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It became necessary to integrate alternative teaching methods having excellent results in the nursing curriculum such as high-fidelity human patient simulation. High fidelity simulation improves nursing students' thinking, and emotional and decision-making capabilities. The pretest-posttest control group design was conducted to examine the effect of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) intervention on clinical decision-making for pediatric nursing students at the Arab American University in Palestine. One hundred fifty participants took part in the present study, where 50% (n = 75) were in each of the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received theory-based learning and high fidelity simulation, while the control group was provided with theory based learning and usual training in the nursing laboratory. Findings showed that after implementing the intervention, a significant change was noticed in means of clinical decision-making between the control and intervention groups. Therefore, high fidelity simulation intervention was effective, thus it could benefit the nursing students by enhancing clinical decision-making. The results support nursing educators and universities especially in developing countries to adopt such an intervention strategy for nursing students.

Objectives: Exercise is a promising approach for symptom management in hemodialysis patients who are typically very sedentary. This study evaluated the effects of gamified versus pedometer-based walking interventions on these patients' physical activity, physical function, fatigue, sleep quality, and hemodynamics. Methods: A quasi-experimental single-blind study was conducted in three groups (two intervention and one control groups). It was carried out at the hemodialysis department in Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt, from October 2022 to 2023. A total of 94 patients were divided randomly into gamified (n = 31), pedometer (n = 31), and control (n = 32) groups. Randomization was done by dialysis scheduled time (first shift: pedometer group, second shift: gamified group, and third shift control group) rather than at the individual level, and the allocation ratio was approximately 1:1:1. The gamified group received a twelve-week smartphone-based gamified walking intervention, while the pedometer group received a twelve-week pedometer-based walking intervention. The control group did not receive any intervention. Step count, fatigue, sleep quality, physical function, and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Result: Post-intervention results indicated that patients in the gamified group significantly improved their step count, fatigue, and sleep levels compared to both the pedometer and control groups (P < 0.001). However, the groups had no statistically significant differences in physical function or hemodynamics. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients who participated in a short-term, smartphone-based gamified walking intervention experienced increased step counts, reduced fatigue, and improved sleep quality. Trial Registration: Prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 28/10/2022; registration number NCT05599646. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding cultural competency is essential for providing competent, culturally sensitive care for improving health outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine nursing students' competency in working with culturally diverse populations. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted among 243 nursing students during their internship. The Cultural Competence Assessment Scale and a perception of student competency scale were used. Results: The study revealed that nursing students hold a high level of behavioral competence and awareness, with mean scores of 4.99 ± 0.84 and 4.77 ± 0.52, respectively. Nursing students' cultural competency behavior was significantly predicted by resident location and cultural awareness, as revealed by multivariable regression analysis. Conclusion: Nurses must deliver culturally competent health care to individuals from a variety of backgrounds. It is critical to implement efficient interventions, including focused educational programs, aimed at improving students' readiness to offer equitable and culturally sensitive care to various patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care aims to improve quality of life for patients with end-stage illnesses by addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Early referral to palliative care improves patient outcomes, quality of life and overall survival in a variety type of cancers. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and perceived benefits of early integration of palliative care among oncology nursing. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in public, private, and educational hospitals located in Palestine. Data were collected using paper based self-administered questionnaires from nurses working in hematology, general oncology, and bone marrow transplantation departments. Results: Among of 128 nurses, the study revealed a moderate level of knowledge (3.64 ± 0.96), Positive attitude (3.59 ± 1.02) and moderately recognized the perceived benefits of early palliative care (3.57 ± 1.02). A statistically significant difference in nurses' knowledge, attitudes and perceived benefits of early palliative care based on clinical experience. Pearson's correlation showed a significant positive relationship between the total knowledge and attitudes score (r = 0.211, p < 0.001), as well as with perceived benefits total score (r = 0.567, p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant positive relationship between the total attitude score and perceived benefits score (r = 0.303, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that enhancing knowledge and highlighting the benefits of early palliative care integration could foster more favorable attitudes among oncology nurses. investing in education and training to have all nurses prepared to provide high-quality palliative care results in better patient outcomes and less suffering. Patients with advanced cancer should be referred to the palliative care teams at an early stage of treatment in conjunction with their treatment in order to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient safety is a global concern within health facilities, primarily attributed to medical errors, constituting a significant global public health issue. Patients experiencing medication errors face serious problems, with increasing mortality rates and escalating hospital costs. Aim: The study aims to examine nursing students' awareness of various medical errors during their clinical internships at Al- Ahsa, identifying types of errors to enhance patient safety. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 nursing students during their internship at King Faisal University, Al Ahasa, Saudi Arabia.A total of 131 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire based on a medical error scale consisting of 43 items across six subscales. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The outcomes of interest included falls, blood and blood Products transfusion, medication practices, care practices, communication, and controlled practices. Results: Overall, nursing students scored 188 out of 215. Among the sub-dimension scores, medication practices received the highest mean score, while Patient falls emerged with the lowest score. In our study, students ranked falling as the least significant factor. Conclusion: Study findings indicate that nursing students exhibit a low tendency to commit medical errors, which is encouraging for the future implementation of patient safety protocols. This trend suggests that nursing students are developing strong competencies in safe nursing practices, which contributes to reducing the incidence of medical errors and improving overall patient safety in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients in critical care units who are connected to mechanical ventilators (MV) often face the risk of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP). Therefore, the aim of current study is to describe critical care nurses' knowledge and adherence to evidence‐base guidelines (EBGs) for preventing the occurrence of VAP. Methodology: A cross‐sectional study was applied. Data were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire completed by all critical care nurses (n = 213) working at Palestinian hospitals. Descriptive and inferential statistic was utilized to describe ICU nurse's knowledge and adherence to VAP prevention EBGs. Results: The study revealed that the mean knowledge score for critical care nurses was (50.8%). Overall, the findings indicated that nurses' knowledge of VAP guidelines was at an average level. A statistically significant difference (p value = 0.049) in the knowledge level was observed based on nurses' qualifications. On the other hand, the study found that nurses' adherence to EBGs was an acceptable (mean = 8.3, 69.2%). No substantial differences in adherence level were identified based on respondents' characteristics. Conclusion: Critical care nurses possess an average level of knowledge regarding EBGs for preventing VAP, alongside demonstrating an acceptable level of adherence to these guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Anaemia is associated with negative outcomes for both mothers and infants. Better understanding of its consequences could lead to improved guidelines for screening and treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate anaemia in pregnancy and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women in Oman. Methods: This retrospective study examined the medical records of women who gave birth at a university hospital in Oman over a 3-year period. Chi-squared tests were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 723 pregnant women were included, with 62.8% diagnosed with anaemia. Anaemia was significantly associated with preterm birth (P=0.037), low birth weight (P=0.009), intrauterine growth restriction (P=0.002) and postpartum heamorrhage (P=0.019). Conclusions: Anaemia is a significant health concern for pregnant women in Oman. Further research will provide more data on its effects, informing targeted interventions and policy enhancements. Implications for practice: Early antenatal screening, targeted iron supplementation, nutritional education, appropriate treatment and active management during birth would help address this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain and anxiety during arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture are crucial factors affecting haemodialysis (HD) patients' quality of life. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of virtual reality (VR) distraction on pain, anxiety, satisfaction and haemodynamics during AVF puncture. Methods: This randomised controlled trial study was conducted in a Haemodialysis unit at Mansoura University Hospital. Ninety-six patients were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 48) and control (n = 48) groups. Six minutes prior to the puncture, patients in the intervention group used VR glasses to experience a 360° 'Relax River VR tour', whereas patients in the control group received no intervention. Results: Following the intervention, pain, anxiety, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower, and satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: VR distraction may help alleviate pain, anxiety and increase satisfaction. It may be considered a safe and cost-effective non-pharmacological therapy for HD patients undergoing AVF puncture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of electrocardiograms (ECGs) is widespread among emergency room (ER) nurses for diagnosis and triage, making it crucial for them to have the appropriate level of competency in interpreting ECGs. This can lead to better healthcare and patient outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to assess the competency level of emergency nurses in Palestine in interpreting normal ECG and certain cardiac arrhythmias, and to explore the association between socio-demographic characteristics and their ECG interpretation competency. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design, and 196 ER nurses were conveniently recruited to fill out a self-administered questionnaire based on previous literature. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS with strict adherence to ethical considerations. Results: The results showed that 70.9% of the nurses were males, 65.3% held a bachelor's degree in nursing, 46.9% had 1–5 years of experience, and 60.7% had received previous courses on ECG interpretation. The mean competency level of the ER nurses was satisfactory at 60.714%, but 38.8% had a poor level of competency. This was significantly higher among nurses with higher educational levels (p -value < 0.001), those who had taken previous ECG courses (p -value = 0.045) and life support (p -value < 0.05), and those who were exposed to more ECG interpretations per day (p -value = 0.001). Conclusion: There is a need to focus more on ECG competency levels in Palestinian literature and compare them between different departments. It is also essential to evaluate nurses' needs for continuous education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organization recommends companionship as a critical element of respectful maternity care. However, there is paucity of literature regarding women's attitudes, related factors, and barriers of implementation in Saudi Arabia. Objective: This study aimed to assess women's attitudes toward birth companionship during labor and delivery, related factors, and barriers of implementing labor companionship in Saudi Arabia. Design/Methods: This study was carried out in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, using a cross-sectional design. The data collection took place over a period of approximately 6 months, specifically from 16 August 2021 to 20 February 2022. A total of 418 women who had given birth at three governmental hospitals and three private hospitals in Al Ahsa participated in the survey. The study included women between the ages of 18 and 49 years who had delivered during the study period. Results: The study revealed that while around 82.8% of mothers expressed a desire for companionship during labor, only 43.2% actually had a labor companion present during delivery. The primary obstacle to labor companionship reported by 21.5% of respondents was hospital policies. Other barriers identified included husbands' fear of being present during labor (4.7%) and limited availability of time for companionship (3.8%). Conclusion: The study concludes that birth companionship is highly desired by women in the study area. However, various physical, emotional, and institutional barriers, such as hospital policies and regulations, impede its implementation. Addressing these barriers and promoting supportive policies are essential to facilitate the provision of birth companionship and improve the childbirth experience for women in Al Ahsa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is necessary to understand early perception, behavior, and knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and preventive practices in relation to suggested policies and information accessible to the Palestinian population during the early stages of the pandemic. The aim of this research is to contribute to this understanding for the purpose of affecting future practical preventive policies that can be implemented and adapted in Palestine in order to shape a new reflective practices model to face any future epidemic crisis of any type. A cross-sectional design was used to conduct the study over 3 weeks in April 2020 and an online survey was disseminated in all areas of Palestine. A total of 1040 responses were collected from persons who were over 18 years of age. A high level of knowledge related to COVID-19 was found, including symptoms and characteristics of the virus, prevention practices, and at-risk groups. Respondents believe that they are more susceptible to influenza than COVID-19 and more likely to be infected by the influenza virus than the COVID-19 virus but expect that infection of influenza would be less severe than infection of COVID-19. Respondents were more inclined to find COVID-19 worrying and stressful than they were to find it fear-inducing. Around two-thirds of respondents believe that different types of COVID-19-related conspiracy theories are true to some degree. Going forward, it is crucial and essential to provide basic awareness among large populations around diseases, which can contribute to positively influencing people's knowledge and attitudes and their perception toward such diseases and combat conspiracy theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]