Abstract

Aim. This study examined the effect of using simulation training method on enabling student nurses in advanced pre-hospital care.

Background. Disaster nursing includes especial operational skills to manage disasters victims. These skills mainly include advanced pre-hospital care. To teach these skills, simulation in workshop environment is one of the most valuable and effective methods, one type of which is the use of live models in scenarios of various events that can be implemented and practiced in simulated

environment.

Method. This study was conducted by a quasi-experimental design in which 7 30th semester student nurses were recruited by census sampling and undergone training by simulation method. In this study, three tools (questionnaire, clinical evaluation form, and self-assessment form) were used. The data were managed and analyzed by SPSS, version 16. Findings. At the end of workshop in a simulated environment, %100 of students scored at good level. Also, in terms of pre-hospital skills, %100 of students scored at proficient level. In addition, after the workshop, %100 of students evaluated themselves at completely dominant level.

Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that training by simulation method can teach student nurses the knowledge and necessary skills for pre-hospital emergency care in the best way. Besides, it can improve students' self-assessment on their capabilities.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of self-care education on quality of life in patients following pacemaker implantation.

Background. One of the most common causes of death after myocardial infarction is arrhythmia resistant to treatment. This type of arrhythmia can be managed by pacemaker. The quality of life after pacemaker implantation is usually low, and self-care education may be a method to address this issue.

Method. In a randomized clinical trial study, 80 patients, candidate for permanent pacemaker implantation at Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center, were recruited to either control or experimental group through the blocked randomization. Data were collected using demographic form and the MacNew health-related quality of life questionnaire. The experimental group patients, in accompany with one first-degree relative, received one session of self-care education on the preimplantation day. The content of this 30 minutes session was "how to use educational footage and pamphlets, and also, a face-to-face education. At the end of the session, the patients were given an "educational package". Following implantation, the experimental group patients were contacted once a week for one-month period. The data were analyzed by SPSS, version 15, using inferential statistics.

Results. There were no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the mean scores of emotional, physical, and social aspects of quality of life and overall quality of life, before self-care education however, after intervention, a statistically significant difference was found in all these variables between experimental and control groups (P=0.004).

Conclusion. Self-care education could have an effect on the quality of life of patients after permanent pacemaker implantation.

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of -8week aerobic training on serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in high school male students with different Body Mass Indexes (BMI).

Background. The low-grade chronic inflammation, which is characterized by increased levels of inflammatory markers in blood (such as CRP, Interleukin 6) is a strong risk factor for some chronic diseases. The hs-CRP is the most sensitive marker of inflammation and independent predicator of cardiovascular diseases and increase in hs-CRP levels are associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The effect of aerobic training on hs-CRP of adolescents with different BMIs needs further investigation.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 24 healthy and non-athlete boys (mean age, 16.33 and standard deviation, 0.47 years) were divided into three groups "thin, normal, and overweight or obese" according to their BMI. The training program included -8week (three sessions per week) progressive aerobic running at intensities of %75-60 of maximal heart rate. To determine changes in hs-CRP levels, the blood samples were collected before and after training program in the identical conditions.

Findings. Training program had no significant effect on hs-CRP levels in all groups. There was a statistically significant difference in hs-CRP levels between obese group and the other two groups in esponse to training program, both before and after intervention.

Conclusion. Eight-week aerobic training did not have a significant effect on hs-CRP of the subjects, likely due to insufficient intensity and duration of exercise training and low baseline hs-CRP levels. Decreased hs-CRP levels in obese group, compared with other groups, was likely due to the obesity status and higher baseline hs-CRP levels.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of muscle relaxation and music therapy on anxiety level in patients waiting for cardiac catheterization.

Background. Anxiety is one of the most common human emotions from positive or negative experiences of life. High levels of anxiety have many unwanted effects on the body systems. In stressful situations such as invasive diagnostic techniques, the person experiences high level of anxiety. One of the main responsibilities of nurses is to control anxiety in patients with pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.

Method. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in one hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Science. After obtaining approval and written consent, 150 patients, waiting for cardiac catheterization, were randomly divided into three groups of muscle relaxation, music therapy and control. Data were collected by demographic form and self-report form of anxiety through interview. One hour before cardiac catheterization, the level of anxiety was measured in all groups, then, muscle relaxation group was asked to perform Benson muscle relaxation for 20 minutes based on listening to a recorded tape of guidance by headphone. At the same time, the music therapy group listened to music tape by headphone. Control group received no intervention but standard nursing care. Immediately before cardiac catheterization, the level of anxiety was measured again in all groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS using Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Findings. Immediately before catheterization, patients' anxiety level was significantly reduced (p<0.001) in muscle relaxation and music therapy groups, while it increased in the control group. Immediately before catheterization, a statistical significant difference was found between levels of anxiety in groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion. Both Benson muscle relaxation and music therapy significantly reduced anxiety level of patients and music therapy had more effect on the anxiety level of patients waiting for cardiac catheterization.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the current quality of triage in intensive care units for patients admitted to hospital emergency departments in ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2012.

Background. Accurate and rapid patient triage in emergency departments is the key to a successful performance. The study and understanding of the current condition and evaluation  of the  educational needs of triage nurses are highly important.

Method. This study is a retrospective descriptive study in which the data were gathered via in a list of ESI  triage forms. To determine the content validity of data collection tools was used. In this study, the reliability of the test listed under triage nurse was both between observers and reliability with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) : 0.857 was specified.

Findings. In this study,23% of the case were undertriage and 11.7% were overtriage.The most of undertriage cases was level 3 based on Emergency Severity Index  (ESI) system. There is a direct correlation between the mortality and hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and undertriage.

Conclusion. There was no statistically significant difference between proper triage and undertriage cases in  mean length of hospital stay, duration of hospitalization and emergency department waiting time for the first visit of  the emergency physician.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate anthropometric indices in acute myocardial infarction patients and their relationship with  some coronary heart disease risk factors.

Background. Several studies showed that not only the quantity, but also the distribution of the fat mass is important, because increased visceral fat tissue deposition is a risk factor for cardio-metabolic diseases.

Method. In this cross-sectional study with a descriptive correlational design, 140 patients with acute myocardial infarction were selected from cardiac care unit of Shariati and Rajaei hospital in Karaj, 2009. The sampling method was convenience. Demographic data and history of cardiovascular risk factors were collected through interview, and some medical information were reviewed from medical records, anthropometric indices were measured by balance scale and meter tape. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson coefficient correlation.

Findings. Neck circumference of 46.6% of men was over 40cm and 33.3% of women more than 37cm. Also, 53.9% of men and 74.1% of women had a waist circumference above 95 cm. Waist-to-hip ratio of 66.4% of men over 0.95 and 66.7% of women over 0.90. Waist-to-height ratio of 61.9%% of men over 0.55 and 66.7% of women over 0.62. Also, 13.3% of males and 29.6% of women had a BMI above 30 kg/m².There were significant positive correlation between triglyceride levels with neck circumference (p=0.006), waist circumference (p<0.001), waist-to-height ratio (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001), between cholesterol with neck circumference (p=0.009), waist circumference (p=0.001), waist-to-height ratio (p=0.003) and BMI (p<0.001), between LDL with waist circumference (P=0.005), waist-to-height ratio (p=0.014) and between glucose with waist-to-height (p=0.038). HDL had negative correlation with Waist-to-hip ratio (p<0.001) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.001).

Conclusion. More than half of myocardial infarction patients had central obesity. Central obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. It Seems that lifestyle change and weight loss are to be considered during cardiac rehabilitation programs for myocardial infarction patients with overweight and obesity for reduces cardiovascular risk factors.

Abstract

Aim. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between religious coping style and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background.Nowadays, beliefs and religious coping are considered as a significant factor in the development of psychological comfort and personal adaptation in patients with chronic diseases.

Methods. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 100 inpatients and outpatients with coronary artery disease in two selected teaching hospitals in Qom. Convenience sampling method was used to select patients. Short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and Pargament religious coping styles were used for data collection.

Results. The mean and standard deviation Scores for positive and negative religious coping style were respectively 23.36 (3.88) and 10.80 (3.91).Among patients, 54.2% had high scores on positive religious coping strategies and 40.6% had high scores on negative religious coping strategies.Regarding to quality of life ,there was statistically significant relationship between positive religious coping styles and physical pain (r=0.24, P<0.05) and inverse significant relationship between negative religious coping styles and social functioning and mental health (r=0.29, P<0.01).

Conclusion. Accordingly, teaching of coping skills focusing on strengthening religious coping styles in routine care of coronary artery patients may improve the quality of life and health status in these patients.

Abstract

Aim.The aim of this study was to compare the eight weeks of combined and aerobic training on body composition and strength in cardiac patient post- coronary artery bypass graft.

Background. Cardiac rehabilitation improves fitness and clinical status in cardiac patients after coronary artery bypass.

Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 20 cardiac patients under CABG surgery in  Tehran Heart Center were randomly divided into two groups, combined and aerobic training. The protocols of combined group included two movements  of the upper limbs (Pectoralis Major and Deltoid muscles) and two movements of  the lower limbs (quadriceps and Hamstring muscles) by 3 sets/10Rep and  aerobic group  with 60-85 minute exercises at 70-85% peak HR in three sessions per week for 8 weeks. Functional capacity (VO2peak), strength, body weight, BF percentage and WHR were assessed before and after the training protocol. The collected data were analyzed using the Independent and Paired t-tests.

Findings. There was an elevation of functional capacity following, combined (p<0.05) and aerobic (p=0.027) training with a significant further increase in the combined group (p=0.016). The strength increased significantly after combined training (p<0.05). The BF percentage with no significant difference between two groups, decreased significantly following the both training protocols (p<0.05).  

Conclusion. Combined aerobic-resistance training and aerobic training to improve functional capacity in Post CABG cardiac disease.However, Combined aerobic and resistance training is more effective than aerobic training in improving the functional capacity (cardiovascular fitness) and strength.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique (PMRT) on nurses' insomnia in Tehran Heart Center .

Background. Insomnia is a highly prevalent health complaint in adults in recent century, which make some nurses involved. Pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral therapies are effective for the treatment of insomnia however, the current treatments are associated with side effects and may reduce the level of accuracy.

Methods. This was a randomized, controlled clinical trial that involved all nurses of Tehran Heart Center using ISI questionnaire. Among nurses with  diagnosis of insomnia,60 people were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught PMRT and asked to do exercises before sleep, while the control group had no intervention.During a month, performing PMRT was reminded verbally or via short message service. After one month both experimental and control groups were re-evaluated by the ISI questionnaire.

Findings. As compared to the control group, the PMRT group had significantly lower post-treatment scores for insomnia severity (p < 0.001). The insomnia severity in the PMRT group was  significantly lower than that in the control group.

Conclusion. This study showed that PMRT might be effective in reducing insomnia in shift-work nurses with insomnia. This treatment leads to clinically significant sleep improvement within 4 weeks. Follow-up studies are required to find whether these improvements last for a long period of time.

Abstract

Aim.  This study was done to assess coronary artery angiography results in ACS patients referred to KashanShahidBeheshti hospital.

Background.Coronary artery disease is one of the most common diseases with the highest mortality rates in developed and developing countries.

Method. This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted using existent data through convenience sampling of 435 patients. The data were gathered using patient's records using tools including questionnaires and checklist. Variables include age, sex, diagnosis, physician name, left ventricle ejection fraction, dominant side of perfusion of cardiac muscle, type of physician recommendation and involved vessels. Finally, data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software, 16.0.

Findings. The results of this study  showed 56.1% of cases had mild (non-pathological) disorder and others (43.9%) had a severe stenosis in their coronary arteries. Also, 21% of cases had three vessel disease. Also, left anterior descending artery (LAD) was more stenoticthan  the other arteries.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was the assessment of respecting the patient’s privacy in cardiac care units.

Background. Increasing number of people with cardiovascular disease calls for increasing the number of Cardiac Care Units (CCU). The invasive and noninvasive procedures in these units can threaten patient’s privacy.

Method. This descriptive analytic study was conducted on 300 patients admitted to cardiac care units of Tehran›s selected hospitals. The patients were selected by convenient sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisted of two parts, demographics and privacy questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS software.

Findings. Based on the findings, 50.7% of the sample were Female. Mean age was 61.5=+11.95 year. Mean scores for respecting privacy dimensions ranged from 68.86% for physical privacy to 80.27% for social privacy. There was a statistically significant association of respecting patients privacy with age, sex, marital status, education and history of hospitalization.

Conclusion. Patient s privacy was respected in CCUs, but patient’s privacy is not still respected perfectly. CCU managers should pay more attention to this subject.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of foot reflexology massage on incisional pain in thoraco-abdominal surgery patients admitted to surgery intensive care unit.

Background. Although the most commonly used method of pain relief is pharmacologic, the medications prescribed excessively for severe and chronic pain in patients have side effects and non-pharmacological methods of pain relief may be useful.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 102 patients within the age range of 25 to 50 years without any other surgical complication, and normal feet which have undergone thoraco-abdomical surgery were enrolled. They were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups: massage group, pseudo-massage group and control group. The pain was measured Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before, right after, 10 minute and 24 hours after the treatment. Other data was extracted from medical records. The information was analyzed by SPSS using appropriate statistical tests.

Findings. According to the findings, there were no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age sex marital status educational levels underlying diseases and type, duration and severity of the surgery. The pain score was not significantly different between groups before and right after the intervention. However, 10 minutes and 24 hours after the intervention, pain score was lower in the massage group. The use of pharmacological analgesics had also reduced in the massage group.

Conclusion. Foot reflexology was effective on incisional pain after thoraco-abdominal surgery. Nurses can use this intervention to improve patient comfort and decrease  pain medications administration in thease patients.

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of concentric and eccentric isokinetic contractions and subsequent recovery period on the hemodynamic factors in men.

Background. Nowadays, with advances in technology and producing the innovative training equipment, performing different resistance exercise protocols for improving the muscular and cardiovascular function is possible.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, ten healthy male subjects were volunteered to participate in the study and performed two protocols of Concentric/Concentric (CON/CON) and Eccentric/Eccentric (ECC/ECC) isokinetic contractions (4 sets, 10 repetitions, 60˚/S) including knee flexion and extension with dominant leg, in two separate sessions. Hemodynamic factors were measured before, immediately and 30 min after exercise.

Findings. Statistical analyses of data showed that hemodynamic parameters increased in response to both isokinetic contractions (p<0.001) and decreased following recovery period. Moreover, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Rate Pressure Product (RPP) responses to two types of contractions (CON/CON and ECC/ECC) were significantly different (p<0.05). Regardless of contraction type, the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) increased significantly from 1st set to 4th set though, these changes were not significantly different between two protocols (p>0.05).

Conclusion. Hemodynamic changes in response to CON/CON was higher than ECC/ECC protocol which shows that the acute ECC/ECC is safer than CON/CON protocol.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of massage therapy on sleep quality of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Background. Poor sleep quality is common among patients following CABG and has been noticeable for more than 30 years.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 72 patients, who had undergone CABG in Isfahan Chamran Hospital were were recruited. The patients were randomly assigned to the two experimental and control groups. The patients of the experimental group received light pressure stroking massage for 20 minutes in four sessions after the surgery. The patients in control group received only the routine care. The patients› sleep quality was measured before and after the intervention with St Mary›s Hospital Sleep Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 18 and descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for data analysis.

Findings. Mean scores for sleep quality before the intervention in the experimental and control groups were 22.5±3.6 and 22±3.8, respectively, and no statistically significant difference seen between them. After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores for sleep quality of the experimental and control groups (11.8±2.8 vs 15.5±4.7) (P<0.001).

Conclusion. The use of massage therapy can promote sleep quality of patients after CABG and due to low cost and simplicity it can be used as a complement to drug therapy and postoperative interventions implemented in these patients.

Abstract

Aim. The aim was to describe epidemiologic characteristics of cardiovascular patients admitted to Jahrom hospitals.

Background. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in most countries including Iran. It is the major cause of disability. Cardiovascular disorders are counted as one ofn the most preventable, noncomunicable illnesses in human.

Method. In this retrospective descriptive study, 2392 medical records of patients admitted to the hospital in 2012-2013 with a primary diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases were studied. Data were obtained from a checklist with two parts, the first part included demographic information and the second part was about different types of heart disease, cardiovascular risk factors, and duration of hospitalization and outcome of the disease. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software.

Findings. According to the findings, 53.2% of patients were female, and 46.8% were male. Of the patients, 99% were married and 61.2% were native. The mean age of the sample was 60±12.5 and the majority were in the age range of 42-83 years. The most common cardiovascular disease were angina and hypertension, respectively. Among patients with heart disease, 53.8% died of a sudden heart attack, 5.8% due to cardiac arrhythmias, 5.1% due to congestive heart failure, 3.5% of acute myocardial infarction and 0.5% due to angina. In patients with vascular disease, 8.3% died due to deep vein thrombosis and 2.3% died due to hypertension.

Conclusion. With controlling risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, high blood cholesterol and body weight, it is possible to greatly prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

Aim. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of spritual care based on «GHALBE SALIM» model on spritual experiences of the patients who have undergone coronaryartery bypass surgery.

Background. Patients undergoing open heart surgery, experience a crisis in their life. Every crisis is considered as a spiritual crisis and creates a unique experience that is rooted in culture and religion. Spiritual intervention which considers the spiritual mutual experience of the therapist and client is called spiritual care based on «GHALBE SALIM» model.

Method. In this clinical trial, 60 patients, candidated for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery, were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Experimental group received spiritual care based on»GHALBE SALIM» model during hospital stay. The questionnaire Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES) was completed by patients at the time of admission and discharge.

Findings. The level of spritual experiences at the time of hospitalization was not statristically significant between groups. On discharge, after implementing «GHALBE SALIM» model, the level of spritual experiences in experimental group was significantly higher in comparison with control group (P<0.001).

Conclusion. Spiritual care based on «GHALB SALIM» model increases the level of spiritual experiences and could be performed for meeting spiritual needs of patients.

Abstract

Aim.The aim of this study was to assess the effects of concurrent aerobic-resistance training on Hs-CRP and body composition in sedentary middle-age men.

Background. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the primary cause of death and disability in both men and women worldwide. Moreover, it has been shown that high sensitivity- C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), as a marker for future cardiovascular events, has an inverse relationship with physical fitness in sedentary individuals. However, it is suggested that lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity have therapeutic and protective effects against CVD.

Method.Thirty sedentary middle- aged men (aged 30–50 years) voluntarily participated in this research and assigned in one of experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Participants in experimental group performed the progressive concurrent training, three days a week for eight weeks. At baseline and after 8 weeks, venous blood samples were obtained to measure Hs-CRP concentration. Moreover, body composition and anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, body fat percentage) were measured. Data were analyzed by using paired and independent t-tests.

Findings. After 8 weeks of concurrent training, a significant decrease was seen in serum Hs-CRP in the experimental group compared to control group (p<0.05). Moreover, the concurrent training induced a significant decrease in body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index, and waist to hip ratio (p<0.05), while these parameters remained unchanged in the control group.

Conclusion. According to this study, 8-week concurrent exercise training resulted in beneficial improvement in body composition and HS-CRP. Accordingly, it can be concluded that they can be effective therapeutic methods to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary middle-age men.

Abstract

Aim.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of patient teaching on self-care behaviors with media clips in patients with permanent pacemaker.

Background. One of the most common causes of death after myocardial infarction is arrhythmia. One of the methods to control the arrhythmia resistant to treatment is implantation of pacemaker. The studies that have been done on patients with electrical devices show that most of patients don’t have any information about how to take care of their device and need more education for self-care.

Method. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients scheduled to receive permanent pacemakers at Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center in 2012. The patients were recruited to either control or intervention group through block randomization method. Data were collected using demographic checklist. The intervention group patients together with one of their close family members received one session of self-care education on the pre-implantation day. The session was 30 minutes long and contained the use of educational media clip. At the end of the session, the patients were given an “educational package”. Following implantation, the intervention group were contacted weekly for a one-month period. Finally, the variables were compared between the two groups via independent t-test, chi-square test, repeated variance analysis, and using SPSS version 15.

Findings. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups (P=0.106) however, after intervention, a meaningful difference was observed in all these variables in the intervention group (P<0.0001).

Conclusion. The results of this study showed that education of self-care behaviors with media clip could have an impact on the self-care of post-pacemaker implantation patients and we recommend this method to improve patient’s knowledge and self-care behaviors and minimize the number of re-hospitalization in these patients.

Abstract

Aim.The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of nutrition knowledge and physical activity level with total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in men with myocardial infarction (MI).

Background. Myocardial infarction is the most common cardiovascular disease and considered as the main cause of mortality in the world including Iran. The studies show modification of unhealthy lifestyle is a preventive method in cardiovascular diseases.Nutrition knowledge and physical activity are important factors in reducing serum lipid levels and prevention of cardiovascular disease, particularly myocardial infarction. Modification and promotion of nutrition knowledge and physical activity levels in individuals with history of cardiovascular disease may reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

Method. This is a quasi-experimental study in which 150 men from Milad Hospital in Tehran (mean age of 58.01 with standard deviation of 3.58 years, mean weight of 80.8 with standard deviation of 13.18 Kg, and mean height 174.24 cm with standard deviation 6.43 cm) were selected by Morgan table to fill two questionnaires of nutrition knowledge (Wardle 1999) and of physical activity level. After 12 hours fasting, HDL-C, LDL-C and total cholesterol levels were measured in all subjects. The data was analyzed in the significance level of 0.05.

Findings. The findings showed that there was a statistically significant correlation of nutrition knowledge and physical activity level with LDL-C and total cholesterol in adult men with MI, but no significant correlation with HDL-C was found.

Conclusion. According to the results, with promoting nutrition knowledge and physical activity level in men with MI, the risk of cardiovascular diseases (especially myocardial infarction) can be controlled.

Abstract

Aim. This study  aimed to explore the effectiveness of storytelling technique on professional communication skills of  nurses in critical care units of ShahidRajaee Heart Center.

Background.  Patient Communication  skill is one of the most important aspects of nursing profession that can improve the overall abilities of  nurses and  health care team. Sharing the tacit knowledge on patient communication skills is one of the issues with which nursing system encountered. Retirement of experienced  nurses causes  a considerable loss of  tacit knowledge. One of the best ways to transfer tacit knowledge is to apply the storytelling  technique in transferring these experiences.

Method.This  was a quasi-experimental study with control group. It was conducted on 130 nurses, working in the ICU, who were randomly divided into groups of  intervention and control. The intervention group was instructed via storytelling on clinical experiences within 6 hours. The effect of the intervention was tested through a self-reflective questionnaire completed by both groups before the intervention and  one month later. To analyze the data, paired and independent T-test, Chi-square, Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test and the analysis of covariance via SPSS version 21 were applied.

Finding. Results showed that the intervention and control groups` pre-test scores were 104.60 with standard deviation of 7.60 and 103.13 with a standard deviation of 9.60, respectively. Furthermore, their post-test scores were estimated  as 117.92  with a standard deviation of  4.37 and 102.25 with standard deviation of  8.66 accordingly. There was a statistically significant difference between the post-test scores of intervention and control groups regarding their professional communication skills (p< 0.001). According to the sample based effect sizes, 71.4% of the variability in the post-test is caused by the intervention.

Conclusion. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that storytelling technique enhances the clinical competency of nurses in terms of professional effective communication with both patients and colleagues. Therefore, this technique can be introduced as an effective way to promote professional communication.