Evaluation of Clinical Nursing Information System in Taiwan Regional Hospital.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Clinical Nursing Information System (CNIS) in Taiwan regional hospital. In 2016, a total of 333 nurses responded to the Technology Acceptance Model-based questionnaire after 15 months of CNIS implementation. The results showed positive acceptance toward CNI, especially among those nurses who were younger, those who worked as administrative managers or in non-critical care units, and had advanced computer skills.

A psychometric evaluation of the Taiwan version of the Individual Workload Perception Scale.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Taiwan version of the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale on staff nurses in southern Taiwan. BACKGROUND: Most psychometric measures of the nursing work environment were developed in North America and reflect nursing practice in Western health care environments. As these instruments are used most often in translation, it is important to inquire whether they appropriately capture the characteristics of nursing work in environments outside of the original contexts. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 June-30 September 2009, with a convenience sample of 344 nurses providing direct patient care at a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. The Taiwan version of the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale was created by translating the original English language Individual Workload Perception Scale-Revised, which is used to measure the staff nurses' perceptions of their work environment. The Taiwan version of the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale is a 24-item five-point Likert scale measuring manager support, peer support, unit support, workload and intent to stay. Content validity, construct validity and reliability of the Taiwan version of the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale were evaluated. RESULTS: The content validity index of the Taiwan version of the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale was 0.93. Cronbach's alpha for the total Taiwan version of the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale was 0.88, with a range of 0.61-0.85 for the subscales. Factorial validity was supported using a five-factor model solution that accounted for 55.47% of the total variance for nursing work environment. Manager support had the highest explained variance (28.38%). CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable reliability and content validity were found; the Taiwan version of the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale is recommended for measuring nurses' perceptions of their work environment. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Psychometric properties of a scale such as the Individual Workload Perception Scale translate cross-culturally, with minor adjustments. The Taiwan version of the Revised Individual Workload Perception Scale can be used to provide data and analyses in comparisons with nursing work environment features internationally.

[A pilot study on the perspectives of hemodialysis room nurses on promoting advance directives].

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that patients with end-stage renal disease experience a lower than optimal quality of dying and achieve a lower rate of advance directives (ADs) completion. Patients are frequently unaware of their option to withdraw from dialysis and also believe their physicians would oppose such a decision. Where there are inherent difficulties for medical staff in discussing end-of-life (EOL) issues with patients, patients on dialysis often develop a trusting, almost familial relationship with their nurses, who play a vital role in assisting patient and family to make EOL care decisions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives on advance directive discussion strategies of nurses working in hemodialysis rooms. METHODS: This was a descriptive-correlational research study that targeted 55 nurses working in a hemodialysis room at a regional hospital in southern Taiwan. Structured questionnaires were developed for this study that collected basic demographic information and assessed participant perspectives on discussing ADs. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and deductive statistics, including independent t test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Over 80% participants agreed that discussing ADs with patients could accurately identify patient preferences, improve EOL quality, and decrease family conflicts. However, 78.2% expressed that they did not have sufficient training to talk with patients about death and dying. Also, two-thirds (65.5%) worried about upsetting their patients, as they perceived their professional role as sustaining life (rather than helping prepare for death). Significant differences in discussing ADs with patients were found in respect to age and personal experience as well as with regard to whether the participant had discussed EOL care decisions with others. CONCLUSION: Discussing ADs with patients may improve EOL quality. Lack of training and negative perspectives represent major barriers. Therefore, teaching nurses how to engage in EOL care dialogue with patients and paying attention to patient EOL needs represent crucial tasks ahead.

[Exploring factors affecting meaning of life perceptions among ESRD elders].

BACKGROUND: The number of patient with end stage renal disease (ESRD) has been growing in Taiwan. Nearly 50% of ESRD sufferers are 65 years of age or older. The disease as well as issues related to patient physiology, psychology, and spiritual well-being are worth taking seriously. While research into this topic area has been conducted, most studies addressed issues in the physiological and psychological dimensions. Studies addressing the domain of spiritual well-being remain inadequate. The purpose of this study was to explore factors affecting meaning of life perceptions in ESRD elders. METHODS: Using a descriptive-correlation research approach, we employed purposive sampling to collect data from 80 ESRD elders currently under the care of a hemodialysis center in southern Taiwan. Research instruments used included a demographic questionnaire and Meaning in Life Scale. Data were analysed using SPSS 12.0 software. RESULTS: Findings showed that ESRD elders had relatively low meaning in life scores compared to the overall ESRD population in Taiwan. Influencing factors included education level, socio-economic status, and level of participation in leisure activities. CONCLUSION: Study findings may provide health professionals a better understanding of meaning of life perceptions amongst elders with ESRD, and, as a result, help them target better spiritual care and supportive interventions.