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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-care intervention using a mobile instant messenger on hemodialysis patient`s knowledge, self-efficacy, self-care behavior and physiological indices. Methods: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The participants consisted of 38 patients who had a regular hemodialysis of Seoul National University Hospital. They were assigned to one of two groups; an experimental group (n = 19) that had self-care intervention for 8 weeks and a control groups (n = 19) that had routine hemodialysis treatment. The data collection was conducted from September 5, 2022 to October 29, 2022. The date were analyzed by Chi-square test, Independent t-test, and Fisher`s exact test using SPSS Win 29 program. Results: There was a significant difference in self-efficacy (t = 3.42, p = .002) between experimental and control groups. There was no significant differences between the two groups in knowledge (t = 0.80, p = .428), self-care behavior (t = 0.09, p = .929), potassium (t = -0.82 p = .416), phosphorus (t = -0.03, p = .974), weight gain (t = 0.16, p = .867). Conclusion: Based on above results, it was verified that self-care intervention in this study was an effective indicator in improving the self-efficacy. There is a requirement to formulate comprehensive interventions capable of enhancing various indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Virtual simulation-based education for healthcare professionals has emerged as a strategy for dealing with infectious disease disasters, particularly when training at clinical sites is restricted due to the risk of infection and a lack of personal protective equipment. This research evaluated a virtual simulation-based education program intended to increase nurses' perceived competence in providing psychological support to patients affected by infectious disease disasters. Methods: The efficacy of the program was evaluated via a randomized controlled trial. We recruited 104 nurses for participation in the study and allocated them randomly and evenly to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was given a web address through which they could access the program, whereas the control group was provided with a web address that directed them to text-based education materials. Data were then collected through an online survey of competence in addressing disaster mental health, after which the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(version 23.0). Results: The analysis showed that the experimental group's disaster mental health competence (F = 5.149, p =.026), problem solving process (t = 3.024, p =.003), self-leadership (t = 2.063, p =.042), learning self-efficacy (t = 3.450, p =.001), and transfer motivation (t = 2.095, p =.039) significantly statistically differed from those of the control group. Conclusions: A virtual nursing simulation-based education program for psychological support can overcome limitations of time and space. The program would also be an effective learning resource during infectious disease outbreaks. Clinical trial registration: This Korean clinical trial was retrospectively registered (21/11/2023) in the Clinical Research Information Service (https://cris.nih.go.kr) with trial registration number KCT0008965. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The significant rise in cardiac arrest cases within hospitals, coupled with a low survival rate, poses a critical health issue. And in most situations, nurses are the first responders. To develop nursing students' competencies in advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation, systematic and repetitive learner-centered self-directed education that can promote the integration of knowledge and practice is necessary. Objectives: To develop an advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation training program using a web-based serious game for nursing students and verifying its efficacy. Design: The program was developed based on the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation, and the Input Process Outcome Model of Serious Game Design formed the theoretical basis. Settings and participants: The research design employed a before-and-after non-equivalent control group, and data collection took place among 2nd and 3rd year nursing students at K University in D City, Korea, from March 2, 2023, to March 24, 2023. Methods: The program consisted of a 120-min video lecture, 30 min of a web-based serious game, 30-min of written self-reported debriefing, and individual feedback using a video conference system. The effectiveness of the program was measured for both groups using an 89-item structured questionnaire regarding knowledge, confidence in performance, problem-solving ability, and learning transfer expectations. Results: The program was effective in improving nursing students' advanced cardiopulmonary knowledge, confidence in performance, problem-solving ability, and learning transfer expectation immediately after intervention. Conclusions: This program underscores the necessity of a new direction in nursing education, emphasizing learner-centered approaches, rather than the traditional focus on the mere transmission of basic knowledge and skills, to cultivate nurses with advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group study developed an eight-session post-traumatic growth program for teachers who had experienced violence from students and/or parents and examined its effects on rumination, burnout, and post-traumatic growth. A convenience sample was recruited from 11 elementary schools in Jeonbuk province, South Korea. The experimental group (n = 27) participated in bi-weekly sessions over four weeks, whereas the control group (n = 27) read educational materials on post-traumatic growth during the same period. The experimental group exhibited significantly greater decreases in intrusive rumination and higher post-traumatic growth than the control group. The program could be an effective intervention to assist traumatized teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disaster nursing deploys professional nursing knowledge and skills systematically to reduce disaster-related risks to life and health. Disaster nursing education requires providing simulations using standardized patients. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop, based on the International Council of Nurses' Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies, a simulation-based disaster nursing education program for nursing students that employed standardized patients. Methods: A nonequivalent, control group, pretest-and-posttest design was used. Participants were senior nursing students from two universities, with 70 assigned to the experimental group, 35 assigned to the comparison group, and 35 assigned to the control group. Data were collected from January 25 to April 3, 2019. The simulation-based disaster nursing education program consisted of a 60-minute theoretical lecture on disaster management and two scenarios. The effectiveness of the simulation-based disaster nursing education program was measured using levels of disaster nursing competencies, disaster triage competency, disaster preparedness, critical thinking disposition, and confidence in disaster nursing. Results: Significant differences were found between the experimental and comparison/control groups in terms of disaster nursing competencies (F = 20.06, p < .001), nursing triage (F = 17.35, p < .001), disaster preparedness (F = 60.37, p < .001), critical thinking disposition (F = 19.63, p < .001), and confidence in disaster nursing (F = 20.24, p < .001). Conclusions: Simulation-based disaster nursing education programs using standardized patients can be useful in disaster nursing education. They can contribute to future changes in nursing education and practice by improving the disaster nursing capabilities and preparedness of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The study aimed to develop and evaluate the effects of a self‐determination theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme for postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Between December 2019 and April 2020, this randomized controlled trial recruited 62 postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis from a university‐affiliated hospital in South Korea. The intervention group participated in a self‐determination theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme that consisted of Tai Chi‐based physical activity, a supportive psychosocial strategy, and interactive counselling for 16 weeks, and the control group continued to undergo their usual care. Results: There were statistically significant group‐by‐time interactions in physical activity and perceived sarcopenia, which favoured the intervention group. Additionally, the intervention group showed significant improvements in the perceived therapeutic efficacy of physical activity, grip strength, walking speed, disease activity score, and health‐related quality of life. Conclusions: The programme developed in this study can be an effective and feasible approach for postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis in improving physical activity, selected osteosarcopenic outcomes, and health‐related quality of life. Further research is required to investigate the long‐term effects of this theory‐based programme for postmenopausal women in diverse settings. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Tai Chi‐based physical activity has been known to be a component of self‐management for rheumatoid arthritis. What this paper adds? It highlights the efficacy of a theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme to improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.The evidenced‐based programme could be transferred to postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical settings. The implications of this paper: The self‐determination theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme can improve physical and psychosocial outcomes in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.Importantly, this nurse‐led and theory‐based programme is expected to be applicable to postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical settings, including both hospitals and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are considered to be vulnerable to particulate matter (PM). This study aims to develop and verify the effectiveness of the "school‐based education program for coping with particulate matter (SEPC_PM)." This program was designed by employing the health belief model. METHODS: High school students between the ages of 15 and 18 in South Korea participated in the program. This study employed a nonequivalent control group pretest‐posttest design. A total of 113 students participated in the study; of these, 56 students participated in the intervention group, and 57 in the control group. The intervention group received 8 intervention sessions the SEPC_PM over the course of 4 weeks. RESULTS: After the completion of the program, the intervention group's knowledge about PM showed a statistically significant increase (t = 4.79, p <.001). The practice of engaging in health‐managing behaviors to protect against PM also showed statistically significant improvement in the intervention group, with the greatest progress in practicing precaution when outdoors (t = 2.22, p =.029). No statistically significant changes were observed regarding other dependent variables. However, a subdomain of the variable of perceived self‐efficacy for engaging in health‐managing behaviors to protect against PM (degree of body cleansing after returning home) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the intervention group (t = 1.99, p =.049). CONCLUSIONS: The SEPC_PM may be proposed for incorporation into regular high school curricula to improve students' health by encouraging them to take necessary actions against PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop and identify the effectiveness of a hospital-to-home transitional intervention based on an interaction model of client health behavior in adult patients with stroke. A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest. Thirty-eight patients participated (18=intervention, 20=control); the intervention group received 12 weeks of the intervention. The intervention influenced anxiety, disease severity, health behavior adherence, patient satisfaction, and quality of life in adult patients with stroke. Transitional programs have potential to improve the health behaviors of subjects, and community health nurses can assist in the implementation of these programs. Health behaviors and quality of life scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group; these findings support the need for continuity of nursing care during the transitional period for patients with stroke. Given the challenges faced by adult stroke patients after stroke, community nurses should pay attention to patients' transitional experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: If not conducted correctly, nursing handover can threaten patient safety, and so nursing students require good handover education. This study evaluated a handover education programme based on situated learning theory in a clinical practicum. Methods: A quasi‐experimental design and convenience sampling technique were used. The participants (fourth‐grade nursing students recruited from a college in the C province of South Korea) were assigned to an intervention group (n = 38) or a control group (n = 39). A handover education programme that included lectures, expert observations, role playing, peer learning and reflection was received by the intervention group. The control group attended lectures and observed handovers. The handover skills of all participants were tested 2 weeks before and on the last day of the clinical practicum. Handover performance ability, handover clinical judgement ability and handover self‐efficacy were outcome variables. Results: Significant improvements in handover performance ability, handover clinical judgement ability and handover self‐efficacy were observed in the intervention group compared with the control group. Conclusion: The significance of this study lies in the development and application of a programme based on situated learning theory for handover education. Application of theory‐based handover education in clinical practicums is recommended to improve the handover capabilities of nursing students. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Nursing handover is considered very important for optimizing nursing performance and securing the continuity and safety of patient care.Nurse educators must develop and validate educational strategies to resolve handover deficiencies among nursing students. What this paper adds? The self‐evaluation of handover performance ability, handover clinical judgement ability and handover self‐efficacy were better in nursing students who received handover education based on situated learning theory than in the control group. The implications of this paper: Theory‐based handover education applied in a clinical practicum context can allow nursing students to improve relevant capabilities prior to graduating as a clinical nurse.Situated learning theory provides a theoretical basis upon which to support practical handover learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the rapid aging of the population in Korea, efforts to slow down or prevent frailty, to support the health of older adults, should be an important public health priority. This may allow them to continue living within the community by keeping their functional independence for as long as possible. This study aimed to evaluate the nurse-led multicomponent intervention for community-dwelling pre-frail or frail elderly on physical and psychosocial outcomes. Method: A non-equivalent control pre-, post-, and follow-up test design was used with a sample of 126 prefrail or frail older adults (62 in the experimental and 64 in the control group). The 12-week multicomponent intervention for the experimental group comprised physical exercise, cognitive training, and nutrition and disease management education. Outcome variables (Timed Up and Go Test results and measures of frailty, handgrip strength, depression, social activity, and social support) were measured both pre- and post-intervention, and after the 12-week follow-up period. Results: For each group, we assessed the significant interaction of time with frailty, depression, social activity, and social support, as well as Timed Up and Go Test results. In the experimental group, levels of depression decreased while levels of social support and social activity increased from each measurement period to the next, within the 12-month study period; those in the control group were relatively stable over time. Conclusions: The results indicate that nurse-led multicomponent intervention was effective for improving physical and psychosocial function of the (pre)frail older adults living alone in Korea, suggesting that older adults can take proactive roles in conducting their daily life and managing their health. A strategy for disseminating widely sustainable nurse-led multicomponent interventions should be developed for community-dwelling frail elderly who live alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Accurate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance is an essential skill for nursing students so they need to learn the skill correctly from the beginning and carry that forward with them into their clinical practice. For the new normal after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), safe training modules should be developed. This study aimed to develop non-contact CPR training using smart technology for nursing students and to examine its effects, focusing on the accuracy of their performance. The study used a prospective, single-blind, randomized, and controlled trial with repeated measures. Methods and results The non-contact CPR training with smart technology consisted of a 40-min theoretical online lecture session and an 80-min non-contact practice session with real-time feedback devices and monitoring cameras. Sixty-four nursing students were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n  = 31) using non-contact training or a control group (n  = 33) using general training. The accuracy of chest compression and mouth-to-mouth ventilation, and overall performance ability were measured at pretest, right after training, and at a 4-week post-test. The non-contact CPR training significantly increased the accuracy of chest compression (F  = 63.57, P < 0.001) and mouth-to-mouth ventilation (F  = 33.83, P < 0.001), and the overall performance ability (F  = 35.98, P < 0.001) compared to the general CPR training over time. Conclusions The non-contact CPR training using smart technology help nursing students develop their techniques by self-adjusting compression depth, rate, release and hand position, and ventilation volume and rate in real time. Nursing students can learn CPR correctly through the training allowing real-time correction in safe learning environments without face-to-face contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preschool‐age children in hospitals are at a high risk of unexpected incidents. Safety incidents in hospitals can cause serious damage to the children. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the mobile‐type mHealth Safe Kids Hospital (SKH) application (app) for the prevention of hospitalized child safety incidents. Design: This study used a three‐group, randomized controlled trial pre‐post design. Setting(s): This study was conducted in the pediatric ward of three general hospitals in Korea. Participants: A total of 124 eligible hospitalized children and their caregivers were enrolled in the study from June to December 2018. Of these, 116 finally participated in the study, and 8 were excluded because they were discharged before the intervention. Methods: Hospitalized preschool‐age children and their caregivers were randomly allocated into three groups: experimental group I (n = 39), experimental group II (n = 39), and the control group (n = 38). Experimental group I received the SKH app intervention, the experimental group II received a paper‐based intervention, whereas the control group received the usual intervention. Participants' outcomes of awareness, knowledge, and behavior related to hospital safety, were assessed at two time points: baseline and 24 h after the intervention. Results: Hospital safety awareness had a higher increase after intervention in experimental groups I and II than in the control group. Among the four subdomains of hospital safety awareness, there was a significant increase in the scores of experimental group I on three subdomains after the intervention: falls (F = 8.19, p < 0.001), burns (F = 6.73, p = 0.002), and medical devices (F = 6.81, p = 0.002). In hospital safety knowledge and safety behavior, experimental group I had the highest average score after the intervention compared with experimental group II and the control group; however, there was no statistically significant difference in the average score of the three groups. Conclusions: Using the SKH app is easy to attract the interest of preschool‐age children and is also easy for nurses to use in clinical trials; thus, it is considered to be a useful educational intervention to prevent safety incidents in clinical fields in future. Clinical Relevance: It is thought to contribute to the prevention of preschool‐age children's safety incidents in pediatric wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study purpose was to investigate effects of a cognitive rehabilitation programme on cognitive function, self‐management and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Background: Cognitive impairment is frequently observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, and it interferes with many aspects of self‐management, which is fundamental to disease management and quality of life. Design The design is quasi‐experimental. Methods: Data collection was performed between June 2018 and March 2019. Study participants were 60 in‐ or out‐patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The cognitive rehabilitation programme involved six 30‐min sessions administered over a period of 2 weeks and consisted of six areas: attention, memory, language, visuospatial perception, executive function and problem solving. Cognitive function, self‐management and quality of life were measured at three times (preintervention and immediately and 4 weeks after intervention). Results: Cognitive function, self‐management and quality of life were found to be significantly improved over time after administration of the cognitive rehabilitation programme. However, no significant improvement was observed in the control group. Conclusions: Our findings support the potential usefulness of cognitive intervention to promote cognitive function, self‐management ability and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Cognitive impairment interferes with many aspects of self‐management, such as monitoring symptoms, adherence to medication regimens and the maintenance of healthy lifestyles, which are fundamental to the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Despite the importance of cognitive functions, few studies have been attempted to the investigate effects of cognitive rehabilitation programmes in COPD patients. What this paper adds? Cognitive function, self‐management and quality of life were significantly improved over time after administration of the cognitive rehabilitation programme. The implications of this paper: Our findings support the importance of cognitive rehabilitation intervention for improving cognitive function, self‐management ability and quality of life in COPD patients.The present study also provides a resource for an effective cognitive rehabilitation programme that can be used by nurses or other clinical practitioners to improve cognitive function in COPD patients with cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined the effect of an individualized educational intervention on the knowledge, attitudes and self‐management ability after 12 weeks for outpatients with atrial fibrillation. Methods: A randomized control‐group pretest‐post‐test experimental design was used. Elderly outpatients with atrial fibrillation aged over 65 years were recruited from a university hospital in Korea. The experimental group received a 50‐min individualized education on self‐management, one telephone counselling after 8 weeks and maintenance of a self‐management diary for 12 weeks. Data were collected from November 2017 to April 2018 and analysed using SPSS 22.0 for descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. Results: The participants' mean age was 71.9 (4.6) years. Compared to the control group (n = 29), the experimental group (n = 31) showed a significantly greater improvement in knowledge regarding atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention (t = −2.27, p =.027) and self‐management behaviours (t = −8.02, p <.001). There were no significant group differences in attitudes towards atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that education for elderly people with atrial fibrillation should be individualized, focusing on self‐management in daily life to prevent cardiovascular complications. Future research is needed to confirm the long‐term effects of such education programmes. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Older adults with AF tend to lack the knowledge and have inadequate self‐management skills regarding their illness. Their awareness of AF should be raised, especially regarding cardiovascular complications, such as stroke and heart failure, and prevention of complications.Patients with AF, mostly older people and those with comorbid conditions, need to be educated on the different approaches apart from the usual education to prevent developing strokes. What this paper adds? Individualized education focused on self‐management to prevent cardiovascular complications was more effective in increasing the knowledge and self‐management behaviour among Korean older adults with AF compared with those patients receiving routine medical education.Education for patients with AF should be tailored to meet the needs of older adults and those with comorbidities and focus on self‐management to prevent cardiovascular complications in daily life. The implications of this paper: Individualized education and telephone counselling can help improve knowledge of complications and self‐management among elderly people with AF.Health care professionals need to provide periodical counselling and education to elderly people with AF to enhance their self‐management behaviour in daily life to prevent cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate a communication skills program based on nonviolent communication targeted on inpatient alcoholics at the alcoholics specialized ward. Design and Methods: The sample for this mixed methods quasi‐experimental study comprised 47 patients who were hospitalized in the alcoholic wards of two psychiatric hospitals in South Korea. Findings: The program effectively improved participants' empathy, anger expression, communication competence, and alcohol abstinence self‐efficacy (p <.001). Practice implications: This program could be implemented in community‐based alcoholic care with the aim of preventing relapse and serve as the basis for developing similar programs for family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose is to determine the effect of video-based information provision using a smart pad on uncertainty, anxiety, physiological parameters, pain, and educational satisfaction among patients hospitalized for a bone marrow biopsy. This study was done with a pre-/posttest nonequivalent control group design. The subjects were 65 patients in the hematology-oncology ward of a university hospital in Cheongju, South Korea, who underwent a bone marrow biopsy between August 2017 and May 2018. Thirty volunteers were allocated to the control group and 35 volunteers to the intervention group. The experimental group showed significantly lower uncertainty and significantly greater satisfaction with education than did the control group. No significant difference was observed in anxiety, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, and pain. Video-based information provision using a smart pad was effective for lowering uncertainty among patients receiving a bone marrow biopsy, as well as for boosting their sense of educational satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive mobile application program in managing behavior and psychological symptoms of home‐dwelling patients with dementia in South Korea. Methods: A nonequivalent control group pretest‐posttest design was conducted. A total of 26 family caregivers participated in this study. The application program consists of understanding of dementia, interventions, communication skills, coping methods, and bulletin boards. Data collection was performed from July 9, 2018, to October 4, 2018. Family caregivers' fatigue, sleep, and burden and patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were measured. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, independent t tests, Mann–Whitney U test, repeated measures analysis of variance, and Friedman test were used. Results: The application program offered environmental management in an intervention using communication skills and coping methods, depending on the behavioral and psychological symptom type. The results showed significant differences between the two groups in family caregivers' fatigue (F = 11.24, p =.003) and burden (χ2 = 10.55, p =.005). Conclusion: The findings showed the application program improved family caregivers' fatigue and burden. It also suggested there is a need to develop a wandering persons location program to improve family caregivers' stress and patients' behavioral problems in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated a multifaceted intervention for osteoarthritis symptoms. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with a convenience sample of 90 patients aged between 45 and 82 years, who were recruited from three Community Health Posts (CHPs). The CHPs were randomized into two experimental groups (E1 and E2) and one control group (C). The intervention included health education and counseling combined with exercise classes based on the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior. Trained community health nurse practitioners led the intervention. Stretching exercise (E1) and walking (E2) combined with muscle strengthening exercise were provided. The instruments included the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (K‐WOMAC), Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Scale (HAQDS), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D). The HAQDS was measured using an ordinal scale, and Likert scales were used for the other instruments. Chi‐square test and analysis of covariance were used; P values <.05 were considered significant. The study was conducted in 2014. Results: The groups were similar at the baseline (P >.05) except for joint pain and patient activation (P <.05). At post‐test, the changes in the mean scores were significant for joint pain and stiffness, and physical functioning. E2 with walking exercise showed better improvements in joint pain and physical functioning than the other groups (P <.01). Conclusions: Eight sessions of multifaceted intervention improved the osteoarthritis symptoms. Follow‐up studies will be needed to determine the intermediate and long‐term effects of the multifaceted intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of a mental fitness positive psychology intervention program on the self‐esteem and interpersonal relationship ability of inpatients with schizophrenia. Design and Methods: A pretest‐posttest nonequivalent control group quasi‐experimental design was used. Participants (N = 60) completed scales measuring self‐esteem and interpersonal relationship ability. Findings: The program effectively improved participants' self‐esteem and interpersonal relationship ability. Practice Implications: Psychiatric nurses can use this program as a nursing intervention to enhance the self‐esteem and interpersonal skills of inpatients with schizophrenia in mental health facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of a self-care intervention program on self-efficacy, dementia-preventive behavior, cognitive function, depression, and quality of life in elderly with mild cognitive impairment. The study employed a quasi-experimental study design using a nonequivalent control group pre-post. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, and repeated-measures ANOVA. The results of the study showed that the program reduced dementia risk and strengthened self-care ability in older adults with MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the goals of psychiatric social rehabilitation treatment is to improve patients' emotion recognition, emotional expression, and empathetic abilities. In this study, we used a quasi‐experimental, nonrandomized design to examine the effect of an emotion management programme on the emotion recognition (emotion attention and emotion clarity), emotional expression (positive expressivity, negative expressivity, and impulse strength), and quality of life (QoL) of a sample of patients with schizophrenia in South Korea. Over eight sessions, we collected data from 56 patients with schizophrenia registered in community mental rehabilitation facilities. After attending the emotion management programme, the emotion recognition, emotional expression, and QoL scores of the experimental group were found to have significantly increased, whereas those of the control group had significantly decreased. Therefore, our findings show that emotion management programmes can be used as nursing interventions to improve the QoL of people with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Families of persons with mental illness (PMIs) are considered important resources for PMIs rather than as contributors to their mental illness. However, these families experience not only the burden of caregiving but also social stigma and discrimination in various aspects of their lives, and their psychosocial needs tend to be overlooked. This was a pilot study to explore the effects of a brief empowerment program on the empowerment and quality of life of families of PMIs in South Korea. A repeated-measures design with a control group and pre/post-follow-up testing was used. We enrolled 18 participants (experimental group = 9, control group = 9). The experimental group participated in an empowerment program consisting of four sessions over 4 weeks. Data were collected before and after the program, and again 4 weeks later. The χ2-test, Fisher's exact probability test, t-test, and repeated-measures analysis of covariance were used, as appropriate, to analyze data. The program significantly increased empowerment (F = 4.66, p =.020) and quality of life (F = 5.83, p =.009) among participants in the experimental group over time. Its therapeutic features, such as sharing their experiences, discussion, and presentations, can be applied to create effective psychosocial interventions for families of PMIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the impact of a standardized inter‐department nursing handover protocol from intensive care units to general wards on the nurses' perceptions and performance. Methods: We developed an inter‐department nursing handover protocol based on the situation, background, assessment and recommendation technique. All participating paediatric nurses were trained in this new protocol, which was then implemented for nine months in eight units of a children's hospital in the Republic of Korea. Data were extracted from a questionnaire and handover auditing using audio recording. Results: Following the protocol's introduction, nurses' perceptions of handover effectiveness significantly improved (F = 5.17, p = .007), while their experience of handover errors significantly decreased (F = 12.85, p < .001). Furthermore, the prevalence of additive calls per handover decreased from 70.7% to 45.9% (χ2 = 9.88, p = .002), and the prevalence of handover‐related errors decreased from 51.2% to 32.4% (χ2 = 5.63, p = .023). Handover accuracy significantly increased (t = −5.12, p < .001) without prolonging the handover duration. Conclusions: The handover protocol positively influenced the nurses' perception of handover and clinical performance. Implications for Nursing Management: A standardized inter‐department handover helped intensive care unit nurses to improve their organisation and to provide ward nurses with sufficient information during handover, which could ensure safer transitions from intensive care units to wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: The effects of an individualised nutritional education and support programme on dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and nutritional status of 71 older adults living alone were examined. Background: Although a regular dietary meal plan is recommended for improving nutritional status of older adults living alone, little research is done in this field in Korea. Design: A pre‐ and post‐test controlled quasi‐experimental design was used at public health centres. Methods: The intervention group participated in an intensive nutritional education and support programme once a week for 8 weeks with dietary menus provided by home visiting nurses/dieticians; control group received usual care. Dietary habits and nutritional knowledge were assessed using structured questionnaires; nutritional intake status was analysed using Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program 5.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 77.6 years, and 81.7% of the participants were women. At 8 weeks, there were significant interactions of group by time for dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and selected nutritional status of protein, iron and vitamins of B2 and C. Changes over time in the mean score of dietary habits and nutritional knowledge were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group. The percentages of normal nutrition intake of protein, iron and vitamins A and C in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group at 8 weeks. Conclusions: Nutritional education and support programme positively impacted dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and selected nutritional status in older adults living alone, and we highlight the need for community‐based nutritional education and counselling programmes. Relevance to clinical practice: Older adults living alone in a community have relatively poor nutritional status and thus require tailored nutritional intervention according to objective nutritional analysis. It is necessary to link visiting nurses with dieticians in the community to manage effective nutritional programme continuously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: This study explored the effects of a self‐regulatory efficacy improvement program on self‐control, self‐efficacy, internet addiction, and time spent on the internet among middle school students in South Korea. The program was led by school nurses, and it is integrated self‐efficacy and self‐regulation promotion strategies based on Bandura's social cognitive theory. Design and Sample: A quasi‐experimental, nonequivalent, control group, pre–posttest design was used. The participants were 79 middle school students. Measures: Measurements included the Self‐Control Scale, Self‐Efficacy Scale, Internet Addiction Proneness Scale, and an assessment of internet addiction. Results: Self‐control and self‐efficacy significantly increased and internet addiction and time spent on the internet significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group. Conclusion: A program led by school nurses that integrated and applied self‐efficacy and self‐regulation intervention strategies proved effective for prevention of students’ internet addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although image analysis has shown that the outside-in (OI) technique is associated with different femoral tunnel geometry than the transportal (TP) technique in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, it is not known whether clinical results differ between the 2 techniques. Purpose: To compare clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between the TP and OI techniques in anatomic double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: From November 2010 to March 2013, 128 patients were enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to either the TP group (64 patients) or the OI group (64 patients), and DB ACL reconstructions were performed. At the minimum 2-year follow-up (34.9 ± 10.9 months), 111 patients (86.7%) were evaluated with multiple clinical scores and stability tests (KT-2000 arthrometer, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test). Ninety-three knees were evaluated for graft continuity, graft tension, and synovialization by use of second-look arthroscopy. Seventy-eight knees were evaluated on MRI for graft continuity, femoral graft tunnel healing, and graft signal/noise quotient (SNQ). The primary outcome was KT-2000 arthrometer results. Results were compared between the TP and OI groups. Results: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of KT-2000 arthrometer results, which was the primary outcome, and other clinical results, with the exception of the postoperative functional test of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score. The ratio of grade A and B on the postoperative functional test of IKDC objective score was significantly larger for the OI group (51/58) than the TP group (36/53) (P = .005). The second-look arthroscopic findings were not significantly different between the 2 groups in either bundle (P > .05). In addition, MRI findings did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P > .05). Conclusion: With the exception of the functional test of IKDC objective score, we found that clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and MRI findings did not differ significantly between the OI and TP techniques for anatomic ACL reconstruction, although femoral tunnel geometries differed significantly between the 2 techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To develop a nurse-led psychological intervention programme and to evaluate its effects on psychological distress and quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and at a high risk of depression. Background: Depression is common among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Psychological intervention programmes that improve psychological distress and quality of life have previously been lacking in South Korea. Design: This was a pre- and post-test randomised controlled trial. Methods: The nurse-led psychological intervention programme comprised seven weekly counselling sessions delivered face to face and telephonically. These aimed to provide emotional support to patients and to enable them to express their feelings. Patients at a high risk of depression were recruited from an oncology outpatient clinic in a university hospital. Sixty participants were evenly and randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the control group. The effects of the intervention on psychological distress (mood disturbance, anxiety and depression) and quality of life were examined using linear mixed models. Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported significantly lower mood disturbance, anxiety and depression and showed an improved global health status and physical, role and emotional functions. They also reported fewer symptoms such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain and insomnia. Conclusions: Our nurse-led psychological intervention programme might reduce patients’ uncertainty and encourage them to be proactive and self-controllable. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurse-led psychological intervention programmes should be implemented to reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life in patients with breast cancer, particularly those at a high risk of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Korean women who experience menstrual pain have reported taking pain medicine and making use of complementary alternative therapies. However, because some interventions may cause side effects, more effective pain-relieving measures need to be identified. This study using a non-equivalent group design, evaluated the effects of near-infrared rays on dysmenorrhea among Korean women. The experimental group wore a near-infrared ray abdominal belt for the duration of one menstrual cycle until the end of the menstrual period, while the control group used hot packs. The level of menstrual pain, menstrual pain duration, and pain medicine use were measured. The menstrual pain, average menstrual pain duration, and use of analgesics were reduced in the near-infrared rays group. The results of this study indicate that the near-infrared ray LED belt was effective in reducing menstrual pain, menstrual pain duration compared to the use of analgesics in Korean women with dysmenorrhea. Therefore, near-infrared rays may be used to relieve menstrual pain and improve the quality of life of women with dysmenorrhea in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Physical restraints are used frequently in Korea, suggesting a growing need for access to programs focused on reduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a multicomponent restraint reduction program (MRRP) for nursing staff in Korean nursing homes. Design A cluster-randomized, single-blind, controlled pretest-posttest design was used. A total of 122 nursing staff (nurses and geriatric care assistants) in two Korean nursing homes participated in this study: 62 in the experimental group (EG) and 60 in the control group (CG). Methods Nursing staff in the EG home received the MRRP comprising three educational sessions (two classroom-based and one web-based) and two unit-based consultations. Three instruments were used to measure nursing staff's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding physical restraints. Data were collected immediately before and after the intervention, and again 1 and 3 months later. Findings Repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant differences between groups in knowledge ( p < .001), perceptions ( p < .001), and attitudes ( p = .011) over time. These significant improvements in the MRRP group (EG) were sustained over the 3-month period. Conclusions The MRRP effectively improved the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of nursing home staff about restraint use with older adults. Additional studies are recommended to evaluate effects of its components while using larger samples and rigorous research methods and measurements, and the inclusion of boosters or other supports to sustain change. Clinical Relevance These results provide valuable knowledge regarding a multicomponent intervention for changing nursing home staff attributes that likely influence clinical practice. Elements of the educational content and methods found useful for nursing home staff may also be effective in vocational and continuing education as well as for families of older nursing home residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study developed a self‐efficacy enhancement program and evaluated its effects on the self‐care behaviors, self‐care knowledge, and self‐efficacy regarding pressure ulcer prevention in patients with a spinal cord injury. Methods: This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Six hospitals were invited to recruit patients with a spinal cord injury who were undergoing rehabilitation after receiving acute treatment. These hospitals were randomly allocated into experimental (three hospitals) or control (three hospitals) groups and 47 patients participated (24 in the experimental group and 23 in the control group). The experimental group was given an 8 week self‐efficacy enhancement program for pressure ulcer prevention. The self‐efficacy enhancement program consisted of small‐group face‐to‐face intervention (education and skills training), education with computer animation, phone counseling, face‐to‐face counseling, and self‐management records. The control group only received a pressure ulcer prevention information booklet. Self‐care knowledge, self‐efficacy, self‐care behaviors, and pressure ulcer incidence were measured at baseline and after the 8 week self‐efficacy enhancement program. Results: The experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in self‐care knowledge, self‐efficacy, and self‐care behaviors for pressure ulcer prevention than did the control group. One participant in the control group developed a pressure ulcer, while none of the participants in the experimental group developed a pressure ulcer; this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The self‐efficacy enhancement program enabled patients with a spinal cord injury to engage in continued self‐care behaviors and helped them to improve their knowledge and self‐efficacy concerning pressure ulcer prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is a widely accepted surgical procedure. But there are only a few reports of MIS-TLIF using the unilateral approach and single cage in elderly patients. Objective. The study investigated the clinical and radiological outcomes of MIS-TLIF using the unilateral approach and single cage in the patients over 65 years of age. Methods. Thirty-eight patients were followed for a mean of 15.5±11.61 months. Radiological data include fusion rate, change of disc height, and central canal area. The numeric rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to assess clinical outcomes. Results. The mean age of these patients at operation was 71.82±4.71 years (range, 65–82 years). Evidence of fusion was observed radiologically in 64.71% at 6 months and 87.5% at 12 months after surgery, giving a final fusion rate of 100%. The mean NRS scores for back and leg pain and ODI scores improved significantly at the final follow-up. Conclusions. Clinical and radiologic outcomes of MIS-TLIF using unilateral approach and single cage in elderly patients indicate an acceptable method for the treatment of various kinds of lumbar spinal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chronic hepatitis B management is commonly targeted at reducing viral replication. However, the currently available antiviral therapies are associated with some problems, including resistance and numerous adverse effects. Ginseng has been reported to be effective for treating viral infections such as influenza and human immunodeficiency virus. However, there are currently few studies on the effects of ginseng in chronic hepatitis B. Thus, this study investigated the effects of ginseng together with antiviral agents in chronic hepatitis B. Subjects and methods: This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, and single-center study. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled. The control group ( n = 19) was administered antiviral agents alone. The experimental group ( n = 19) was administered antiviral agents along with Korean Red Ginseng powder capsules (each dose is 1 gram (two capsules), a one-day dose is 3 grams). The baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Differences in several non-invasive fibrosis serologic markers (type IV collagen, hyaluronic acid, transforming growth factor-β) and in the hepatitis B virus DNA levels were compared between the groups. Results: The non-invasive fibrosis serologic markers were further decreased in the experimental group, with significant differences after treatment observed for hyaluronic acid ( p = 0.032) and transforming growth factor-β ( p = 0.008), but not for type IV collagen ( p = 0.174). Conclusions: This study suggests the possibility of Korean Red Ginseng as a complementary therapy for chronic hepatitis B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was implemented to evaluate the effect of individualized acupuncture treatment (AT) on functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods: A randomized, waitlist-controlled, two-center trial was performed. Seventy-six patients with FD were enrolled in the trial with partially individualized AT in a more realistic clinical setting performed twice a week for 15 minutes a session over 4 weeks. The participants were randomly allocated to a group receiving 8 sessions of AT for 4 weeks or a waitlist control group. After 4 consecutive weeks, the AT group was followed up without AT and the control group received the identical AT. The proportion of responders with adequate symptom relief, Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI), FD-related quality of life, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Acupuncture Belief Scale, and acupuncture credibility test were assessed. Results: After the first 4 weeks, the proportion of responders significantly improved (59% in AT group [ n = 37] versus 3% in control group [ n = 39]; p < 0.001). The difference was no longer significant at 8 weeks, at which point the waitlist control group showed similar improvement after receiving AT (68% in the AT group versus 79% in the control group). Total NDI scores were significantly reduced in the AT group compared with the waitlist group ( p = 0.03). Among NDI items, discomfort ( p = 0.01), burning ( p = 0.02), fullness after eating ( p = 0.02), and burping ( p = 0.02) were significantly improved in the AT group compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed between groups in other secondary variables. Conclusion: Individualized AT adequately relieves symptoms in patients with FD, and this effect may persist up to 8 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies of the health effects of low-fat milk or dairy consumption on the metabolic syndrome have yielded inconsistent results. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of low-fat milk consumption on traits associated with the metabolic syndrome, as well as inflammatory and atherogenic biomarkers, in Korean adults with the metabolic syndrome. Methods Overweight Koreans with the metabolic syndrome ( n = 58) were recruited and randomly assigned to either the low-fat milk or control group. The low-fat milk group was instructed to consume two packs of low-fat milk per day (200 mL twice daily) for 6 weeks, and the control group was instructed to maintain their habitual diet. Clinical investigations were conducted during the screening visit, on study day 0, and after 6 weeks. Results No significant differences in changes in body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profile and adiponectin levels, as well as levels of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers and atherogenic markers, were found between the low-fat milk and control groups. However, compared to the controls, significant favourable decreases in serum soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 and endothelin-1 levels were found in the 12 subjects with high blood pressure and in the 18 subjects with hypertriglyceridaemia in the low-fat milk group. Conclusions The present study did not demonstrate an overall beneficial effect of low-fat milk consumption in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. However, low-fat milk consumption may have a favourable effect on atherogenic markers in subjects with high blood pressure or hypertriglyceridaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined whether the administration of ganglioside, an active ingredient of deer bone extract, can improve working memory performance by increasing gray matter volume and functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) in individuals with subjective cognitive impairment. Seventy-five individuals with subjective cognitive impairment were chosen to receive either ganglioside (330g/day or 660g/day) or a placebo for 8 weeks. Changes in working memory performance with treatment of either ganglioside or placebo were assessed as cognitive outcome measures. Using voxel-based morphometry and functional connectivity analyses, changes in gray matter volume and functional connectivity in the DMN were also assessed as brain outcome measures. Improvement in working memory performance was greater in the ganglioside group than in the placebo group. The ganglioside group, relative to the placebo group, showed greater increases in gray matter volume and functional connectivity in the DMN. A significant relationship between increased functional connectivity of the precuneus and improved working memory performance was observed in the ganglioside group. The current findings suggest that ganglioside has cognitive-enhancing effects in individuals with subjective cognitive impairment. Ganglioside-induced increases in gray matter volume and functional connectivity in the DMN may partly be responsible for the potential nootropic effects of ganglioside. The clinical trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02379481). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate whether laughter therapy lowers total mood disturbance scores and improves self-esteem scores in patients with cancer. Design/Setting: Randomized controlled trial in a radio-oncology outpatient setting. Patients: Sixty-two patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the experimental group ( n=33) or the wait list control group ( n=29). Interventions: Three laughter therapy sessions lasting 60 minutes each. Outcome measures: Mood state and self-esteem. Results: The intention-to-treat analysis revealed a significant main effect of group: Experimental group participants reported a 14.12-point reduction in total mood disturbance, while the wait list control group showed a 1.21-point reduction ( p=0.001). The per-protocol analysis showed a significant main effect of group: The experimental group reported a 18.86-point decrease in total mood disturbance, while controls showed a 0.19-point reduction ( p<0.001). The self-esteem of experimental group was significantly greater than that of the wait list control group ( p=0.044). Conclusions: These results indicate that laughter therapy can improve mood state and self-esteem and can be a beneficial, noninvasive intervention for patients with cancer in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives : To examine the effects of auricular acupressure with Sinapsis alba seeds on obesity and self-efficacy. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Settings: College settings located in metropolitan areas of Korea. Participants: A total of 49 female college students who were overweight or obese (body-mass index [BMI] ≥25.0 kg/m2) were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group ( n=25) or the control group ( n=24). Interventions: The experimental group applied three S. alba seeds to each of five auricular points (Shenmen, mouth, stomach, endocrine, and small intestine points). These participants were asked to stimulate those points 10 times at a rate of two times per second 30 minutes before mealtime, three times daily, for 1 month. They performed the procedure for each earlobe for alternating weeks (a total of 2 weeks' treatment for each ear). Outcome Measures: The obesity index included weight (kg), BMI (kg/m2), percentage body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio. Self-efficacy was measured by using a self-efficacy scale. Results: Female students in the experimental group showed significant decreases in weight ( t=10.76; p<0.001) and BMI ( t=9.60; p<0.001) and significant improvement in self-efficacy ( t=1.85; p<0.05) compared with those in the control group. However, percentage body fat ( t=1.27; p>0.05) and waist-to-hip ratio ( t=0.60; p>0.05) changes did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that auricular acupressure using S. alba seeds may be an effective intervention for decreasing weight and BMI and increasing self-efficacy of overweight and obese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhalation of eucalyptus oil and its constituents on anxiety in patients before selective nerve root block (SNRB). This study was a randomized controlled trial carried out in 62 patients before SNRB. The patients were randomized to inhale limonene, 1,8-cineole, or eucalyptus oil, each at concentrations of 1% vol/vol in almond oil or almond oil (control). Anxiety-visual analog scale (A-VAS), state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), profile of mood states (POMS), pain-visual analog scale (P-VAS), blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured before and after inhalation prior to SNRB. Measures of anxiety, including A-VAS (p < 0.001), STAI (p = 0.005), and POMS (p < 0.001), were significantly lower in 1,8-cineole than in the control group and significantly greater in 1,8-cineole than in the eucalyptus group in A-VAS. P-VAS was significantly lower after than before inhalation of limonene, 1,8-cineole, and eucalyptus, despite having no significant difference in the four groups compared with control group. 1,8-Cineole, a major constituent of eucalyptus, was effective in decreasing anxiety before SNRB. The present findings suggest that inhalation of 1,8-cineolemay be used to relieve anxiety before, during, and after various operations, in addition to SNRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study evaluated the attachment-based cognitive behavioral approach ( ACBA) to enhance mother-infant interaction and infant mental health. Design and Methods This quasi-experimental study used a pre-posttest control group design. Participants were 40 low-income, mother-infant (infant ages 12-36 months) dyads, 20 dyads per group. The ACBA group received 10 weekly 90-min sessions. Dependent variables were changes in mother-infant interaction and infant mental health. Additionally, we explored changes in mothers' attachment security. Results The groups differed significantly in changes in mother-infant interaction, infant mental health problems, and mothers' attachment security. Practice Implications ACBA may enhance mother-infant interaction and infants' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studies double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to determine whether it offers any advantages in the prevention of osteoarthritis (OA) or promotion of better stability and function after ACLR compared with the single-bundle (SB) technique. Background is presented on the lack of agreement on the advantages of DB ACLR over the SB technique. Results of the study showed the DB technique is not more effective than SB in preventing OA.

Background: Effective teamwork in healthcare teams improves quality of care, which positively impacts on patient safety. Teamwork is especially crucial for perioperative nurses because they provide care as a team in the operating room. Previous research on teamwork training has principally addressed the general aspects of healthcare settings and focused on interdisciplinary teamwork and has rarely considered operative settings and nursing teamwork. Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a teamwork improvement program for perioperative patient safety and to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was applied. We developed a teamwork improvement program based on teamwork competencies that focused on the perioperative nursing practice. This research was conducted at two operating centers in a tertiary hospital in South Korea, and a total of 60 perioperative nurses participated, including 28 nurses from the cancer operating center (experimental group) and 32 nurses from the main operating center (control group). The program consisted of four sessions and was delivered to the experimental group for a period of 2 weeks. Following the intervention, the effectiveness of the intervention was measured using a self-report questionnaire, focus group interviews, and program evaluation survey. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, t test, Fisher's exact test, and content analysis. Results: Nearly all (96.4%) of the participants were satisfied with the overall content of the teamwork improvement program. Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups with regard to teamwork knowledge, teamwork attitudes, communication self-efficacy, and teamwork skills and behaviors. Three themes were elicited from the qualitative analysis, including "recognizing the importance and content of teamwork," "improving teamwork competencies," and "contributing to safe surgery." No significant difference in the incidence of surgical nursing errors was identified between the experimental and control groups within a 4-week period. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The teamwork improvement program developed in this study was demonstrated as effective in improving perioperative nurses' utilization of teamwork competencies in nursing practice and positively changing teamwork. The findings of this study provide evidence that teamwork training increases nurses' teamwork competencies. The clinical application of teamwork tools using competency-based teamwork training may contribute to patient safety and safe nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhalation of Salvia sclarea (clary sage; clary) or Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil vapors on autonomic nervous system activity in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic assessment. Study design, location, and subjects: This study was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial carried out in 34 female patients with urinary incontinence. Outcome measure: The subjects were randomized to inhale lavender, clary, or almond (control) oil at concentrations of 5% (vol/vol) each. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and salivary cortisol were measured before and after inhalation of these odors for 60 minutes. Results: The clary oil group experienced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure compared with the control ( p=0.048) and lavender oil ( p=0.026) groups, a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure compared with the lavender oil group ( p=0.034) and a significant decrease in respiratory rate compared with the control group ( p<0.001). In contrast, the lavender oil group tended to increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with the control group. Compared with the control group, inhalation of lavender oil ( p=0.045) and clary oil ( p<0.001) resulted in statistically significant reductions in respiratory rate. Conclusions: These results suggest that lavender oil inhalation may be inappropriate in lowering stress during urodynamic examinations, despite its antistress effects, while clary oil inhalation may be useful in inducing relaxation in female urinary incontinence patients undergoing urodynamic assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The combination of systemic steroids with intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) did not result in significantly different outcomes from steroid treatment only and did not have any additional beneficial effects. Objective: To evaluate hearing recovery in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) according to frequency and to compare treatment responses between patients treated with systemic steroids and systemic steroids with ITDI. Methods: Ninety-nine patients with ISSNHL were selected to participate in the study by a retrospective medical chart review. Patients were divided into two groups, systemic steroid treatment only and systemic steroid with adjunctive ITDI. Hearing recovery was evaluated by pure tone audiometry (PTA). All patients underwent PTA examination before treatment and after 3 months. Thresholds were analyzed by frequency along with other factors. Results: Low frequency hearing loss responded better than high frequency loss to PTA. When we analyzed pure tone audiogram patterns, all patterns except for the descending type showed better improvement in patients with lower frequency hearing loss than in patients with higher frequency hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have reported that blocking IgE has a potentially beneficial role in the treatment of various allergic diseases. Previously, we found that PG102, a water-soluble extract prepared from the edible fruits of Actinidia arguta, can effectively reduce IgE levels using murine models. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of PG102 at lowering levels of total IgE in asymptomatic subjects with atopy. Methods: A total of 90 asymptomatic subjects with atopy were randomized equally to a PG102 group or a placebo control group and treated for 8 weeks in a double-blind manner. Total serum IgE, eosinophilic cation protein (ECP), eotaxin, thymus, and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels were measured. Eosinophil counts were determined before and after treatment, and results were compared. In addition, possible adverse reactions were thoroughly checked in this first human trial. Results: Levels of total IgE significantly increased in the control group but showed no change in the PG102 group, and change differences between the control and PG102 groups were significant (+12.9%, vs.−5.7%, p = 0.015). Levels of ECP and eotaxin and eosinophil counts produced similar results. However, the other variables showed no significant changes after treatment. Conclusion: In this exploratory clinical trial, it was found that 8 weeks of treatment with PG102 effectively reduced the levels of total IgE in apparently asymptomatic subjects with atopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Korean red ginseng (KRG) improves endothelial function and lower blood pressure (BP), which may affect arterial stiffness. The present study evaluated whether KRG treatment could improve arterial stiffness in subjects with hypertension. Subjects and methods: Eighty (80) participants with hypertension who were treated with antihypertensive agents were randomly assigned to an active (KRG 3 g/day) or a placebo treatment group in a double-blind manner. Participants were not allowed to change their antihypertensive medications. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured at baseline, and at 1, 2, and 3 months. Arterial stiffness was assessed by the measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) at baseline, and at 1 and 3 months. Results: Thirty (30) subjects in the active group (AG) and 34 subjects in the placebo group (PG) completed 3 months of treatment and then a per-protocol analysis was done. SBP and DBP at baseline, and at 1, 2, and 3 months were not different between the AG and PG ( p > 0.05). After 3 months of treatment, SBP of AG was not changed from SBP at baseline. However, DBP of AG, and SBP and DBP of PG after 3 months of treatment were significantly reduced ( p < 0.05). baPWV of both groups was significantly reduced at 1 and 3 months ( p < 0.05), but was not different between the groups at each time point. Analysis after adjustment for age, time-dependent mean arterial BP, heart rate, and levels of fasting blood glucose and triglycerides showed no significant difference between AG and PG in changes of baPWV from baseline to 1 and 3 months ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Three (3) months' treatment with KRG did not improve arterial stiffness in subjects with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although studies on the effectiveness of self-management in limiting fluid intake in patients on hemodialysis have been conducted extensively, xerostomia, which is a powerful stimulus of fluid intake, has received scarce attention. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week auricular acupressure treatment on xerostomia, salivary flow rate, interdialytic weight gain, constipation, and diet-related quality of life in patients on hemodialysis in Korea. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients on hemodialysis were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The experimental group received an auricular acupressure intervention, which included the application of skin tape with a Semen vaccariae seed on the five auricular acupoints, including the large intestine (CO7), San Jiao (CO17), middle triangular fossa (TF3), spleen (CO13), and upper tragus (TG1), for 4 weeks. The control group received only the application of skin tape without a seed on the same auricular acupoints for the same period. The outcome variables were as follows: xerostomia, measured using the visual analog scale; salivary flow rate, measured using the unstimulated whole saliva absorbed in oral cotton; interdialytic weight gain; the constipation assessment scale score; and the Quality of Life Related to Dietary Change Questionnaire results. Results: The experimental group scored significantly better than the control group in terms of xerostomia (p =.004), salivary flow rate (p =.010), constipation (p =.009), and diet-related quality of life (p <.001). Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Auricular acupressure may be an important tool for alleviating the negative symptoms of xerostomia and for improving quality of life in patients on hemodialysis. Nurses caring for patients on hemodialysis with both xerostomia and constipation may teach auricular acupressure to help patients self-manage their discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of Fumanet exercise on cognitive function, walking ability, and depression in older adults with mild dementia. Methods: A quasi‐experimental pre‐ and post‐test design with a non‐equivalent control group was used. Participants were 45 patients with mild dementia (experimental group = 22, control group = 23). In the experimental group, Fumanet exercise was performed 60 minutes per day, once per week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, Chi‐square, Fisher's exact test, and two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Gait ability in the experimental group was significantly improved compared with the control group (F = 9.08, P =.004). There were no significant differences in cognitive function or depression between the experimental and control groups. Although the intervention did not show a reduction in depression, participants exhibited a high participation rate and brighter mood with increasing sessions. Conclusions: It was confirmed that Fumanet exercise is an effective nursing intervention to improve gait ability among older adults with mild dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pediatric tonsillectomy is a highly common surgery for children. The inclusion of tonsillectomy in the diagnosis‐related group payment system in Korea has resulted in a shorter hospital stay for patients who undergo tonsillectomy. This, in turn, provides parents with additional caregiver roles in the home. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a postdischarge management program (PDMP) using Mobile Instant Messenger (MIM) on parents' knowledge and state anxiety about postoperative care, and their children's compliance with care instructions at home, frequency of bleeding, and pain intensity after tonsillectomy. Design and Methods: A nonequivalent control group nonsynchronized design. Settings and Participants: Participants were 52 tonsillectomy children aged 3–7 years and their 52 parents (27 for the experimental group and 25 for the control group) from a hospital, in Korea. The control group received a routine written and oral predischarge education, while the experimental group received a predischarge education and a daily MIM for 7 days. For the experimental group, bidirectional communication between the nurse and parent when necessary using MIM are available during the intervention period. Results: Parents in the experimental group reported a significantly higher knowledge about postdischarge management and lower state anxiety than the control group. Children in the experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in compliance with the care instructions at home than the control group. However, bleeding frequency and pain intensity were not significantly lower in the experimental group than that in the control group. Practical Implications: Nurses play a critical role in preventing and managing the complications of tonsillectomy. Providing proper parental education about pediatric posttonsillectomy care at home is critical for a successful recovery. With the explosion of smartphone technology, the MIM‐based PDMP is a useful and effective strategy in helping parents and children in posttonsillectomy care at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and influential factors using flipped learning methods on the education of nursing students in clinical nursing practicums in Korea. Methods: This study used a nonequivalent comparison group pretest‐posttest design to determine the outcomes and influential factors within flipped learning methods in two forms (flipped‐mastery classroom model and flipped‐mastery practicum model) in clinical practicum nursing education. Flipped learning was applied in two groups (using the flipped‐mastery classroom model and the flipped‐mastery practicum model) to 80 nursing students in E university in Gyeonggi‐do. Teacher‐student interactions, self‐directed learning readiness, clinical practicum stress, confidence in performing core skills, and flipped learning were studied to investigate learner motivation and learner satisfaction. Results: Teacher‐student interactions were significantly greater in the flipped‐mastery classroom model group both before and after the intervention. Self‐directed learning readiness decreased in both groups after the intervention but less so in the flipped‐mastery classroom model group. The common factor influencing learner motivation in both the flipped‐mastery classroom model and flipped‐mastery practicum model groups was learner satisfaction, while teacher‐student interactions were also influential in the flipped‐mastery classroom model group. Learner motivation influenced learner satisfaction in both groups, while self‐directed learning readiness and clinical practicum self‐confidence influenced the flipped‐mastery practicum model group. Conclusions: Flipped learning was found to be effective in clinical practicums. Strategies for the efficient application of flipped learning need to be developed and applied. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Interest in flipped learning that emphasizes learner‐led learning over traditional one‐sided teaching and learning is increasing in college education.A new type of clinical practicum education should be introduced to improve the problem‐solving and practical‐application abilities of nursing students.Strategies for organizing and integrating flipped learning into a special clinical practicum environment are needed. What this paper adds? Applying flipped learning to classroom and practicum models increased teacher‐student interactions and decreased self‐directed learning readiness in both groups.Learner satisfaction influenced learner motivation in both groups, while teacher‐student interactions were also an influential factor in the flipped‐mastery classroom model. Learner motivation affected learner satisfaction in both groups, while self‐directed learning readiness and clinical practicum self‐confidence were also influencing factors in the flipped‐mastery practicum model. The implications of this paper: Flipped learning can be applied to clinical practicum education.Applying flipped learning in two models has provided a basis for the development and application of strategies for the effective application in clinical practicums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]