ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Older adults may have difficulty maintaining their functional capabilities during hospitalization. This pilot study aimed to investigate the impact of a bedside activity device on the functional status of hospitalized older adults. METHODS: For this single-site randomized controlled trial, 48 participants were recruited between July 2019 and March 2021. Participants were randomized into one of two groups: the intervention group, which was given the use of a bedside activity device plus standard care, and the control group, which received standard care. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL) scores and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test times were used as indicators of functional status and were collected on admission (baseline) and at discharge.Mann-Whitney U and χ 2 tests were used to test for baseline similarities between groups. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine within-group pre-post changes in TUG and Katz ADL scores. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine between-group differences in TUG and Katz ADL change scores. RESULTS: Within-group pre-post analysis showed significant increases in Katz ADL scores in the intervention group and no significant changes in the control group. TUG times decreased significantly in the intervention group and increased significantly in the control group. Between-group analyses showed significant differences in both TUG and Katz ADL change scores. CONCLUSION: The use of the bedside activity device in addition to standard care may prevent functional decline and increase independence in performing basic ADLs.
Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Functional Status , Humans , Aged , Pilot Projects , Hospitalization , Patient DischargeABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Nasogastric tubes are widely used in clinical practice for enteral nutrition, medication administration, and gastric decompression. Common complications of their use-such as tube blockage, displacement, and accidental removal-are well described in the literature. However, knotting-a complication that occurs when a knot forms in the nasogastric tube in situ-is rare. This report presents the case of a nasogastric tube that became knotted, causing difficulty in its removal. Key takeaways from this case are discussed, among them that more emphasis should be placed on safe nasogastric tube removal in practitioner training to better prevent such complications in the future.
Subject(s)
Enteral Nutrition , Intubation, Gastrointestinal , Humans , Device RemovalABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has an overwhelming impact on the nursing profession. Nurses play a vital role before and during pandemics, with nurse leaders taking the lead in preparation for outbreaks. In response to an outbreak, early recognition and preparation for the increasing threat, managing staffing challenges together with the well-being of nurses are of utmost importance. Strategies to promote physical distancing while not compromising continuing nursing education and patient care are also essential. With prompt actions and coordinated efforts, risk of spreading the virus within the healthcare sector can be kept at the minimum. As nurses are in the frontline of healthcare, their confidence in being well-supported by the hospital should be maintained. This case report describes the preparation and response of the nurses in Singapore General Hospital to the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore.
