Search

Introduction: Empathy is the ability to perceive the feelings and experiences of the other person and the ability to communicate it to the other person. It is necessary to cultivate this concept among the Nursing students and other Health Professions during their studies. Aim: The aim of this paper was the systematic review of research studies of Empathy Levels of Undergraduate Students in Nursing and Other Health Professions. Method: A systematic review was performed on the MEDLINE and CINAHL online databases and the GOOGLE SCHOLAR search engine. The basic prerequisite for the introduction was that only primary studies where chosen which used as sample Nursing students or other Health Professionals and that the publication was in English or Greek, between the years 2008-2017. Results: The review produced 17 articles that met the admission criteria. The results of the studies were classified into 3 main categories, namely: a) Empathy Levels of Nursing Students (n = 7), b) Comparative studies of the Levels of Empathy among Nursing and Other Healthcare Professionals (n = 6) and c) Educational Programs for Improving and Enhancing Empathy N = 4). The results are quite contradictory with some studies showing high levels of empathy, others showing a decrease of empathy levels with the progress of studies, particularly in relation to clinical practice, while the comparison between the various health sciences seems to not differ significantly. In relation to the educational programs some have resulted in increased levels of empathy and some not. Conclusions: Empathy remains a multidimensional phenomenon, this why its treatment will also be multidimensional especially with regard to education, either within the whole theoretical and clinical education program, or in the form of support and improvement programs. [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]

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]