Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil soap: a potential alternative for hand hygiene.

This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial action of three soaps for hand hygiene (HH): 2.0% Tea Tree Oil (TTO); 0.5% triclosan; 2.0% chlorhexidine, and to explore the perception of healthcare professionals about TTO. Two-step study: a quantitative, to determine the logarithmic reduction of Escherichia coli K12 colony-forming units before and after HH of 15 volunteers and quali-quantitative, through interviews with 23 health professionals. All the three products demonstrated antimicrobial action (a log10 reduction factor of 4.18 for TTO, 4.31 for triclosan, 3.89 for chlorhexidine, and 3.17 for reference soap). Professionals remarked the pleasant aroma and non-dryness of skin when using soap containing TTO.

Patients with disorders of consciousness: vital, facial and muscular responses to music or messages.

PURPOSES: To compare vital signs, facial expression and basal electroneurographic signs with measures during stimuli music, message or "silence" in coma patients, vegetative status or sedated; and relating the score of Glasgow Results Scale with the intervention realized. METHOD: A Monoblind Transversal Controlled Clinical Trial to researcher. The distribution, among the three groups, was randomized (experiment with music, experiment with message or control). Two assessments (sessions) were performed with interval of 40 minutes on the same day. RESULTS: Most of the 76 patients were male, between 18 to 36 years old and hospitalized due to trauma. Statistically significant changes were found in the variables referred to temperature, facial expression, electroneurography and Glasgow Results Scale; more frequent alterations in second session, in coma and vegetative patients, in frontal muscles and in experiment group. CONCLUSIONS: The facial expression and the electroneurography seem to be more trustworthy variables than vital signs to evaluate consciousness.

Chinese auriculotherapy to improve quality of life of nursing team.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluated the efficacy of auriculotherapy for improving quality of life and reducing stress in nursing staff. METHOD: Single-blind radomizad clinical trail envolving 175 subjects randomized in: Control (G1), Protocol Group (G2) and without Protocol Group (G3). They were evaluated by the Stress Symptoms List and SF36v2 at baseline, after 12 sessions and follow up (30 days), between January and July 2012. RESULTS: Both intervention groups reduced stress (p <0.05) with greater effect for G3 (d = 1.15). G3 was also higher for improving life quality especially the physical domain (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Individualized auriculotherapy (G3) had greater effect compared to the protocol auriculotherapy (G2) for reducing stress and improving life quality.

[An approach to touching while providing high-quality affective health care to hospitalized elderly patients]. / Reconhecimento dos aspectos tacêsicos para o cuidado afetivo e de qualidade ao idoso hospitalizado.

The aim of the present study was to verify the important factors of tacesics that should be observed while touching the elderly. This qualitative and exploratory field of study was developed using 117 undergraduate students and healthcare professionals who participated in a training course regarding nonverbal communication in gerontology. The results revealed that the majority of the participants were able to identify at least one care factor that must be respected when touching the elderly. The discourses allowed for the construction of nine categories indicating the conditions that are necessary for high-quality affective care provided within the tacesics context; these conditions included the authorization for the touch to occur, location of the touch, intensity of the touch, condition of the elderly person, intentionality and type of touch, duration of the touch, gender and age of the person who touches and of the person being touched, frequency of the touch, and characteristics of the hands that touch. Touch is part of the quotidian practice of healthcare professionals and expresses their dedication and its related emotions, thereby revealing the quality of the care that is provided.

The use of music in group educational activities in Family Health.

OBJECTIVE: describe how music is used in the development of group educational activity in Family Health. METHODS: a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, developed with 10 group coordinators, distributed in five basic care units in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected from March to July, 2009, with non participant observation in the group itself, and semi-structured interviews with the coordinators. Information was organized and categorized according to thematic analysis. To interpret the data, the Snyderian concepts in addition to theoretical references about music, communication and health education were used. RESULTS: three thematic nuclei were found: the affective dimension of music; recreative dimension of music and the reflexive dimension of music. CONCLUSION: an attempt by the coordinators was observed, to overcome the pathological barriers with the use of music, considering the group as a whole. As advancement for the production of knowledge, this study shows the need for qualification of these coordinators, by means of workshops and constant follow-up of their musical practices.

[Auriculotherapy effectiveness in the reduction of anxiety in nursing students]. / Eficácia da auriculoterapia na redução de ansiedade em estudantes de enfermagem.

The objective of this single-blinded randomized controlled trial was to assess anxiety levels in nursing school students of the Beneficência Portuguesa Hospital (São Paulo) and the effectiveness of auriculotherapy in the reduction of these levels. The Trait-Anxiety Inventory State was applied at the beginning of the study, after 8 and 12 sessions, and at follow-up (15 days). The sample was comprised of 71 students divided into 3 groups: control without intervention (25), auriculotherapy (24), and placebo (22). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant differences post hoc between the control and auriculotherapy groups at 2nd (p=0.000), 3rd (p=0.012) and 4th assessments (p=0.005), and between placebo and control groups at 2nd assessment (p=0.003). Auriculotherapy with Shenmen and Brain Stem points was more effective (20.97%) than sham points (13.74%) for reduction of anxiety levels in Nursing students, but studies with more representative samples are recommended.

Applicability of auriculotherapy in reducing stress and as a coping strategy in nursing professionals.

AIMS: randomized clinical trial aimed at evaluating the auriculotherapy in reducing stress levels in 75 nursing professionals and analyze the coping domains that have changed after treatment. METHODOLOGY: volunteers were divided into 3 groups (Control, Needles and Seeds) and received eight sessions at Shenmen, Kidney and Brainstem points. The Control Group didn't receive any intervention. RESULTS: ANOVA test showed statistical differences in stress levels for Needle/Control Groups in the third and fourth assessments, according to Stress Symptoms List when compared the three groups in four assessments. For the Inventory of Folkman/Lazarus, a significant difference was obtained for Spacing domain between needle/control. In analysis within the same group, differences were found for Confrontation in fourth assessment between Needle/Control Groups and for Social Support in the third one between Seeds/Control Groups. CONCLUSION: The auriculotherapy decreased stress levels, changed Coping domains after treatment, suggesting that both Auriculotherapy with needles and seeds can produce positive impact to improve strategy Coping in the nursing team. However, more studies are needed to conceive the extent of the technique.

[Environmental factors as supportive components in communication and care for hospitalized elderly]. / Fatores ambientais como coadjuvantes na comunicação e no cuidar do idoso hospitalizado.

This exploratory work with a qualitative approach was performed with 117 health professionals and undergraduate students in São Paulo State countryside. The goal was to identify environmental factors that could play a role in health professionals' communication with elderly patients. The findings were organized and grouped in seven categories: sound and vibration factors, decorative and spatial factors, light factors, colors and textures, heat and ventilation factors, hygiene and personal safety factors, and visual signs. It was found that making use of environmental factors while providing care services to the elderly may lead to effective health care. These factors not only interfere with patients' welfare and recovery, but also play a role in the relationship between health professionals and elderly patients.

Efficacy of auriculotherapy for the reduction of stress in nursing students: a randomized clinical trial.

This study is a randomized single-blind trial, which aimed to evaluate the efficacy of true auriculotherapy and placebo auriculotherapy in reducing the stress levels of mid-level Nursing students of the School of Nursing of the Beneficência Portuguesa Hospital. Seventy-one students with average, high and very high scores, according to Vasconcellos' List of Stress Symptoms, were divided into three groups: Control (25), Auriculotherapy (24), and Placebo/Sham (22). They were evaluated at the baseline, 8th and 12th sessions and at the follow-up (15 days) and received Shen Men and Brainstem points (Auriculotherapy Group) and Wrist and Outer Ear points (Placebo/Sham Group). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant differences between the Control/Auriculotherapy groups from the 8th session, which was maintained in the third and fourth evaluations (p=0.000) and between the Control/Placebo groups (p<0.05) at the three evaluations. It was concluded that the true auriculotherapy obtained better responses (45.39%) than the placebo (34.18%) in the reduction of the stress, but further studies are recommended for the re-evaluation of the sham points for stress. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01420848.

Massage application for occupational low back pain in nursing staff.

This is a clinical trial which aims to evaluate the efficiency of massage in the reduction of occupational low back pain, and its influence on the performance of work and life activities for the nursing team. The sample consisted of 18 employees who received seven to eight sessions after their work period. From the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, significant improvements were found between the 3rd and 1st evaluations (p=0.000) and between the 3rd and 2nd (p=0.004), using the Wilcoxon test. Regarding the Oswestry Disability Index, the paired t test showed a statistical difference (p=0.02) between the baseline, with a mean of 21.33% and the second evaluation (18.78%), which was also seen between the second and third evaluation (16.67%). The score for the Handling and Transfer Risk Evaluation Scale was 18 points (medium risk). It is concluded that massage was effective in reducing occupational low back pain, and provided improvement in activities of work and life. Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT01315197.

[The perception and understanding of health professionals and undergraduate students regarding aging and the elderly]. / Percepção e compreensão de profissionais e graduandos de saúde sobre o idoso e o envelhecimento humano.

This qualitative study was developed with 117 healthcare professionals and undergraduate students who were participants of a non-verbal communication training program in gerontology, with the objective to identify the perception and understanding of healthcare undergraduates and graduates regarding aging and the elderly. The results allowed the construction of the following categories: an evolution of life that brings a variety of experiences; natural, mysterious and with accumulated experiences; a decrease in overall happiness due to an increase in isolation; a time of valuing affection and respect; an inevitable stage including distress, prejudice, and limitations worthy of attention; a natural consequence of life; and the presence of disease and the global physiological process. Regarding perceptions of the elderly, the answers were classified as positive, negative, mixed and neutral. We considered that the understanding regarding the elderly and aging was limited and pessimist, indicating a need to become aware that one's views affect the way we relate to others.

[Communication strategies used by health care professionals in providing palliative care to patients]. / Estratégias de comunicação utilizadas por profissionais de saúde na atenção à pacientes sob cuidados paliativos.

The objective of this study is to verify the relevance and utilization of communication strategies in palliative care. This is a multicenter qualitative study using a questionnaire, performed from August of 2008 to July of 2009 with 303 health care professionals who worked with patients receiving palliative care. Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Most participants (57.7%) were unable to state at least one verbal communication strategy, and only 15.2% were able to describe five signs or non-verbal communication strategies. The verbal strategies most commonly mentioned were those related to answering questions about the disease/treatment. Among the non-verbal strategies used, the most common were affective touch, looking, smiling, physical proximity, and careful listening. Though professionals have assigned a high degree of importance to communication in palliative care, they showed poor knowledge regarding communication strategies. Final considerations include the necessity of training professionals to communicate effectively in palliative care.

[The identification of anxiety through the analysis of the iris a possibility]. / A identificação da ansiedade por meio da análise da íris: uma possibilidade.

Anxiety is a behavior related to psychosomatic diseases. Through an evaluation of the iris it is possible to determine personality traits and to intervene early to refrain any non-adaptive behavior from causing psychosomatic diseases. Contraction furrows suggest a predisposition to anxiety. This study aimed to verify the correlation of contraction furrows in the iris with the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of São Paulo, School of Nursing, and performed with 62 teachers and employees at the Center of Health Science of the Zerbine Foundation (CeFACS), from May to July, 2010. The Spearman coefficient showed a positive and statistically significant correlation between the STAI score and the quantity of contraction furrows. This suggests that these signs indicate a predisposition to anxiety. With the early identification of this behavior we have chances to reduce the development of the disease.

[The applicability of auriculotherapy with needles or seeds to reduce stress in nursing professionals]. / Aplicabilidade da auriculoterapia com agulhas ou sementes para diminuição de estresse em profissionais de enfermagem.

This clinical randomized trial was performed with the objective to evaluate the stress levels of the nursing staff of a hospital and analyze the effectiveness of auriculotherapy with needles and seeds. The 75 participants with mean (44/58.7%) and high (31/41.3%) scores according to the Stress Symptoms List were divided into groups (control, needles, and seeds), who received eight sessions on the Shenmen, Kidney and Brainstem points and were evaluated at the baseline, fourth and eighth sessions and on the 15-day follow-up session. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences among the groups at the third assessment (F=3.963/P=0.023) and follow-up (F=6.136/P=0.003). These differences occurred between the control and needle groups. The 'seeds' and needles groups both showed differences (p<0.05) at the second assessment when compared within the same group. In conclusion, auriculotherapy reduced the stress in the nursing staff, with needles showing better results than seeds for high scores, maintaining the effects for 15 days.

[Affection in elderly care from the nurses' perspective]. / Afetividade no processo de cuidar do idoso na compreensão da enfermeira.

The objective of this study was to describe, from the nurses' perspective, the meaning of effective/affective care, the interference factors, and the learning promoted from dealing with elderly inpatients, as well as their perception of feeling ready or not to engage in caring. This qualitative study was performed with nurses from a hospital located in the Midwestern region of the State of São Paulo. The findings show that the meaning of providing effective/affective care involves knowing the client within his/her social framework, while it crosses the borders of sheer technical care and encompasses fulfilling the client's needs and requirements. Interferences in dealing with the elderly refer to those situations connected with the patients' conditions, work dynamics, and environmental and management adaptations. All surveys showed that despite feeling well prepared, nurses are aware of the need to study fields such as geriatrics and gerontology to a deeper extent. Complete and quality care is only possible if it includes techniques, knowledge and the ability to deal with others with patience and attention to detail.

[The use of aromatherapy to improve self-esteem]. / O uso da aromaterapia na melhora da autoestima.

The objectives of this study were to verify if inhaling rose and ylang-ylang essential oils has any effect on one's perception of self-esteem, and compare their efficiency. The study was approved by the University of São Paulo Hospital Research Ethics Committee. Participants were 43 workers from the Sanitation Department and from the Materials and Sterilization Center, and the study took place from May to July 2009. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: two that received the essential oils and a third that received placebo (rose essence). The self-esteem evaluation was performed using a scale validated in Brazil, which was applied before using the aromas, as well as 30 and 60 days after the use. Results showed that the sample consisted of 88.6% individuals with medium and high self-esteem, and that the essential oils did not make any significant changes to their perception of self-esteem.

[Professors' perception of students' feelings in the classroom: an analysis]. / Análise da percepção dos professores em relação aos sentimentos dos alunos em sala de aula.

The objective of this study is to verify the difference in professors' perception of students' feelings before and after an explanatory presentation on the theme. This is an exploratory study using a primary source, and a quantitative approach with 13 Nursing and Medicine professors. A vide showing student images was presented to the professors, who answered a feeling-identification questionnaire, and, after an explanatory presentation about non-verbal communication and feelings, the professors watched the same video and answered the questionnaire again. As to the identification of feelings, joy, anxiety, and interest were the most often identified. We found statistically significant values regarding the mean total score before and after the explanatory presentation (p=0.02). The professor is capable of identifying the feelings, but after the explanatory presentation, their perception improved and they were able to make identifications more often.

[The effectiveness of therapeutic touch on pain, depression and sleep in patients with chronic pain: clinical trial]. / Efetividade do Toque Terapêutico sobre a dor, depressão e sono em pacientes com dor crônica: ensaio clínico.

This research aimed to check the effectiveness of Therapeutic Touch on decreased pain intensity, depression self-assessment scores and improved sleep quality. A clinical before-after trial is presented. The study was carried out at a Basic Health Unit in Fernandópolis, SP-Brazil, involving 30 elderly patients with chronic non-oncologic pain who received 8 sessions of Therapeutic Touch in accordance with the Krieger-Kunz method. The Visual Analogue Scale for pain was applied before and after each session, and Beck Depression Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index before the first and after the last session. Data analysis showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in pain intensity, depression self-assessment scores and the sleep quality index. It is concluded that the Therapeutic Touch was effective to decrease pain intensity and depressive attitudes and symptoms, as well as to improve sleep quality.

[From sensitive to intelligible: new communicational ways in healthcare with the study of Quantum Theory]. / Do sensível ao inteligível: novos rumos comunicacionais em saúde por meio do estudo da Teoria Quântica.

The purpose of this study is to present a theoretical reflection about the relation between the Human Being, health and disease concepts, and the perspectives stemming from the development of the Quantum Theory. It presents arguments for the comprehension that, from the moment where the spiritual dimension is recognized, there is the need for reformulation of concepts that guide the professional practice, since they make interpretation possible and direct the communicational response that, in the case of healthcare, results in the service provided to the patient. The study also understands that the necessity of furthering the communicational level exerted on people is imperative to provide care and to comprehend the spiritual dimension of the Human Being.