Personal Protective Equipment-Related Problems Experienced by Healthcare Workers, Solutions, and Recommendations: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the problems experienced by healthcare workers (HCWs) who used personal protective equipment (PPE) on their face during the COVID-19 pandemic, their interventions to prevent these problems, and their recommendations for improving the quality of PPE. METHODS: This descriptive and qualitative study included HCWs (N = 29) from health institutions at different levels in Turkey. Researchers collected data using a semistructured data collection form (13 items) and in-depth individual interviews. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and qualitative inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Of the 29 participants, 15 (51.7%) were women, and 18 (62.1%) were nurses. Participants' answers regarding problems related to PPE use were grouped into four main categories, answers regarding the prevention of these problems were grouped into three main categories, and answers regarding improving the quality of PPE were grouped into three main categories. Skin concerns were the most commonly reported problems related to PPE, and interventions to prevent these problems primarily related to skin protection and care. Recommendations to improve the quality of PPE focused on using materials for masks and face shields that reduce pressure and friction; participants also suggested that face shields be produced in sterile and disposable packages. CONCLUSIONS: This research indicates that HCWs need support and they are able to create individual solutions for the problems with PPE that they experience. Skin-friendly PPE that ensures the safety and comfort of HCWs should be produced, and hospitals should develop policies for institutional use to prevent PPE injury.

Effect of virtual reality on pain during burn dressing in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Burn dressing, a necessary and regular procedure for burn management, causes significant pain and distress for children. Recent technological advancements in VR have opened up new possibilities for pain management in children undergoing burn dressing. However, there is limited evidence regarding their efficacy in burn dressing specifically. This study aims to synthesize and analyze the effect of VR on pain during burn dressing in children. METHODS: In this review, we investigated studies from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and Google Scholar databases that met inclusion criteria. We also assessed the studies' methodological quality with the Cochrane and JBI checklists. This study was performed based on the Guidelines of Systematic Reporting of Examination presented in the PRISMA checklist. The search protocol has been registered at the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. RESULTS: A total of six published studies including 241 pediatric patients were included in this review. The meta-analysis results showed a significant effect of VR intervention on the pain levels of children (Hedge's g = -1199, Q = 31,106, I2 = 83,926%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings from this study show that VR is a promising and effective intervention for reducing pain scores in children undergoing dressing changes for burn injuries. IMPLACATION TO PRACTICE: Our meta-analysis suggest that the significant potential of integrating VR into clinical practice, presenting a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce pain during dressing changes in pediatric burn patients. Implementing VR in healthcare settings can lead to improved pain management and better patient outcomes for pediatric population.

The incidence and prevalence of medical device-related pressure injuries in pediatric patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PROBLEM: To determine the pooled incidence and prevalence rate of medical device-related pressure injuries(MDRPIs) using the Braden QD scale, medical devices that frequently cause MDRPIs, and anatomical locations that are vulnerable to them. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Using the Braden QD scale, being published in English between 01/01/2018-and 01/03/2023. METHODS: This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis recommendations and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (No: CRD42021276501). SAMPLE: A total of 7 studies with 25,742 pediatric patients were included. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence and cumulative incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries(HAPIs) were 7.8% (95% CI: 5.2-11.4%) and 3.9% (95% CI: 0.5-24.6%) respectively, and the incidence rate was 8.2/1000 person-days (95% CI: 2.4-14.2/1000 person-days). The pooled prevalence and cumulative incidence of MDRPIs were 7% (95% CI: 5.5-8.8%) and 5% (95% CI: 3.2-7.8%) respectively, and the incidence rate was 6.7/1000 person-days (95% CI, 0.11-13.4/1000 person-days). The most affected anatomical locations were the face (29.1%), ankle/foot (20.1%), and head (15.7%). Medical devices that frequently caused MDRPIs were external monitoring devices (24.5%), respiratory devices (22.8%), and supportive/securing devices (14.9%). CONCLUSIONS: According to the current systematic review and meta-analyses, the incidence and prevalence of HAPIs and MDRPIs are moderate to high. IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggested that healthcare providers should pay more attention to reducing HAPIs and MDRPIs and future studies should be conducted to understand their characteristics and risk factors.