance the interaction and motivation in blended-e-learning education

Patient advocacy properties

Patients' vulnerability calls for advocacy to be done during hospitalization. Although all members of health care team may advocate patients, nurses show more commitment and tendency towards patient advocacy. Nursing profession has embraced patient advocacy role for nurses, however, what advocacy is needs to be more clarified. This study aims to investigate the patient advocacy perception among Iranian nurses, over 2004. This qualitative study was conducted through Grounded Theory Method. Participants were 24 nurses [clinical nurses, head nurses, supervisors] working in Rasoul Akram hospital affiliated with Iran medical university. Semi-structured interview was used to gather data. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and constant comparative analysis was used simultaneously according to Strauss and Corbin method. One of the main categories emerged during data analysis process was "perception of patient advocacy". This category and its sub-categories dealt with perceptions regarded advocacy by the participants in this research and consisted of performances like informing and educating, valuing and respecting, supporting, protecting and persistent care, follow-up and coordinating. Nurses consider advocacy as an ethical duty and one of their professional roles. Participants also believed that they acted as patient's advocate through performing various activities. Hence, harmonized attempts in educational, research and nursing management units are essential to professionalize the role