Effects of Acupressure on Symptoms Relief and Improving Sleep Quality in Pediatric Patients With Allergic Rhinitis.

Current pharmacological management of allergic rhinitis cannot completely provide relief from the symptoms and is usually accompanied by undesirable side effects. Complementary and alternative medicine approach has been evaluated and applied for allergic rhinitis frequently. We aim to investigate whether acupressure could be used as daily nursing care practice to reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms and improve sleep quality in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis. Patients were divided into the acupressure and control groups randomly. Acupressure on 6 the acupoints was administered at home every night for 4 weeks in the acupressure group after attending a training program. Participants in the control group maintained their daily routine. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics, and to assess the symptom scores and sleep quality at baseline, week 2, and week 4 after intervention. Results of the generalized estimating equation model showed there were significant group effects on the total nasal symptom scores, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching of nose and palate, and watery eyes over the study period (all Ps < .05). From baseline to 2 weeks, all the aforementioned symptoms and red eyes, sleep quality, and allergic rhinitis classification more improved in the acupressure group than in the control group and the effect in the acupressure group was maintained through 4 weeks after intervention. Our results showed a significant reduction in the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and improvement in sleep quality after acupressure treatment with no adverse effects. Acupressure could be used as daily nursing care practice for this chronic, lifetime disorder.

An exploratory study of dignity in dementia care.

BACKGROUND: Generally, a person with dementia may be unable to make decisions by themselves and professionals may decide what is best for them. Unfortunately, in most cases, professionals assist a person with dementia to make decisions without clear explanation or consent. Whether a person with dementia possesses dignity in routine care is an important issue. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of the healthcare professionals in providing dignified dementia care in Taiwan. RESEARCH DESIGN: A qualitative, hermeneutic-phenomenological approach was conducted. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were enrolled by purpose sampling. Researchers performed in-depth interviews to reveal the essential ingredient of dignity within dementia care in Taiwan. A total of 20 cases were enrolled to achieve data saturation. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: This study was approved by the institutional review board. Before conducting the interview, interviewees provided informed consent. FINDINGS: There were three themes and six categories that were addressed and constructed; within the themes, 23 Guidelines for Taiwan Dignified Dementia Care and 12 Principles for Dignified Dementia Care in Taiwan were developed. DISCUSSION: From the data relating to dignity in dementia care, we can develop a more independent and dignified care environment to improve the quality of life of person with dementia in Taiwan. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that dignity within dementia care was constructed by the lived experience of the healthcare professionals, as well as affected by the culture of the organizations and society at the same time.