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Preventing pressure injuries is a primary objective for care and treatment teams in intensive care units (ICUs). Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the efficacy of Zinc Oxide and Vaseline prophylactic dressings in preventing sacral pressure injuries in patients admitted to the ICU. This clinical trial was conducted in the ICU in 2023. The study population included patients at moderate to high risk for pressure injuries based on the Braden scale criteria. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to one of five groups using random allocation software: (1) the intervention group receiving Zinc Oxide as a prophylactic dressing, (2) the intervention group using Zinc Oxide as a topical application, (3) the intervention group with Vaseline as a prophylactic dressing, (4) the intervention group using Vaseline as a topical application and (5) the control group. Participants were homogenous regarding demographic information in all five groups. The frequency distribution of pressure injuries across the five groups was analysed using the Chi‐square test. The results revealed no pressure injuries were observed in the Zinc Oxide and Vaseline with dressing groups. In contrast, the Zinc Oxide without dressing group had five cases, the Vaseline without dressing group had six cases and the Control group had 14 cases of pressure injuries. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Zinc Oxide and Vaseline as preventive dressings in the sacral area of patients admitted to ICUs can be considered an effective and affordable strategy for healthcare providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to observe how auriculotherapy acts as a nonpharmacological treatment for pregnant women's gestational hypertension. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. Eighty patients were with gestational hypertension recruited and divided into control (n = 40) and intervention (n = 40) groups. The control group just received the usual perinatal care. The intervention group received one month of auriculotherapy in addition to the usual care. Blood pressure was measured before and 15 minutes after rest in both groups twice a week. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Results: The mean systolic blood pressure, based on the Mann-Whitney test, was not statistically significant between the two groups before the intervention and in the first two weeks after the intervention (p >0.05); however, after the third week of intervention, the mean systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p <0.001). As per the Mann-Whitney test, the mean diastolic blood pressure was not statistically significant between the two groups before the intervention and the first week after the intervention (p <0.05). However, after the second week of intervention, the mean diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and this decrease was highest in the fourth week of the intervention (p <0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that auriculotherapy would reduce blood pressure in pregnant women suffering from hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged use of personal protective equipment can cause pressure injuries on the skin. The current study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of ChitoHeal gel on the nasal site on the prevention of N 95 masks that caused pressure injuries in nurses working in intensive care units. This is a randomised controlled clinical trial that was conducted in 2022. The study sample consisted of 92 nurses working in the intensive care units. A randomised block method was used to allocate the nurses to two equal groups of intervention and control. However, in the intervention group, ChitoHeal gel was applied on nurses' nose bridge. To perform this, the researcher referred to the department during the morning and evening shifts and applied the gel on nurses' nose bridge at the beginning of each shift. Then, the N95 mask was installed on the face by the nurse. Before and at the end of each work shift, the skin in both groups was assessed for any signs of pressure injuries. No significant differences were observed between the two intervention and control groups in terms of demographic variables. The frequency distribution of mask‐caused pressure injuries on nurses' nose bridge in the two groups was analysed using the Chi‐square test (Fisher's exact test). The results showed that after the intervention, it was 0 in the intervention group. However, 4 nurses (8.6%) in the control group developed pressure injuries, and this difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P >.05). The result of the current study showed that the use of ChitoHeal gel is effective in preventing N95 mask‐related pressure injuries. Considering the cheapness and rational global availability of this gel, it seems that its use is an effective strategy in order to prevent N95 mask‐related pressure injuries. Given the lack of studies in this regard, similar studies are strongly recommended to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Elderly patients are the largest and fastest growing group of patients under dialysis and their caregivers are faced with high burden care. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the predictors of caregiver burden among caregivers of older patients under hemodialysis residing in Qazvin province, Iran. Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was conducted on caregivers older patients under hemodialysis in 2020. The caregivers were selected by census method among eligible caregivers of older patients under hemodialysis referring to dialysis centers of Qazvin Province, Iran. Data were collected using the demographic checklists, Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) in Care, Bartell Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), and Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE). The collected data were analyzed by a multivariable regression model in SPSS software v. 23. Results The mean and standard deviation of the age of 252 caregivers and older patients were 44.9±13.16 and 69.4±7.7 years old, respectively. The results of multivariate analyses showed that significant predictors of caregiver burden were perceived social support (β=0.333, P<0.05), disability (β:-0.137, P<0.05), health status (β=0.154, P=0.010), and financial level (β=0.154, P=0.010). As the caregiver burden was decreased by increasing the social support and decreasing the rate of disability. Furthermore, the caregivers with higher financial levels and better health status reported lower caregiver burden. Conclusion It can be concluded that enhancement of social support and more attention to the health of caregivers as potential patients are important factors for reduction of caregiver burden care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare personnel's increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risk of pressure ulcers due to PPE. The prevalence and risk factors of pressure ulcers caused by PPE among nurses working in hospitals during the pandemic were examined. More than half of participant nurses reported pressure ulcers caused by PPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The family plays a key role in supporting and caring for patients who have a gastrointestinal stoma because of cancer. This study investigated the quality of life of family members caring for such patients. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in 2020 in Iran. The study sample consisted of 250 family members caring for cancer patients with an intestinal stoma. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer scale was used to measure quality of life. This scale has 35 questions, which are categorised into four subscales: mental/ emotional burden; lifestyle disruption; positive adaptation; and financial concerns. The highest possible total score is 140 (35 in each subscale), and a high score indicates a poor quality of life. Results: A total of 250 carers took part in the study. Of these, 143 (57.2%) were men and the average age was 35.1 years. Mean scores of mental/emotional burden, lifestyle disruption, positive adaptation, and financial concerns were 28.4±41, 17.3±3.2, 19.8±28, and 8.6±1.2 respectively. No significant relationship was found between participants’ quality of life and demographic variables. Conclusion: Carers’ quality of life is relatively poor. Carers’ quality of life need to be improved and support programmes, devised and delivered by nurses, could have a role in this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies, especially among developing countries such as Iran, have been conducted on the incidence and risk factors for medical device‐related pressure ulcers (MDRPUs). Given the importance of this issue and the lack of previous studies, the present study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for MDRPUs in Iran. The present descriptive‐analytical study was conducted at three hospitals in Qazvin, Iran, from June 1, 2019, to September 1, 2019. Data collection took approximately 3 months from July to September 2019. Sampling was carried out through a convenience sampling method, and the samples consisted of 404 patients. For data collection, a checklist for demographic variables, a checklist for patient‐connected medical devices, Braden Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Pressure Grading Scale, and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 were used. Of the 404 patients studied, 20.54% (n = 83) developed some degree of MDRPUs. From those, 61 (70.11%) were in stage I, 17 (19.5%) were in stage II, and 9 (10.34%) were in stage III. Among the nine medical devices that caused pressure ulcers, the most commonly reported ones were nasal oxygen tubes (31 cases), oxygen face masks (23 cases), and endotracheal tubes (17 cases). The mean score of Braden Scale (P =.004), the mean score of NRS 2002 (P =.037), older age (P =.007), male gender (P =.002), the average length of stay in hospitals (P =.001), and having pressure ulcers in body (P =.025) significantly increased the possibility of occurring MDRPUs. In the present study, the incidence of MDRPUs was high. Taking the necessary measures into consideration in order to prevent the MDRPUs is essential in Iranian hospitals. Further studies in this regard are strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies regarding cleansing the area with antiseptic solutions prior to catheterization in premature infants are limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of chlorhexidine 2% and iodopovidone-alcohol solutions on bacterial colonization associated with the peripheral venous catheterization in premature infants. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2016-2017 at a neonatal intensive care unit in Qazvin, Iran. Premature infants (N=106) were assigned to the two groups of "A" treated with chlorhexidine 2% or "B" cleaned with iodopovidone-alcohol 10%. Quantitative culture of the catheters was performed 48 hours after insertion. Results: Our findings showed that the frequency of positive catheter tips culture was 6.6% among all the samples (N=7). Out of the seven positive cultures, five (43.9%) belonged to the iodopovidone-alcohol group and two (3.7%) were from the chlorhexidine 2% group. Although a number of the positive cultures in the iodopovidone-alcohol group was higher than the chlorhexidine 2% group, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.21). Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrated that bacterial colony growth may be decreased when using preparatory chlorhexidine 2%, compared with iodopovidone-alcohol at no added risk to infants. We recommend further study in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The workload on nurses can have adverse effects on the patient, nurse and healthcare system such as reduced quality of care, increased risk of nursing errors, reduced patient satisfaction, increased nurse anxiety, increased nursing job stress, increased risk of infection, increase in the length of hospital stay and increased risk of death. Aim: The present study was designed and conducted to compare nurses’ workload in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Coronary Care Units (CCU). Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross sectional analytical study that was conducted in the ICU, NICU and CCU of educational hospitals affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. The convenience sampling method was used. A nursing activity score was used to assess nurses’ workload. The total score in this instrument is between zero and 178. Data were analysed using SPSS 16. Pearson correlation coefficient, chi-square, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance was used. Results: The mean score of the total workload in nurses was 104.19±25.18. Regarding the primary purpose of the study, the results of the present study showed that the mean score of nurses’ workload was significantly higher in nurses working in the NICU than nurses working in the ICU and CCU (p<0.05). Among the demographic variables, only the marital status was significantly associated with nurses’ workload, that married nurses experienced more workload in some shifts (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nurses working in NICUs experienced a higher level of workload compared to the nurses in ICU and CCU. Due to the high workload of nurses in the NICU and the complications that this can cause for neonatal patients and nurses, it is necessary to pay more attention to the distribution of nurses in these wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To develop an instrument for the assessment of safe nursing care ( ASNC) within the Iranian context and psychometrically evaluate its reliability and validity. Background There is a need for a valid and reliable instrument to assess how nurses employ the components of safe nursing care in clinical practice in non-Western countries. Method This methodological study was conducted in two phases: (1) a qualitative phase of instrument development, and (2) a quantitative phase of psychometric evaluation of the assessment of safe nursing care ( ASNC). The instrument's content validity was assessed by experts in the field of safe nursing care. The reliability of this instrument was examined using internal consistency reliability and intra-rater reliability analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was then conducted to establish the instrument's initial construct validity. Results The instrument developed was a questionnaire with 32 items. The Cronbach's alpha of the scale was 0.92, and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient for intra-rater reliability was 0.78. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a four-factor solution: (1) evaluation of nursing skills, (2) assessing the patient's psychological needs, (3) assessing the patient's physical need, and (4) Assessing nurses' teamwork. The four factors accounted for 63.54% of the observed variance. Conclusion The ASNC can be applied to a wide variety of settings because of the broad range of methods utilised to generate items and domains, its comprehensive consideration of the principles of safe care, and its initial reliability and validity. Implications for nursing management The ASNC can help nurse managers assess whether clinical nurses are prepared to apply their safe care skills in clinical practice. It can also be used by clinical nurses to assess their own and peers' practice to detect potential areas for improvement in nursing care and help nurse managers with planning appropriate quality improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To explore the perspectives and experiences of nurse instructors and clinical nurses regarding the assessment of safe nursing care and its components in clinical practice. Background Safe nursing care is a key aspect of risk management in the healthcare system. The assessment of safe nursing care and identification of its components are primary steps to establish patient safety and risk management and enhance the quality of care in clinical practice. Methods This was an interview study, with qualitative content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 nurse instructors and clinical nurses including nurse managers chosen by purposive sampling based on theoretical saturation. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously until data saturation was reached. Results Data analysis led to the extraction of four main themes: holistic assessment of safe nursing care; team working and assessment of safe nursing care; ethical issues; and challenges of safe nursing care assessment. Conclusion Identifying these four components in the assessment of safe nursing care offers a contribution to the understanding of the elements of safe care assessment and the potential for improved patient safety. Implications for Nursing Management Safe care management requires the accurate and reliable assessment of safe nursing care and the need for strategies for reporting actual or potential unsafe care and errors to ensure patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease of the central nervous system with debilitating symptoms and complications. Therefore, education and appropriate interventions, including self-care education, are necessary to increase the quality of life in these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of self-care education on quality of life in MS patients affiliated to Iranian MS Association. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study assessed a single group of MS patients before and after training. Totally, 50 MS patients were selected non-randomly from the patients referring to Iranian MS Association. A two-part questionnaire was used to collect data. The first part included demographic information and the second part consisted of a quality of life questionnaire (MSQOL-54) including 54 items in 3 sections and 14 subgroups. The scores ranges from zero to a hundred in each subgroup. The reliability of the questionnaire has been confirmed (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96). The questionnaires were filled out by the patients before training. After at least six 50-minute training sessions during three months, the same questionnaire was again completed by the participants. Statistical analyses, including absolute and relative frequency tables and mean and standard deviation for descriptive analysis, and t-test and Pearson correlation for descriptive analysis, were performed by SPSS. Findings: The mean values of quality of life in physical health, pain, fatigue, health conception, changes in health status, sexual activities, as well as overall quality of life scores differed significantly after training. Moreover, except for cognitive activity, there were significant differences in values of mental health before and after training Conclusions: Designing and applying the self-care programs based on the educational needs of MS patients has a positive effect on physical and psychological aspects of their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]