Incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries in the intensive care unit and related risk factors.

AIM: At present, physicians employ medical devices extensively in the treatment of numerous diseases and in the care and follow-up of patients. However, these medical devices are a potential cause of pressure injuries.The study aimed to investigate the incidence and affecting risk factors of medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) in an adult intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a longitudinal descriptive/analytical and cross-sectional study. The researchers conducted this study with 213 intensive care patients between 15.06.2021 and 15.12.2021. The skin and mucosa under and around each medical device were observed once a day for MDRPIs during the stay of patients who had been hospitalized in the intensive care unit for at least 24 h. The data were collected using Patient Information Form developed by the researchers based on the literature, Medical Device-Related Pressure Injury Monitoring Form, the Jackson/Cubbin Pressure Area Risk Calculator (Jackson/Cubbin BARHATr)-Turkish Version, the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) Pressure Injury Staging System and the Glasgow Coma Scale. RESULTS: The incidence of MDRPIs was 28.6% (61/213). The study revealed that 48.4% (46/95) of these injuries were caused by medical devices for respiratory system, 26.3% (25/95) by devices for gastrointestinal and genitourinary system. The study also revealed that 70.5% of MDRPIs occurred on the skin and 29.5% on the mucosal membrane, and that 82.1% of the MDRPIs occurring on the skin were at Stage 1. In terms of anatomical location, 21.1% of these injuries developed on the fingers and 13.7% on the mouth/lip. In multivariate analysis, parenteral + enteral (p = 0.006, OR = 0.083, 95%CI = [0.014-0.497]) and oral nutrition (p = 0.037, OR = 0.210, 95%CI = [0.049-0.908]), a higher number of devices (nine or more) (p = 0.002, OR = 5.387, 95%CI = [1.840-15.772]) and the duration of device wear (p < 0.05) were identified as independent risk factors for the occurrence of MDRPIs. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the incidence of MDRPIs was relatively high and was associated with various factors. It is critical for intensive care nurses, who encounter MDRPIs more frequently, to consider these factors while caring for their patients and to take appropriate preventive measures to reduce the incidence of these injuries.

Experiences of Operating Room Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to examine the experiences of operating room nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: This study was designed as a phenomenological qualitative research method. METHODS: This study was conducted with 10 volunteer operating room nurses who met the criteria for participation in the study between February 2021 and March 2021 in a public hospital. Data were collected using a personal information form and a semistructured interview from using the in-depth interview technique. Two researchers and one expert created the themes and codes using the thematic analysis method. FINDINGS: As a result of the analysis, four themes and 29 codes were identified. The following codes were created for the theme "Changing systems and practices in the operating room": Personal protective equipment and sterility, workload/time, lack of communication between patient and nurse, decrease in the number of cases, change in the use of emergencies and elective procedures, flexible working methods. On the theme of the impact of the pandemic, anxiety/anxiety, psychological distress, difficulty with personal protective equipment, lack of nurses, longing/distance from family, sleep disturbances, family problems, and difficulty working in another department were noted. On the theme of coping strategies for the pandemic, the codes found were; communication with family, breathing/sporting exercises, spirituality, regular/healthy diet, online shopping, watching TV series/movies, and acceptance of the process. On the theme of "learning from the pandemic," the codes of the importance of life/health, the importance of family, worthlessness of the caring profession, financial injustice, gaining work experience, the importance of personal protection, lack of union support, and job satisfaction were produced. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that the nursing in the operating room has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that nurses have experienced many positive/negative impacts, and that they have gained many benefits from the pandemic through various coping methods.

The Relation Between Fear of COVID-19, Burnout Levels of Intensive Care Nurses.

We aimed to examine the relation between the fear of COVID-19 and depression, anxiety and burnout of intensive carenurses. This cross-sectional and descriptive research was conducted with 116 intensive care nurses. The data were obtained with a web-based questionnaire created with the "Descriptive Information Form", "COVID-19 Fear Scale", "Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale Short Form" and "Burnout Short Version". A significant positive correlation was found between depression (r = 0.498, p < .001), anxiety (r = 0.633, p < .001), stress (r = 0.589, p < .001) and burnout (r = 0.299, p = .001) levels of intensive care nurses with a mean age of 30.18 ± 6.55 with the help of the "COVID-19 Fear Scale". It was determined that the mental health of intensive care nurses was at risk and they reached the level of burnout. Intensive care nurses should be supported in understanding the symptoms of psychological problems and in stress management, personal and professional self-care. Receiving professional mental health support when necessary.

The Effect of Using Virtual Reality During Breast Biopsy on Pain and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Virtual reality (VR) is a nonpharmacological method used in healthcare settings. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of distraction through VR on pain and anxiety during fine needle aspiration (FNA) breast biopsy. DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 60 Turkish females undergoing FNA breast biopsies were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in the experimental group (n = 30) viewed a specific scenario using VR from one minute before the procedure to the end of the procedure. The patients in the control group (n = 30) were subject to a standard protocol in which no anesthetic was given during the procedure. Immediately after the implementation of the FNA breast biopsy, the pain scores of all patients in groups were measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and their anxiety levels were assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. FINDINGS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the post-procedure mean pain scores and average state anxiety scores of the patients in the experimental and control groups (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of VR during FNA breast biopsy is effective in reducing pain and anxiety in adult female patients.

Pressure injury knowledge of Turkish internship nursing students.

AIM: This study aimed to describe the pressure injury (PI) knowledge of Turkish internship nursing students (INSs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was performed using the Turkish version of the Modified Pieper Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test. The study population consisted of INSs in a nursing program in the West Black Sea Region, Turkey. The sample of the study was 278 (74.1% of a total of 375 volunteer INSs). RESULTS: The mean knowledge test score was 29.03 ± 7.15 (range 11-44). The prevention/risk score was higher; only 28.4% of the students had a satisfactory test score. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the INSs had significant knowledge gaps regarding PI. Nursing students' knowledge deficiencies regarding PIs should be identified at undergraduate level, and the necessary educational measures should be taken.

Critical-Care Nurses' Pain Experiences and the Prognostic Factors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the emergence of pain in critical-care nurses and the prognostic risk factors. DESIGN: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive research. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: This study was conducted with the participation of 111 critical-care nurses in Zonguldak province, Turkey. INTERVENTIONS: The data were collected using a survey form and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire between August and November 2015. The data were evaluated using frequency, average, Pearson correlation analysis, χ, logistic regression, and odds ratio tests. RESULTS: The critical-care nurses were found to experience pain mostly in their lower backs (88.3%), upper backs (77.5%), right (76.6%) and left (78.4%) feet, necks (73.9%), and most infrequently in the right (28.8%) and left (28.8%) lower arms. Changing bed linens while the patient remained in bed and lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy materials caused those nurses who felt despondent and tired to feel significant pain in the shoulder, neck, upper arm, wrist, and knee (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These results were significant for placing emphasis on maintaining body mechanics while caring for patients, providing appropriate environmental conditions, and ensuring ergonomics to preserve the health of critical-care nurses who work in hospitals.

Determination of pain in musculoskeletal system reported by office workers and the pain risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: This research was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at determining the existence of pain in the musculoskeletal system among office workers and the reasons for it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 528 office workers. Collection of data was achieved using a questionnaire prepared by the researchers in line with information from the literature. RESULTS: The male and female office workers most frequently complained of pain in the lower back (55.1%), neck (52.5%) and back (53%). It was seen that out of the variables relating to the work environment, those which had the most significant effect on muscular-skeletal system pain were sitting at the desk for a long time without a break, working sitting on a chair that supported only the lumbar area and the arms, having the computer mouse at a distance from the keyboard, having the head inclined at 45° when working, working holding both forearms above the level of the desk, not taking exercise in daily life, and having a moderate or extremely stressful workplace (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The conclusion has been reached in this study that in order for office workers not to suffer musculoskeletal system pain, it is very important that the working environment should be ergonomically arranged and that various measures should be taken to ensure healthy life behavior. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(1):91-111.

Fatigue in Intensive Care Nurses and Related Factors.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue negatively affects the performance of intensive care nurses. Factors contributing to the fatigue experienced by nurses include lifestyle, psychological status, work organization and sleep problems. OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of fatigue among nurses working in intensive care units and the related factors. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted with 102 nurses working in intensive care units in the West Black Sea Region of Turkey. Data were collected between February and May 2014 using a personal information form, the Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: The intensive care nurses in the study were found to be experiencing fatigue. Significant correlations were observed between scores on the VAS-F Fatigue and anxiety (p=0.01), depression (p=0.002), and sleep quality (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Anxiety, depression and quality of sleep were significantly affected by the intensive care nurses' levels of fatigue. These results can be of benefit in taking measures which may be used to reduce fatigue in nurses, especially the fatigue related to work organization and social life.

Self-reported pain relief interventions of patients before emergency department arrival.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is the most common reason for visiting the Emergency Department (ED), and pain management is an important aspect of emergency care. Pain management might begin before emergency department arrival, by a patient's self-administered medications or alternative therapies. AIM: This study aimed to determine Turkish patients' self-reported pain relief interventions before ED arrival. METHODS: A prospective questionnaire survey was used for the study. A total of 150 adult ED patients from a teaching hospital ED in a two month period constituted the sample of the study. RESULTS: Of the patients surveyed, 62.7% had used medication and/or alternative therapies. Medication use was 30.1%, alternative therapy use was 21.3%, and use of both medication and alternative therapies before ED arrival was 11.3%. CONCLUSION: The rate of self-administered intervention for pain relief before ED arrival was high. ED nurses have to take these interventions into account while performing pain assessment. The information may help to achieve better pain management in the ED.

Effects of Breast Cancer Fatalism on Breast Cancer Awareness among Nursing Students in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and leading cause of death worldwide, including in Turkey. High perceptions of cancer fatalism are associated with lower rates of participation in screening for breast cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of breast cancer fatalism and other factors on breast cancer awareness among nursing students in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at three universities in the Western Black Sea region. The sample was composed of 838 nursing students. Data were collected by Personal Information Form, Powe Fatalism Inventory (PFI) and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). RESULTS: Breast cancer fatalism perception of the students was at a low level. It was determined that students' seriousness perception was moderate, health motivation, BSE benefits and BSE self-efficacy perceptions were high, and BSE barriers and sensitivity perceptions were low. In addition, it was determined that students awareness of breast cancer was affected by breast cancer fatalism, class level, family history of breast cancer, knowledge on BSE, source of information on BSE, frequency of BSE performing, having breast examination by a healthcare professional within the last year and their health beliefs. CONCLUSIONS: In promoting breast cancer early diagnosis behaviour, it is recommended to evaluate fatalism perceptions and health beliefs of the students and to arrange training programs for this purpose.

Breast cancer awareness among Turkish nursing students.

BACKGROUND: This study conducted to determine breast cancer awareness and influencing factors among nursing students in the West Black Sea Region in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between April-May, 2014. The sample was 270 female nursing students. Data were collected by Personal Information Form and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). RESULTS: The students' mean age was 21.6±2.09 and 81.1% had knowledge about breast cancer from their academic education. It is found that 63.7% of the students performed Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and 11.1% had a family member diagnosed with breast cancer. The CHBMS mean score of the students was 117.7±14.5. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer awareness of nursing students is on a good level and was affected by family history of breast cancer and health beliefs.