The Effectiveness of Mobile Applications in Improving Nursing Students' Knowledge Related to Pressure Injury Prevention.

The study's main goal was to compare the effects of a mobile application versus traditional methods of teaching on nursing students' acquisition of knowledge about pressure injury prevention. In addition, a secondary aim was to discover nursing students' viewpoints related to the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile applications as an educational method. A randomized controlled study design was implemented during November and December of 2023 in a nursing faculty with 60 undergraduate students in their second nursing year. A total of 30 students were assigned to the mobile application group, while the other 30 students were assigned to the traditional lecture group. The study was executed in three stages: pre-test, educational intervention, and post-test. The results of the study during the pre-test showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the mean scores of pressure injury themes between the two groups. However, the post-test scores for all PI themes were higher in the mobile application group compared to the traditional lecture group. Furthermore, five advantages of the mobile application were highlighted by students: "improvement of students' knowledge and skills", "self-confidence", "stress reduction", "enhancement of competence", and "stimulation of learning motivation". This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the mobile application method in enhancing nursing students' knowledge and prophylaxis of pressure injury. Therefore, the mobile application method is recommended as an innovative approach to teaching.

Outcomes of Pain Management Among Postoperative Patients: A Cross-sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative pain management has always been a significant challenge for both hospital staff and surgical patients. Determination of pain management outcomes among surgically treated patients may help develop pain management strategies, improve health services that would yield better outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of pain management among postoperative patients. DESIGN: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: The research was performed on postoperative patients at two university hospitals in North Cyprus from July to September 2019. The study sample consisted of 90 patients from both hospitals. The Turkish Version of the revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R-TR) was used for data collection. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used to report the present study. FINDINGS: This study showed that the overall mean for pain severity and the worst pain experienced by patients after 24 hours was slightly higher than medium. Examination of interference of the pain with functions demonstrated that patients experienced problems with physical activities and sleeping. The most experienced side effects were nausea and drowsiness, and the most common emotions were anxiety and helplessness during the postsurgery period. The satisfaction rate of the patients with postoperative pain management was relatively high. CONCLUSIONS: A holistic approach with evidence-based practices is crucial for adequate postoperative pain management. The recommendations include the development of individual pain outcome strategies to improve overall satisfaction with pain management among postoperative patients.

Knowledge, risk assessment, practices, self-efficacy, attitudes, and behaviour's towards venous thromboembolism among nurses: A systematic review.

AIM: This study reviewed the literature on nurses' knowledge, risk assessment practices, self-efficacy, attitudes, and behaviours towards venous thromboembolism (VTE). DESIGN: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. METHODS: CINAHL (via EBSCO), MEDLINE (via PubMed), and Web of Science were electronic databases used to find studies published from 2010 to November 2020 in English language. A Hoy critical appraisal checklist was used to assess the risk of bias and methodologic quality. RESULTS: This study included fourteen studies conducted on 8628 Registered Nurses. Nine of the fourteen studies examined nurses' general knowledge level regarding VTE, and five showed that most nurses had a good knowledge of VTE. Of the 14 studies, six assessed nurses' risk assessment knowledge regarding VTE, and three showed that nurses had low knowledge of VTE risk assessment. Eleven studies assessed nurses' practices concerning VTE prophylaxis; 5 of the 11 studies reported that nurses had poor and unsatisfactory levels of VTE practice. Three of the 14 studies showed that nurses had low self-efficacy and varied beliefs. The most frequent recommendations were to create continuous educational programs and in-service training programs (n = 11), followed by creating institutional protocols standardizing VTE (n = 6). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive educational programs and campaigns based on well-established and standardized tools should be provided to nurses to improve their VTE knowledge.

Nursing Care and Barriers for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Patients: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: To determine barriers to preventing venous thromboembolism in total knee and hip arthroplasty patients by surgical nurses. Methods: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach. The semi-structured interview questionnaire included two questions focused on nursing care practices for VTE prevention and barriers faced during VTE prophylaxis in total knee and hip arthroplasty patients. Study data were collected from 10 surgical nurses through semi-structured interviews in July 2021. Results: After analyzing the data, two main themes, five categories, and fourteen subcategories were developed. The main themes included "Nursing care" and "Barriers." Two categories were reflected in terms of nursing care: general care and mechanical prophylaxis. Regarding barriers, the analysis of the interview reflected three main categories: "lack of professional competence", "work conditions challenges", and "resistance from patients". Conclusion: Educational institutions must play a critical role in preparing surgical nurses by establishing clinical nurse specialist programs and post-graduate diplomas programs that sufficiently prepare nurses for clinical settings.

Predictors of Non-invasive Ventilation Failure and Associated Factors Among the COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a method of oxygenation supply that eliminates the need for an endotracheal airway. Non-invasive ventilation failure is defined as the necessity for endotracheal intubation or death during the NIV trial. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the predictors and associated factors of NIV failure in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This retrospective, longitudinal cohort study utilized electronic medical records of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. A total of 150 patients were included in the study. Patient demographics, medical history, laboratory tests, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, acidosis, consciousness, oxygenation, and respiratory rate (HACOR score), and the ratio of oxygen saturation (ROX) index (the SpO2/fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] to respiratory rate [SF] ratio) were recorded. Non-invasive ventilation failure was determined based on the need for endotracheal intubation or cardiac-respiratory arrest while on NIV. Results: Of 150 patients, 55.3% were male (mean age: 55.9 years), with an NIV failure rate of 67.3%, a mortality rate of 66.7%, and 3.3% of patients requiring tracheostomy after NIV failure. The ROX index consistently decreased over time, and an increase in the HACOR score and PCO2 after 6 hours of commencing NIV were the predictors of NIV failure. Additionally, higher levels of lactate dehydrogenase, lower SF ratios, and higher APACHE scores upon ICU admission were significantly associated with NIV failure. Notably, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as an inflammatory index, SF ratio upon ICU admission, HACOR score, ROX index, and PCO2 after 12 hours were significant predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients receiving NIV. Conclusions: The ROX index, HACOR scale, and PCO2 are significant predictors of both NIV failure and in-hospital mortality.

Compliance of non-pharmacological preventive practice of venous thromboembolism among Jordanian nurses.

Many practices, such as non-pharmacological preventive practices, have demonstrated significant improvement and reduced the venous thromboembolism incidence. This study aims at investigating the compliance with non-pharmacological preventive practice of venous thromboembolism guidelines among Jordanian intensive care and medical and surgical nurses. Descriptive and cross-sectional with the non-participant observational design was used. This study recruited 271 registered nurses in adult medical-surgical units and intensive care units of 12 different government hospitals in Jordan's middle and north regions. The observational checklist included 10 preventive practices based on the non-pharmacological preventive of venous thromboembolism guidelines. In the observational checklist, the highest score was 20, and the lowest was 0. If the nurse received equal to or higher than (>14) score were classified as sufficient compliance, while insufficient compliance was (≤14) score. The observations period started from September 2019 until March 2020. The participants' overall mean venous thromboembolism compliance score was insufficient compliance (10.6 ±â€…1.6). The majority of nurses were classified as insufficient compliance 67%. "Doing foot exercise and early ambulation 2 times per day 50.3%" and "checked the integrity of the patient's skin at regular intervals 50.0%" were the highest practices done rightly and completely by half of the participants. The participants who had a bachelor of nursing degree, staff nurse, and works in the intensive care unit, are less experienced and have no previous venous thromboembolism education reported low venous thromboembolism compliance. This study presents expanded compliance regarding venous thromboembolism preventive practices among Jordanian intensive care and medical & surgical nurses, so the policymakers need to develop an initiative to improve nurses' compliance.

A qualitative study of medical-surgical intensive care unit nurses' experiences in caring for critical patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the meaning attributed to nurses' clinical experience in a medical-surgical intensive care unit in Northern Cyprus. METHOD: The qualitative study was conducted in two medical-surgical intensive care units at a university hospital. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 17 nurses. Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological approach was used to analyze nurses' experiences. The consolidated criteria for reporting a qualitative research checklist were followed in this study. RESULTS: The data analysis led to the extraction of the 5 themes and 19 subthemes. The themes identified for the study were competence, the emotional universe, stress resources, the meaning of nursing care, and profoundly affecting events. The study results show that the nurses expressed that having gained much experience in intensive care units and working there has contributed significantly to their professional development. CONCLUSION: It was indicated that the nurses had meaningful, caring experiences in intensive care units, which were perceived, however, as stressful experiences as well. The study has important implications for nurses, faculty members, and administrators to gain positive care experiences in terms of intensive care units.

Effectiveness of game-based virtual reality phone application and online education on knowledge, attitude and compliance of standard precautions among nursing students.

Game-based virtual reality phone applications can create a realistic environment to prepare for clinical applications and improve students' knowledge of and compliance with standard precautions. An experimental study was performed among 126 nursing students' from the third and fourth nursing levels to determine the effect of online education and game-based virtual reality phone applications related to standard precautions. Students were divided randomly into two groups; the experimental group used online education and game-based virtual reality phone applications, while the control group used traditional education. The study was performed between July and August 2019 to prevent clashes with lectures and midterm and final examinations. A tool package including knowledge, attitude, and compliance with standard precautions was used in pre-and post-tests among nursing students. The results showed that the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and compliance with standard precautions differed between the two groups. The performance of the experimental group of nursing students significantly improved with online instruction and game-based virtual reality phone applications. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of online education and game-based virtual reality phone application among nursing students.

Nurses' Awareness and Practices of Unintentional Perioperative Hypothermia Prevention: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Unintentional perioperative hypothermia can cause potentially life-threatening complications. The aim of this study was to determine the awareness and practices of nurses regarding unintentional perioperative hypothermia prevention. The study was conducted at a teaching hospital in Gambia with descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 53 nurses voluntarily participated in this study. The questionnaire used in this study was developed based on the American periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence perioperative hypothermia guidelines. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Student t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used in the analysis of data. The result of the study showed that nurses had high level of awareness of unintentional perioperative hypothermia prevention; however, practice levels were found to be low. Based on the results of the study, development of policies, implementation of the unintentional perioperative hypothermia prevention guidelines, and continuous education to improve nurses' knowledge and practices were recommended.

Effectiveness of training in disease management for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is included in the disease group described as the pandemic of the century. Although disease management is possible, it can significantly reduce the quality of life when glycaemic control is poor. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of different educational programmes on the management of the disease among type 2 DM patients. METHODS: In the literature review, the flow chart of PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) was used. A literature search was conducted from 2010 to 2020 using the Ulakbim National Database, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Library, Science Direct, Web of Science, Medline, Ebscohost and Cochrane Library, and 18 English randomised controlled studies were included. RESULTS: Within the scope of these studies, it was found that individualised and face-to-face training and long-term follow-up after the training were effective on metabolic control. Peer support was also determined as an important factor in the efficacy of the training. In line with the training, the self-management and quality-of-life scores of the individuals with diabetes were positively affected. CONCLUSIONS: It can be suggested that planned and regular training has a positive effect on metabolic control variables, self-management behaviours and quality of life of individuals with diabetes. Regular training for individuals with diabetes and follow-up for more than 6 months are recommended since they have a positive effect on the disease. It is also recommended to integrate peer support into training programmes.

Patient Safety Attitudes among Doctors and Nurses: Associations with Workload, Adverse Events, Experience.

Patient safety concept has achieved more attention from healthcare organizations to improve the safety culture. This study aimed to investigate patient safety attitudes among doctors and nurses and explore associations between workload, adverse events, and experience with patient safety attitudes. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and the Turkish version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Participants included 73 doctors and 246 nurses working in two private hospitals in Northern Cyprus. The participants had negative perceptions in all patient safety domains. The work conditions domain received the highest positive perception rate, and the safety climate domain received the lowest perception rate among the participants. Nurses showed a higher positive perception than doctors regarding job satisfaction, stress recognition, and perceptions of management domains. There were statistically significant differences between experiences, workloads, adverse events, and total mean scores of patient safety attitudes. Policymakers and directors can improve the quality of care of patients and patient safety by boosting the decision-making of health care providers on several domains of safety attitudes. Patient safety needs to be improved in hospitals through in-service education, management support, and institutional regulations.

The Effect of Educational Program on Pain Management, Self-Efficacy Behavior, and Quality of Life among Adult Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Jordan has a high prevalence of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN), leg complications, and amputations due to diabetes. This study evaluated the effect of educational programs on pain management, self-efficacy behaviors, and quality of life (QoL) among adult patients with PDPN. METHODS: The randomized controlled trial study was conducted at the Jordanian Ministry of Health hospitals between October 2019 - March 2020. Seventy-two adult patients with PDPN were randomized to an experimental group of 36 patients who attended an educational program and a control group who followed routine diabetic care in the study setting. The data were collected using a socio-demographic and diabetes clinical/laboratory data form, the numeric rating scale (NRS), diabetes self-efficacy scale (DSES), and the quality-of-life questionnaire (EQ-5D). The intervention program consisted of four educational sessions at weekly intervals. Pre-test and post-test evaluations were conducted. RESULTS: After the educational intervention, the mean scores of the NRS (p=0.020), DSES (p<0.001), and EQ-5D (p<0.001) in the experimental group improved significantly improved compared to those in the control group. Additionally, while there were no significant correlations between the three study outcomes in the pre-test stage, correlations were observed to be significant after the educational intervention. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the design and implementation of educational intervention combined with routine diabetic care facilitate effective pain management, self-efficacy behaviors, and QoL of patients with PDPN. The health care providers are recommended to use the educational programs for such patients at various levels of services in both health centers and diabetes clinics.

A qualitative study of medical-surgical intensive care unit nurses' experiences in caring for critical patients / Estudo qualitativo das experiências enfermeiros em cuidados a pacientes críticos em unidade de terapia intensiva médico-cirúrgica / Un estudio cualitativo sobre las experiencias de enfermeros de una unidad de cuidados intensivos médico-quirúrgicos en la atención al paciente crítico

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the meaning attributed to nurses' clinical experience in a medical-surgical intensive care unit in Northern Cyprus. Method: The qualitative study was conducted in two medical-surgical intensive care units at a university hospital. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 17 nurses. Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological approach was used to analyze nurses' experiences. The consolidated criteria for reporting a qualitative research checklist were followed in this study. Results: The data analysis led to the extraction of the 5 themes and 19 subthemes. The themes identified for the study were competence, the emotional universe, stress resources, the meaning of nursing care, and profoundly affecting events. The study results show that the nurses expressed that having gained much experience in intensive care units and working there has contributed significantly to their professional development. Conclusion: It was indicated that the nurses had meaningful, caring experiences in intensive care units, which were perceived, however, as stressful experiences as well. The study has important implications for nurses, faculty members, and administrators to gain positive care experiences in terms of intensive care units.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir el significado atribuido a la experiencia clínica de los enfermeros en una unidad de cuidados intensivos médico-quirúrgicos en la República Turca del Norte de Chipre. Método: El estudio cualitativo se llevó a cabo en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos médico-quirúrgicos de un hospital universitario. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas en profundidad con 17 enfermeros. Se utilizó el enfoque fenomenológico descriptivo de Giorgi para analizar las experiencias de los enfermeros. En este estudio se siguieron los criterios consolidados para reportar la lista de verificación de investigación cualitativa. Resultado: El análisis de datos dio como resultado 5 temas y 19 subtemas. Los temas identificados para el estudio fueron competencia, universo emocional, recursos de estrés, significado del cuidado de enfermería y eventos con efectos profundos. Al final, los enfermeros expresaron que el estudio les permitió ganar más experiencia en las unidades de cuidados intensivos y contribuyó mucho para su desarrollo profesional. Conclusión: Se observó que los enfermeros tuvieron experiencias significativas de cuidado en unidades de cuidados intensivos, pero evaluaron estas experiencias como muy estresantes. El estudio tiene implicaciones importantes para que los enfermeros, los docentes y los administradores adquieran experiencias de atención positivas en las unidades de cuidados intensivos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o significado atribuído à experiência clínica de enfermeiros em unidades de terapia intensiva médico-cirúrgica no norte de Chipre. Método: O estudo qualitativo foi realizado em duas unidades de terapia intensiva em um hospital universitário. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas em profundidade com 17 enfermeiros. Para analisar as experiências dos enfermeiros, foi utilizada a abordagem descritiva fenomenológica de Giorgi. Neste estudo, foram seguidos os critérios consolidados para relatar a lista de verificação da pesquisa qualitativa. Resultados: A análise de dados levou à extração de cinco temas e 19 subtemas. Os temas identificados para o estudo foram competência, universo emocional, recursos de estresse, significado dos cuidados de enfermagem e eventos profundamente afetados. Os resultados foram que enfermeiros expressaram adquirir muita experiência nas unidades de terapia intensiva e que seu trabalho nelas contribuiu muito para seu desenvolvimento profissional. Conclusão Foi indicado que os enfermeiros tiveram experiências significativas de cuidado nas unidades de terapia intensiva, mas que, no entanto, também foram percebidas como experiências estressantes. O estudo tem implicações importantes para enfermeiros, membros de corpos docentes e administradores, que podem obter experiências positivas em termos de cuidados em unidades de terapia intensiva.

Effectiveness of training in disease management for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is included in the disease group described as the pandemic of the century. Although disease management is possible, it can significantly reduce the quality of life when glycaemic control is poor. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of different educational programmes on the management of the disease among type 2 DM patients. METHODS: In the literature review, the flow chart of PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) was used. A literature search was conducted from 2010 to 2020 using the Ulakbim National Database, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Library, Science Direct, Web of Science, Medline, Ebscohost and Cochrane Library, and 18 English randomised controlled studies were included. RESULTS: Within the scope of these studies, it was found that individualised and face-to-face training and long-term follow-up after the training were effective on metabolic control. Peer support was also determined as an important factor in the efficacy of the training. In line with the training, the self-management and quality-of-life scores of the individuals with diabetes were positively affected. CONCLUSIONS: It can be suggested that planned and regular training has a positive effect on metabolic control variables, self-management behaviours and quality of life of individuals with diabetes. Regular training for individuals with diabetes and follow-up for more than 6 months are recommended since they have a positive effect on the disease. It is also recommended to integrate peer support into training programmes.

Nurses' awareness on hospital acquired infection risks of the geriatric patients: A descriptive and cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing number of persons > 65 years of age form a special population at risk for nosocomial and other health care-associated infections. Nosocomial infections are major problems in terms of morbidity and mortality as well as prolonged hospitalization and increased costs. The aim of the present study was determination of nurses' awareness of hospital-acquired infection risks of the geriatric patients. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in North Cyprus. A total of 164 voluntary nurses composed the sample of the study. A questionnaire that was developed by the researchers based on the literature was used as data collection tool. After the ethical approval, data were collected using a questionnaire in September and October 2017 with self-completion method. The methods used to analyze the data include an analysis of descriptive statistic variables such as frequency and percentages for the categorical variables and the Pearson's Chi-square test for comparisons. RESULTS: Results of the study showed inadequate awareness among nurses on hospital-acquired infection risks of the geriatric patients. It was also determined that there were the statistically significant differences in term of education levels and experiences of nurses with different items on hospital-acquired infection risks of the geriatric patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study, implementations of comprehensive, systematic, and continuous educational programs to enhance awareness of the nurses on health care-associated infections was recommended.

Effectiveness of a venous thromboembolism course using flipped classroom with nursing students: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Modern innovative education approaches are crucial for nursing education, which leads to improving evidence-based teaching strategies and preparing nursing students for their future workplaces. The primary aim of the study was a comparison of the effectiveness of the flipped classroom and traditional educational methods on the attainment of knowledge regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention among nursing students. In addition, investigation of the opinions of the nursing students regarding the advantages and disadvantages flipped classroom educational method was the secondary aim of the study. METHODS: This study was implemented with a randomized controlled design in the Faculty of Nursing in September and October 2019, with 118 first- and second-semester undergraduate nursing students (58 students in the flipped classroom, 60 students in the traditional lecture) who had not taken the Adult Health Nursing course. Implementation of the study was conducted in three phases: pretest, educational intervention, and posttest for both groups. RESULTS: The study findings demonstrated no statistically significant difference in any of the mean scores of VTE domains between the two groups in the pretest. However, the flipped classroom group had higher mean scores of all VTE domains compared with the traditional lecture group in the posttest. Mostly, students highlighted four advantages of the flipped classroom, including "Deep motive," "Engagement," "Cost-effectiveness," and "Self-confidence." CONCLUSIONS: The flipped classroom method proved to have positive effects in VTE domains in terms of knowledge, risk assessment, and prophylaxis among nursing students. This method can be recommended as an innovative and student-centered method in the teaching of evidence-based nursing practices.

Nursing Students' Experiences Related to Operating Room Practice: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of nursing students concerning operating room (OR) practice. DESIGN: A qualitative design was used in this study. METHODS: Data were collected from second-year nursing students using the semistructured interview form including open-ended questions about their OR experiences. Perspectives of phenomenological approach including existentials of lived body, lived relations, lived space, and lived time were used in data analysis. FINDINGS: The study data regarding experiences of nursing students concerning OR practice were organized under three themes, namely, "OR environment," "emotions," and "career plans after graduation." Nine subthemes emerged: educational experience, teamwork, and communication, excitement, enjoyment, anxiety, fear, different emotions, working as a surgical nurse, and working in departments other than OR. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical environments, student nurses should be supported by staff and instructors to facilitate learning and create meaningful learning experiences.

The effectiveness of a recurrent fall prevention program applied to elderly people undergoing fracture treatment.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide 30-40% of people aged of 65 and over fall each year. It is important to develop preventive interventions for falls in the elderly to prevent injuries leading to mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a recurrent fall prevention program in elderly individuals undergoing fracture treatment. METHODS: A pretest-posttest intervention study. A recurrent fall prevention program including assessment of fall risk factors, education on falls and home modifications was developed for elderly people undergoing fracture treatment for 52 patients. RESULTS: In the first evaluation before the delivery of the recurrent fall prevention program, the number of risk factors was 17.63 ± 3.40 as mean ± standart deviation. Following implementation of the fall prevention program, the number of risk factors decreased to 15.73 ± 3.19 in the first follow-up and decreased to 14.92 ± 3.06 in the second follow-up. Knowledge scores increased to 6.09 ± 1.65 in the first follow-up and to 6.71 ± 1.53 in the second follow-up, while it was 5.50 ± 1.54 in first evaluation. The differences between follow-ups were statistically significant. During the 3-month study period, 15.4% of participants experienced fall. CONCLUSION: The recurrent fall prevention program was effective in reducing fall-related risk factors and increase fall knowledge. Health care professionals should assess older people for fall risk factors and increase their awareness for falls.

Patient safety attitudes among critical care nurses: A case study in North Cyprus.

INTRODUCTION: Patient safety has become a crucial priority in quality healthcare. Adverse events and serious errors involving critically ill patients are common and can be potentially life-threatening. Thus, this study aimed to examine patient safety attitudes among critical care nurses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals in North Cyprus. Eighty nurses working in critical care units participated in the study. Following ethical approval, data were collected between September and October 2018, using the Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire and Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. FINDINGS: Nurses' overall scores regarding patient safety attitudes were found to be negative. The highest positive rate was for safety climate, followed by perception of management, teamwork, working conditions, job satisfaction, and stress recognition, respectively. There were significant differences among working conditions, perception of management, and stress recognition based on participants' positions and event reporting. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate safety culture needs to be improved in the hospitals included in the study. Healthcare managers and decision-makers should foster patient safety culture through in-service education, management support, institutional regulations, and updated guidelines.

Effectiveness of Lifestyle Modification Education on Knowledge, Anxiety, and Postoperative Problems of Patients With Benign Perianal Diseases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative planned education about lifestyle modifications on knowledge, anxiety level, and postoperative problems of the patients with benign perianal disease. DESIGN: The study was a quasi-experimental design. METHODS: The sample was a total of 102 patients undergoing surgical procedure for hemorrhoid and fissure in the general surgery unit of a state hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Determination Questionnaire, the Knowledge Determination Questionnaire, the Postoperative Problems Determination Questionnaire, and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory. FINDINGS: Preoperative written and verbal planned education about lifestyle modifications improved knowledge and decreased anxiety levels of the patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the control and study groups in postoperative problems other than leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study showed that nurse-conducted education on lifestyle modification of hemorrhoid and fissure was effective.