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Introduction: The level of provision of trauma care services either as part of the pre-hospital or the in-hospital emergency care varies around the world; primarily due to differences in political and socio-economic conditions. Aim: This article aims to present the evolution in trauma care by providing examples of planning, organization, management and control of this modern disease and present research results of certain Trauma Care Systems in several countries. Method: The literature review was carried out mainly through electronic databases for research papers in English and Greek setting aside any restrictions on the year of publication. Additionally, there has been investigation of libraries through printed publications with a broader range of search on topics around Trauma Systems, Trauma Registry, Emergency Prehospital Trauma Care and Quality Care in Trauma. Results: The majority of the articles examine the usefulness and the necessity of adopting a comprehensive Trauma System focusing on the quality and improvement of services provided in out-of-hospital and in-hospital emergency care and in particular to increase survival and reduce complications of the injured. Conclusions: The political and socioeconomic conditions and the public health policy are the most important factors in the development and implementation of programs to improve emergency trauma care services. The heterogeneity of the population and its geographical distribution, the involvement of several health professionals with different educational, academic and working background, the complexity of the health system are challenging factors for the scientific investigation and documentation on the value and effectiveness of trauma care. The excellent staff training in all areas, combined with the existence of modern vehicles and equipment, the means of communication and the timely transition of the ambulance, contribute in tackling urgent trauma patients, saving lives and preventing all types of disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Delphi method aims to facilitate the discussion and achieve the judgment in a concrete theme, in order to express experts' team perspectives. AIM: This article aims to discuss basic methodological issues regarding the appropriate application of the Delphi method, for future users. Added objectives include a. The description of the Delphi method and its basic characteristics, b. The reference to the benefits of Delphi and its application to the nursing science. METHODS: A literature review was conducted through the data bases of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane and Google scholar with the keywords- delphi, consensus, experts, nursing rounds, data analysis, validity, reliability, guidelines and a combination of these. Papers (general, critical review, research) in Greek and English language in which the Delphi method was applied and methodological issues were discussed. Articles that did not refer to the basic methodological issues that emerge through the application of Delphi, were excluded. RESULTS: According to the literature review, there are no guidelines regarding the way of the selection and the number of the experts that participate. The decision regarding the number of experts is made empirically; and it varies according to the aim of the study, the available time and resources. Before distribution, the questionnaires must be reviewed thoroughly, so that any unclarity would be avoided. A reliable Delphi method consist of at least three rounds, but this is also doubtful. The methods of analysis seem to vary, according to the purpose of the chosen method, the structure of the rounds, the types of the questions and the number of participants. Also, no rules seem to exist regarding when there is consensus between the participants. Delphi method has been criticized by many researchers for the absence of evidence, validity and reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Delphi method is still in a developing stage. Many queries regarding the Delphi methodology remain unresolved. In order to use the method successfully and homogenously, at least in the field of nursing or health in general, the study of method's criteria and characteristics, should be chosen taking into consideration available guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining dignity is a fundamental principle of nursing that nurses should preserve. The relationship between dignity with the quality of life and patient satisfaction has been well documented. In addition, the necessity of respecting dignity is described in many codes of ethics as well as in national laws. Unfortunately, the concept of the term dignity has not yet been defined. This fact does not allow for a common approach (either philosophically or in research) on dignity. A special group of patients is the elderly. This group forms a vulnerable part of society, which due to ageing of the population worldwide, has become a significant part of it. This paper discusses the concept of dignity and presents the different approaches for this term as they appear in relevant literature. In addition, it focuses on the dignity in the care of older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The questionnaire "Nurses Attitudes Towards Computerization" which reflects the views of nurses on the use of information technology in hospitals, was translated into Greek. The purpose of this paper is to show the weight of the above questionnaire into Greek in terms of reliability and validity. Overall, 621 nurses in public and private hospitals of Cyprus completed the questionnaire. The construct validity of the questionnaire was examined by exploratory factor analysis and the internal consistency of the factors that emerged with the coefficient of reliability Cronbach alpha. The export factor was principal components analysis with Varimax rotation. The criterion for acceptance of the factors is the eigenvalue to be equal to one. The analysis shows that the scale has good psychometric properties. The results showed high reliability and validity, strong correlation to the content of the scale, therefore the assessment tool Nurses Attitudes Towards Computerization (NATC) can be a reliable tool for capturing relevant views of nurses as regards the introduction and use of information technology in hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral data provide information for the understanding of the epidemic locally. The main course of the spread of HIV differentiates from country to country. The basic characteristics of established HIV surveillance system are the identification/exploration of the subpopulation as well as of the behavior that contribute to the outspread of HIV. The aim of this paper is the presentation of a) prevalence data of HIV infection for the men who have sex with men, sex workers, intravenous drug users, prisoners b) behavioral data relevant with the rate of HIV infection to referential sub populations. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, COCHRANE library and AIDSLINE as well as website of the international organizations were searched to identify relevant published articles. We crossed multiple keywords reflecting 2 categories: (1) HIV prevalence among high risk groups (men who have sex with men, sex workers, intravenous drug users, prisoners) and (2) sexual behavior of these groups. The drug and alcohol abuse, the unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse, the multiple sexual partners, the imprisonment, the syringe sharing, the coinfections with others STDs are the main behaviors of the high risk groups. The above in conjunction with some sociodemographic data contribute to the vulnerability in HIV infection of the referential subpopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]