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This paper explores the discursive construction of immigrants' criminality in interview accounts obtained by a sample of Greek people in Thessaloniki (Northern Greece). Analysis, which adopts a discursive approach to stereotypes and category construction, indicates that fear and insecurity on the part of Greek people are represented as a sine qua non consequence of immigration to Greece. Two different lines of argument are used to account for the arousal of fear. According to the first, fear constitutes a corollary of a widespread stereotypical representation of immigrants as criminals. The stereotype of immigrants' criminality is considered to be ill-warranted and it is attributed to the media or to other unspecified people. According to another, more regularly used, line of argument, however, fear is predicated upon the sordid living conditions of immigrants in Greece which make the probability of them being involved in illegal acts particularly high. In this case, fear is seen to derive from a 'rational estimate' of the probability of immigrant's involvement in criminal acts. Nested within the discourse of 'risk' the stereotypical image of immigrants' criminality is sustained and used to account for the need to protect the 'ingroup' from 'immigrant groups' through immigration control and surveillance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Nurse leaders influence workplace culture; however, little is known about ethnic cultural influences on nurse leader development. This research aims to identify personal strategies promoting effective leadership by nurse leaders from European small island countries. Design: Descriptive qualitative study. Methods: In 2017, nineteen semi‐structured interviews with nurse leaders from England, Greece, Republic of Ireland and Malta explored leadership journeys, strategies employed to support their growth and development, and how cultural identity played a role. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes and 12 subthemes captured the strategies and approaches of the nurse leaders: (1) Influences, (2) Communication, (3) Process and (4) Relationships. These findings reflect and validate the five transformational leadership practices of the Exemplary Leadership Model. While cultural island identity was discussed, there was a shared cultural identity within the role of "nurse leader" that spanned all islands. Patient or Public Contributions: Nineteen nurse leaders contributed to this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IOANNIDOU C., GALANIS P., TSOUMAKAS K. & PAVLOPOULOU I.D. (2012) Characteristics of dog bites among nursing students and knowledge about their emergency management. International Nursing Review 59, 245-251 Background: Dog bites represent a significant health concern leading to a variety of consequences. Nursing students should be appropriately educated in order to manage and help prevent such injuries. Aim: This paper is the first to report the lifetime experience and characteristics of dog bites among Greek nursing students and their knowledge in managing the above injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was performed using an anonymous questionnaire distributed to first and fourth year nursing students from April though June 2009. A knowledge score based on key questions was set on a scale from 0 to 7, to assess their competence on bite injuries management. Results: Of 237 nursing students recruited, 56 (23.6%) had experienced a dog bite. Men outnumbered women as dog bite victims [ n = 15 (39.5%) vs. n = 41 (20.6%), P = 0.012]. Mean age at the attack was 11.1 (standard deviation = 5.6) years and legs sustained the majority of injuries ( n = 31; 55.4%). Most bites ( n = 39; 69.9%) involved a dog known to the victim, were provoked ( n = 30; 53.6%) and occurred in a public place ( n = 35; 62.5%). Ten (17.9%) of the victims sustained a moderate or severe injury. The majority (67.9%) of students answered correctly to less than or equal to three out of seven key knowledge questions. After multiple linear regression analysis, previous educational course attendance was the only factor associated with increased score (b = 0.48, standard deviation = 0.17, 95% confidence interval = 0.12-0.84, P = 0.009). Conclusions: Dog bites were common and presented characteristic patterns among nursing students, but knowledge in their management was suboptimal. Improved education should be provided during undergraduate studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about how older parent caregivers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience caring for their family member with intellectual disability into late life. Method: In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were carried out with N = 19 family caregivers aged 50–91 from ten Italian and four Greek families. The Sociocultural Stress and Coping Model was used as a framework to interpret their experiences. Results: A number of stressors including the need to make sacrifices, physical and emotional demands, uncertain futures and challenges associated with "the system" were identified. While family members play a key role in providing support, changing values around filial responsibility were evident. Discussion: Further attention needs to be given to CALD families to address challenges associated with caring for their family member with intellectual disabilities as they age. This study also challenges assumptions that CALD families prefer to keep caring within the family long‐term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Drinks can contribute to energy as well as micro‐ and macro‐nutrient intake. Drink‐specific, validated, quick and easy to administer questionnaires are needed to monitor secular trends in beverage consumption for different populations. The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to develop and validate a drink‐specific questionnaire for the Greek population. Methods: A 41‐item semi‐quantitative drinks frequency questionnaire (DFQ) was developed and validated against 7‐day weighed food records, among young Greek adults. Wilcoxon ranks tests, Kendall tau‐b correlations and Bland–Altman plot were used to compare the two methods. Fifty‐nine Greek University students (28 males, 31 females) completed both methods. Results: No difference was observed in total drinks intake between the two methods. The Bland–Altman plot showed that the two methods are likely to agree concerning the total drinks intake. Wilcoxon's rank test showed no significant differences between the two methods, except for the 'whiskey/vodka/gin' intake (P < 0.001). 'Good' agreement (tau‐b > 0.61) was observed for most DFQ items, including low‐fat and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, Greek/espresso coffee, commercial tea, packaged fruit juices, wine, alcohol‐free beer, light cola‐type drinks and water (tap/bottled/sparkling). 'Low' agreement (<0.30) was noted for filtered/instant/iced coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and some alcoholic drinks (beer/whiskey/vodka/gin). Conclusions: The DFQ appears to be an overall valid means of estimating the habitual intake of drinks in large‐scale epidemiological surveys. The study supports the use of DFQ for assessing drinks consumption patterns and secular trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the information needs of caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, and how they access and understand health information related to the management of their care person's chronic illness(es). Background: Caregivers of CALD patients experience greater unmet needs compared to the general caregiver population. They experience many challenges in identifying resources and accessing formal supports to aid in self‐management behaviours. Methods: Eleven caregivers were recruited from outpatient clinics in Québec, Canada. Consenting caregivers participated in one face‐to‐face or phone interview. A qualitative descriptive design and inductive content analysis were used to identify themes. Results: Caregivers described a "village" approach to caregiving in which more than one individual was involved in patient care. The specific roles ascribed to caregivers defined their information needs. Caregivers described two categories of information needs: perceived and unperceived. Perceived information needs were explicit, and centred on the medical management of illnesses. Unperceived needs were unrecognized knowledge gaps that emerged during interviews and focused on self‐care. Conclusion: Although caregivers' perceived needs are often met, their unperceived needs remain unmet. Health‐care providers should perform need assessments to identify caregivers' unperceived needs, with the aims of providing culturally competent care and ongoing support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this study was to identify perceptions of caring behaviors in student nurses from four countries. Methods This study employed a descriptive, comparative survey design. Four hundred sixty-seven students were recruited from four countries ( Nigeria, India, Greece, and the Philippines) to participate in the study during the months of September 2013 to January 2014. Data were collected using the Caring Behavior Inventory. Findings The highest ranked subscale was 'assurance of human presence' (4.827 ± 0.927), while 'positive connectedness' (4.610 ± 0.949) was the lowest ranked subscale. There were no statistically significant correlations between the Caring Behavior Inventory scale and gender ( F = 0.215, p = .643), educational level ( F = 0.396, p = .529), and family structure of students ( F = 0.680, p = .410), except for age ( F = 9.380, p = .002, η2 = 0.141) and the country of origin ( F = 5.772, p = .001, η2 = 0.036). Conclusion Students from four countries possess positive caring behaviors, specifically on physically based caring interventions, while there is a need to emphasize expressive caring behaviors during nursing education and training. Implication for Nursing Practice Caring interventions should be carried out in order to help students build or enhance their caring behaviors that can be adapted to clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on home nursing care plans based on NANDA, Nursing Interventions Classification, and Nursing Outcomes Classification for registered nurses working at primary healthcare settings in Greece. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study without a control group. The sample consisted of 19 registered nurses. The study tool was a questionnaire administered pre- and post-educational intervention. Findings The intervention improved their skills on nursing diagnoses' nomination, proper formulation, and individualization of defining characteristics, but it did not improve them in desired outcomes formulation. Conclusions A significant effect of an educational intervention on nursing care plans was demonstrated. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses' knowledge and attitudes are important for understanding and integrating documentation within the nursing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe children with pertussis who required intensive care.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of pertussis admissions to all (six) national intensive care units in Greece from 2003 to 2013.Results: A total of 31 children were included, 28 of whom were younger than 12 months old. Cough was the most prominent symptom, being present in 27 of 31 (87%) patients, and on admission, only 7 (22.6%) satisfied the case definition. Mechanical ventilation was initiated in 13 (42%) patients. Six patients died because of respiratory failure (two) or multi-organ system failure (four). The patients who died had significantly higher white blood cell counts (WBC) (77 800-31 600, P = 0.031) and neutrophils (29 016-12 795, P = 0021) than those who survived and lower minimum values of serum sodium (125-133, P = 0002). They also had a longer duration of hospitalisation prior to their paediatric intensive care unit admission (6-1 days, P = 0022). Three patients were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and only one of them survived. Age, gender and immunisation status did not differ between survivors and non-survivors. Two patients received exchange blood transfusion, and survival benefit was not apparent.Conclusion: Young infants are at risk of severe pertussis, resulting in serious complications or death. Elevated WBC and low serum sodium are associated with higher mortality. Despite advances in life support and treatment of organ failure in childhood critical illness, pertussis still has substantial mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Child abuse is a health and social problem, and few screening instruments are available for the detection of risk in primary health care. The aim was to develop a screening instrument to be used by professionals in the public health care sector, thus enabling the detection of infants and toddlers at risk of emotional and physical abuse and neglect, and to provide evidence for the feasibility of the instrument in Cyprus, Greece and Spain. Method A total of 50 health professionals from paediatric public health-care centres in the three countries were involved in a three-step process for guiding the development of the screening tool and its application. Results A nine-item screening tool, consisting of items assessing relational emotional abuse, physical abuse and other risk factors, was developed. The screening tool was applied on a total of 219 families with 0 to 3-year-old children attending public health centres in the three countries. Clinicians reported that they agreed on the inclusion of the questions (86.4-100%) and that they found the questions to be useful for the clinical evaluation of the family (63.2-100%). Conclusion The screening tool shows considerable face validity and was reported feasible by an international set of clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Nurses in intensive care units confront various challenges and problems during their everyday work that adversely affect performance and patient safety. Despite their importance, performance obstacles have been studied extensively only in the USA, with no validated instrument being available in the Greek setting for their measurement. Aims and objectives To develop a questionnaire that quantifies the obstacles nurses of intensive care units (ICUs) of Greek hospitals might be facing and examine its properties; to assess if such obstacles existed in selected Greek National Health System hospitals. Methods A questionnaire was developed and administered to nurses who were working in intensive care units in Thessaloniki. Exploratory factor analysis was applied, and the reliability, validity and ceiling and floor effects of the constructed scales were evaluated. The potential influence of socio-demographic characteristics on scale scores was assessed by independent sample t-tests and analysis of variance ( ANOVA). Summated mean and median scores were computed. Results Two hundred and five nurses participated with a response rate of 65·3%. Resulting scales were 'Space Adequacy', 'Staff Collaboration', 'Materials' Suitability', 'Time Inefficiencies' and 'Psychological Aggravation'. Cronbach's alpha values ranged between 0·67 and 0·86. Multi-trait analysis confirmed construct validity. Ceiling effects were reasonable, whereas floor effects took acceptable values with the exception of the 'Materials' Suitability' scale. The medians of the scales ranged from 1·50 to 3·33. In terms of the measurement of performance obstacles per se, we found that considerable problems exist in the ICUs in all dimensions. Specifically, the suitability of hospital materials, the lack of appropriate spaces and facilities design and psychological distress were recorded as the most serious. Conclusions The questionnaire is a promising tool that can be exploited in the health care system to assess the obstacles faced by intensive care nursing staff. In fact, there is considerable room for performance improvement in hospitals in Northern Greece. Recommendations Nursing administrators and health care policy makers should administer the questionnaire in all Greek hospitals in order to quantify performance obstacles and identify potential managerial remedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recovery process of arthroplasty patients, their family members play an important role due to short hospital stay and increased age of patients. Family members need to have knowledge to be able to support the patient. The aim of this study was to explore expected and received knowledge in family members of arthroplasty patients and describe the relationships between the differences in received and expected knowledge and background factors, country, information and control preferences and access to knowledge. The study was conducted in six European countries (Cyprus, Greece, Finland, Iceland, Spain and Sweden). The study design was cross-cultural, prospective and comparative with two measurement points: pre-operative and at discharge from hospital. Knowledge Expectations of significant other-scale and Krantz Health Opinion Survey were used before surgery and Received Knowledge of significant other-scale and Access to Knowledge at discharge. Patients undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty in seventeen hospitals were asked to identify one family member. The sample size was decided by power calculation. A total of 615 participants answered the questionnaires at both measurements. Family members perceived to receive less knowledge than they expected to have, most unfulfilled knowledge expectations were in the financial, social and experiential dimensions of knowledge. Seventy-four per cent of participants had unfulfilled knowledge expectations. Increased access to information from healthcare providers decreased the difference between received and expected knowledge. Compared to family members in southern Europe, those in the Nordic countries had more unfulfilled knowledge expectations and less access to information from healthcare providers. The evidence from this study highlights the need to involve the family members in the educational approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this study was to identify the correlation between instructors' and students' caring behaviors and to explore the impact of instructors' caring on students' perceptions of their own caring behaviors. Design A descriptive, nonexperimental design was used in this study. Methods A total of 586 student nurses from four countries (Greece, the Philippines, India, and Nigeria) were recruited to participate in this study during the months of September 2013 to January 2014. Data collection was based on interviews using two standardized questionnaires: the Nursing Students' Perception of Instructor Caring (NSPIC) and the Caring Behavior Inventory (CBI). Inferential statistics such as the Pearson r correlation and regression analysis were used to determine correlations between relevant variables. Findings Student nurses perceived 'instills confidence through caring' (mean = 4.275, SD = 0.755) as the most frequently demonstrated subscale, while 'control vs. flexibility' (mean = 3.469, SD = 0.701) was the least demonstrated subscale. The highest self-reported subscale in the CBI was 'assurance' (mean = 4.796, SD = 0.949), while 'connectedness' (mean = 4.541, SD = 0.985) was the lowest self-rated subscale. The NSPIC correlated significantly with the CBI ( r = .587, p < .001). Four of the five subscales in the NSPIC correlated significantly with the CBI when considered individually; the exception was the 'Supportive learning climate' subscale ( r = .009, p < .40). Among the NSPIC subscales, 'instills confidence through caring' explained 32% in the CBI and 'appreciation of life's meaning' explained 3% in the CBI. Conclusions Instructors' caring behaviors influenced nursing students' caring behaviors positively. Through positive faculty modeling and role modeling, nursing students can be professionally trained to develop the competence of caring. Clinical Relevance The knowledge generated from this study provides direction in developing useful and effective caring strategies and curricular programs for nursing students. Understanding this concept in a cross-cultural context is necessary in order to develop an international perspective about caring, which is necessary in developing and formulating effective teaching and clinical strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to explore Greek problem drug users' perceptions of the reasons that led them to quit using drugs and engage in treatment of their own volition. Design Qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews. Setting Two state drug agencies in Thessaloniki, Greece. Participants A total of 40 adult problem drug-using men and women participated in the study. Measurements Participants were asked to reflect on their decisions to wean themselves from drugs and enter treatment. Findings Participants reported that their decisions centred on the re-conceptualization of the drug-using community and their membership in it, the desire to restore aspects of identities that were deemed to be spoiled, and finally memories of their drug-free selves. The importance of the distinctively Greek notion of filotimo in this discussion is highlighted. Conclusions Primarily in relation to filotimo (a concept that represents a complex array of virtues that regulates behaviour towards one's family), the desire to restore one's spoiled identity plays a pivotal role in Greek problem drug users' decisions to cease drug use and engage in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Heart failure is a serious chronic syndrome that is accompanied by significant physical and psychological burdens, resulting in poor quality of life. Aim To assess the quality of life of patients with severe heart failure and its correlation with patient demographic, socio-economic and clinical characteristics. Method We studied 199 patients with heart failure who were hospitalized in the Cardiology Department of three general hospitals of Greece during a 1-year period. Demographic and socio-economic data were obtained using a short questionnaire, while clinical data were obtained from medical record review. The assessment of the patients' quality of life was performed using Minnesota Life with Heart Failure Questionnaire ( MLWHFQ). Findings The mean MLWHFQ score was 62.7 (±20.3). Significantly lower quality of life was found in patients with diabetes mellitus (Coefficient beta (β) = 11.4; 95% Confidence Interval ( CI), 5.2-17.5), hypertension (β = 10.3; CI, 1.4-19.1), chronic renal failure (β = 13.9; CI, 5.9-21.9), chronic respiratory failure (β = 11.2; CI, 4.7-17.7), cancer (β = 12.3; CI, 2.3-22.4), psychiatric disease (β = 10.5; CI, 0.6-20.4) and those patients who were classified in New York Heart Association class IV (β = 10.6, CI = 4.1-17.0). Conclusions The average score of the MLWHFQ was high, and this reflects the poor quality of life of patients. Higher scores in specific patient groups show the negative influence of these factors in quality of life. The holistic care of patients with heart failure by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals could improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe crucial information needs of ICU charge nurses, and to compare these needs in two countries in Europe. Background: ICU charge nurses are on the front line for ensuring that the activities of their units are running smoothly. They are accountable for making sure that the right tasks are performed under the right circumstances, with the right people, at the right time. Design and participants: An online survey based on a previous observation study regarding the ad hoc decision-making of ICU shift leaders. A total of 257 Finnish and 50 Greek ICU charge nurses participated in this study, from 17 Finnish and 16 Greece ICUs for adults. Methods: Our survey incorporated 122 statements divided into six dimensions (patient admission, organization and management of work, allocation of staff, allocation of material, special treatments and patient discharge) with a rating scale from 0 to 10. Analysis involved descriptive statistics. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the answers of the two countries. Validity was verified with confirmatory factor analysis and the reliability was tested with Cronbach's α values. Results: The most crucial information needs of ICU charge nurses concerned the overall organization and management of work. Both staff-related and individual patient-related information was needed. Information needs of Finnish and Greek charge nurses concerned similar kinds of situations in ICUs. However, there were some differences that might depend on the cultural differences between the countries. Conclusions: Accurate and real-time information is a prerequisite for ICU charge nurses' ad hoc decision-making during daily care management. Identification of the most crucial information is needed when tools for information management are developed. Relevance to clinical practice: The results of this study indicated that a major portion of immediate information needs of ICU charge nurses are internationally common in similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: The study sought to explore the expected competencies for postgraduate intensive care unit nurses aiming to develop a future competency-based curriculum. The aim of this part of the study is to develop a new instrument to determine what competencies are expected of postgraduate critical care nurses. Background: Despite existing competency frameworks that emerged from research in the area of critical care, globally and within countries there is diversity and an ongoing debate regarding level of critical care education, outcomes and competencies acquired. Design and methods: A combination of qualitative and quantitative approach was used. In first stage (qualitative), focus groups and interviews were used aiming to explore critical care nurses views concerning expected competencies of postgraduate critical care nurses. In second stage (quantitative), an 81 items Likert scale questionnaire, which was designed based on qualitative data and literature, was distributed among critical care nurses in Cyprus (n: 234, response rate 66%) aiming to receive feedback from clinical nurses and validate the instrument. Psychometric approaches such as internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's α and construct validity were used to validate the instrument. Results: The final questionnaire includes 72 items and has a four-dimensional structure. The four dimensions are (1) leadership/management and professional development, (2) decision-making and management of emergencies, (3) provision of care and professional practice and (4) ethical practice. All factors were highly reliable, with Cronbach's α ranging from 0·895 to 0·974. Conclusions: A new instrument to determine what competencies are expected of postgraduate critical care nurses was generated from this study. A new framework of competencies is grounded on this study that addresses the holistic, individualized and ethically informed quality care of critically ill and may inform educational strategies. Relevance to clinical practice: Critical care nurses competencies need to be determined for quality care and speciality development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the association between nurses' characteristics (educational level, country, work title, gender, type of work, age, and length of working experience) and their assessments of individualized care. Design: A cross-sectional comparative survey using questionnaires was employed to sample nurses from seven countries. Methods: Data were collected from orthopedic and trauma nurses from Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States ( N= 1,163, response rate 70%) using the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse (ICS-Nurse) and a sociodemographic questionnaire in 2008. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and general linear models. Results: When compared with practical nurses, registered nurses, length of working experience, and the country of the nurses were associated with assessments of the support of patient individuality in specific nursing activities (ICS-A-Nurse) and country assessments of individuality in the care provided (ICS-B-Nurse). The background and experience within nursing teams together with the country affect the delivery of individualized care. Conclusions: Overall, our findings suggest that nurses' personal attributes have important effects on their assessments of individualized nursing care that will be useful when making context-dependent recruitment decisions. Clinical Relevance: The characteristics of nurses contribute to the care delivered in healthcare organizations. Recognition of these nurse-related factors may help nurse leaders in the development and management of clinical practice. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2012; 44:3 ©2012 Sigma Theta Tau International. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The role of information on patients' decision to non-adhere is important, yet not well explored. Objective To identify differences between perceived information needs for hypertension and medication to treat it, to explore the information channels used by patients and to test what type of information is more important to adhere to medication. Design, setting and participants A questionnaire study was designed and conducted by telephone in the Centre for the Treatment of Hypertension in Athens, Greece, among 743 individuals. Main variables studied The main variables included perceived information needs, information channels, non-adherence to medication and socio-demographic characteristics. Main outcome measures Non-adherence to medication was measured using the Morisky scale. Results Patients reported feeling better informed about hypertension (90%) than medication to treat it (80%). The doctor remains the dominant information source, while the Media and magazines on health issues were reported more frequently than the family and the pharmacist. Feeling well informed about medication for hypertension was a predictor of better adherence. Other determinants of adherence were the use of the Internet and the Media. Discussion The results confirm the importance of patients leaving the consultation feeling well informed about their medication as this improves adherence. They also show that the use of the Internet and the Media can be beneficial for adherence. Conclusions Given the restricted time the doctor can usually spend with the patient, it is important to know that more emphasis on the information regarding medication is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Theoretically, patient satisfaction is correlated with nursing care, but there is not sufficient evidence to support it. The aim of this study was to address three research questions: (a) What is the correlation between caring as perceived by patients and patient satisfaction? (b) Are there differences across various countries on the correlation on caring as perceived by patients and patient satisfaction? (c) Do caring behaviors affect patient satisfaction? Design: A multicenter correlational design was adopted involving surgical patients from six European countries: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Finland, Hungary, and Italy. Methods: A convenience sample of 1,565 patients was recruited in autumn 2009. The short version of the Caring Behaviours Inventory (CBI; 24 items) and Patient Satisfaction Scale (PSS; 11 items) were used. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, as well as correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression, to examine relations between caring behaviors and patient satisfaction. Findings: According to the patients involved, nurses performed caring behaviors between very frequently (score = 5) and always (score = 6). Patient satisfaction with nursing care was also high, between satisfied (score = 3) and very satisfied (score = 4). A positive correlation emerged between CBI and PPS ( r= 0.66, p < .01) ranging between countries from 0.27 to 0.85 (Czech Republic r= 0.27, Cyprus r= 0.76, Finland r= 0.71, Greece r= 0.85, Hungary r= 0.63, and Italy r= 0.45 [ p < .01]). Among the CBI dimensions, 'connectedness' mainly explains patient satisfaction ( R2= 0.404, p < .001), followed by 'assurance' ( R2= 0.032, p < .001) and 'respectful' ( R2= 0.005, p < .001). Conclusions: Caring behaviors enacted by nurses determine a consistent proportion of patient satisfaction. This association between them suggests several implications for nursing education, practice, and management. Clinical Relevance: The results may be utilized by policymakers, nurse ward managers, nurse educators, and clinical nurses as a background for taking appropriate measures to improve nursing care provided, thereby enhancing patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess how Greek renal nurses feel about death and examine any relationships between their attitudes and demographic factors. Design: Descriptive quantitative study. The sample comprised of 49 nurses. Methodology: Voluntary and anonymous completion of the Death Attitude Profile-Revised and a demographic questionnaire. Results: 44 respondents were female and 5 were male with a mean age of 25.80 years. The mean nursing experience was 10.9 years. Nursing experience and age were the variables most likely to predict nurses' attitudes towards death. Nurses with specific education on palliative care had less difficulty talking about death and dying and did not have a fear of death. The Hospital-based teams (known as palliative care teams, supportive care teams or symptom assessment teams) had statistically significant different relationships with fear of death and neutral acceptance scores. Conclusions: It is recommended to include education on death and care of the dying in the nursing degree course in order for nurses who are giving terminal phase patient care to be better able deal with issues that death evolves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Receptive vocabulary is an important measure for language evaluations. Therefore, norm-referenced receptive vocabulary tests are widely used in several languages. However, a receptive vocabulary test has not yet been normed for Modern Greek. Aims: To adapt an American English vocabulary test, the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test-II (ROWPVT-II), for Modern Greek for use with Greek-speaking preschool children. Methods & Procedures: The list of 170 English words on ROWPVT-II was adapted by (1) developing two lists (A and B) of Greek words that would match either the target English word or another concept corresponding to one of the pictured objects in the four-picture array; and (2) determining a developmental order for the chosen Greek words for preschool-aged children. For the first task, adult word frequency measures were used to select the words for the Greek wordlist. For the second task, 427 children, 225 boys and 202 girls, ranging in age from 2;0 years to 5;11 years, were recruited from urban and suburban areas of Greece. A pilot study of the two word lists was performed with the aim of comparing an equal number of list A and list B responses for each age group and deriving a new developmental list order. Outcomes & Results: The relative difficulty of each Greek word item, that is, its accuracy score, was calculated by taking the average proportion of correct responses across ages for that word. Subsequently, the word accuracy scores in the two lists were compared via regression analysis, which yielded a highly significant relationship ( R2= 0.97; p < 0.0001) and a few outlier pairs (via residuals). Further analysis used the original relative ranking order along with the derived ranking order from the average accuracy scores of the two lists in order to determine which word item from the two lists was a better fit. Finally, new starting levels (basals) were established for preschool ages. Conclusions & Implications: The revised word list can serve as the basis for adapting a receptive vocabulary test for Greek preschool-aged children. Further steps need to be taken when testing larger numbers of 2;0 to 5;11-year-old children on the revised word list for determination of norms. This effort will facilitate early identification and remediation of language disorders in Modern Greek-speaking children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the 2006 Advanced Research and Training Seminars (ARTS) program. ARTS program aims to improve the research skills and knowledge of psychologists. In 2006, ARTS program has offered three workshops in Greece which include design and methods in cross-cultural psychology, stress and well-being in the face of trauma, and couple patterns. Details related to assessments for the 2006 ARTS program and its challenges are discussed.