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Shiva Khaleghparast, Mahnaz Mayel Afshar, Majid Maleki, Nasim Naderi, Behrooz Ghanbari, Hosseini Shirin ,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the implementation of clinical surveillance model on the amount of education provided to cardiac patients.
Background. Clinical supervision is a relationship between nurse and observer that promotes the development of nursing professional skills.
Method. This is a quasi-experimental before-after study without control group. The stratified sampling method was used to recruit 300 patients based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The researcher used the data-gathering form to record teachings provided to patients by nurses and also, the rate of their registration in the medical record. Clinical surveillance model included planning, monthly meetings with health education volunteers, classified teaching, daily clinical supervision, follow-up, identifying the weaknesses of nurses in providing training to cardiac patients and corrective actions in a regular and continuous basis for one year. After the intervention, teachings provided to patients by nurses and also, the rate of their registration in the medical record were re-evaluated. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 19.
Findings. After intervention, the amount of teaching provided by nurses at the time of admission, during hospitalization and at the time of discharge was significantly increased (P<0.001). The findings also showed that the patients were more satisfied with the received teaching after intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion. Continuous and regular monitoring has a significant role in the amount of education provided to patients by nurses. It is recommended to plan management and supervisory programs to be implemented for nurses involved in patient education.
Anolin Aslan, Roya Khorami, Jalal Rezaii, Mohammad Godarzi, Zahra Abbasi Dolatabadi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. The purpose of this study is to review new achievements in prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in orthopedic surgeries.
Background.
Method. This is a comprehensive review of literature published between 1998-2017 about prevention and treatment of VTE in orthopedic surgeries that was conducted through searching scientific databases and search engines Ovid, Science Direct, Medline, Google Scholar, and PubMed using the English and Persian forms of the words Apixaban, Dabigatran, Heparin, orthopedic procedures, venous thromboembolism, and Fondaparinux. In total, 35 English papers and 10 Persian papers were found, out of which 25 papers were included in the review.
Findings. The risk of VTE is increased considerably during orthopedic surgeries. It is associated with important morbidities and also can increase mortality rate. Without prophylaxis, there is a noticeably increased risk of both venous and pulmonary embolism. Choosing a prophylactic pharmacologic agent depends on its efficacy and safety and also, on the presence of comorbidities and patient preferences.
Conclusion. The features of primary preferred primary prophylactic method is easy management safety, effectiveness with limited or no need for laboratory observation, and cost effectiveness. The use of prophylactic anticoagulation in patient undergoing major orthopedic surgeries considerably reduces the risk of VTE, but does not completely exclude it.
Pouya Farokhnezhad Afshar, Parvin Ashkanirad, Sara Hosseini,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of nurses working in intensive care units about obstacles and supportive behaviors of end of life care.
Background. End of life care is an important part of nursing duties in intensive care units. Exploring supportive behaviors of end of life care from the perspective of nurses may lead to better understanding of supportive behaviors and obstacles of end of life care.
Method. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 160 staff nurses, working in intensive care units in Rajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, were recruited by random sampling in 2016. Data were collected using demographic form and the questionnaire “National Survey of Critical-Care Nurses Regarding End-of-Life Care” (NSCCNR-EOL) and analyzed in SPSS version 22 software using descriptive statistics.
Findings. The most important obstacle in end-of-life care was "family and friends who continually call the nurse wanting an update on the patient's". In the field of supportive care, "After the patient's death, having support staff compile all the necessary paper work for you" received the highest score.
Conclusion. Based on the findings, in critical care nurses views, appropriate training on end-of-life care and palliative care for staff, educating families about issues of death and dying, and the holistic care of patients and their families improve end-of-life care of dying patients.
Marzieh Rezaei, Shahrzad Ghiasvandian, Masoumeh Zakeri Moghadam,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This study aimed to compare physicians’ and nurses' perceptions of futile care.
Background. Futile medical care is the provision of medical care or treatment to a patient when there is no reasonable hope or chance of a benefit. Determination of perceptions of futility is crucial to reduction of situations leading to futility and end-of-life decision-makings.
Method. The present study is a descriptive-comparative cross-sectional study in which 114 nurses and 57 physicians working in intensive care units of selective teaching hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were recruited by convenience sampling method based on the inclusion criteria. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire of futile care perception whose validity and reliability was assessed by experts, test-retest and Cronbach's Alpha methods. The Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics in SPSS software version 16.
Findings. The mean score of physicians’ and nurses’ perceptions of futile care was 77.29±13.79. The mean score of nurses’ perception was 78.46±14.4, turned out to be higher than that of physicians (74.91±12.3). The highest level of consistency between the two groups was related to the item "ineffective communication" and “disregarding the members in the decision-making process by the ICU attending physician”. As for "stressfulness of futile medical care", nurses experienced higher stress levels and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in this regard.
Conclusion. The agreement on the most important factors affecting the perception of futility indicates consistency between physicians’ and nurses’ perceptions of futile care. The high perception scores in both groups, and the stressful nature of futile medical care require necessary training mechanisms needed to deal with such situations.
Mohsen Ziyaeifard , Ali Sadeghi, Rasool Ferasatkish , Mostafa Fatahi , Majid Basirat, Khadijeh Hashemi,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This study was conducted to evaluate effect of bedside teaching on critical care nurses' performance in airway suctioning
Background. One of the most effective measures in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation is suctioning the trachea to prevent the accumulation of potentially infectious pulmonary secretions and to clear the airway which is carried out by critical care nurses. If suctioning cannot be correctly performed, some complications may occur.
Method. This was a quasi-experimental study in which the study sample consisted of 54 critical care nurses working in Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Tehran, Iran. The nurses were recruited through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria. Critical care nurses’ performance in airway suctioning were evaluated before and two weeks after intervention using a checklist. The intervention included bedside teaching of suction procedure.
Findings. Two weeks after intervention, the mean score of performance in airway suctioning increased significantly (P≤0.0001). Hand washing or using hand was recorded only for 16 nurses before intervention and for 35 nurses after intervention. Maintaining catheter sterility during suctioning was considered by 28 nurses before intervention, and by 40 nurses after intervention. Correct procedure documentation and recording secretion characteristics before and after intervention were carried out by 13 and 34 nurses, respectively. While activating suction during bringing the catheter out of endotracheal tube was done by 31 nurses before intervention, after intervention 41 nurses did so.
Conclusion. Bedside teaching of correct airway suctioning for critical care nurses enhance their performance in this procedure.
Mis Shirin Sheikhi, Mis Narges Sadeghi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Absrtact
Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between critical care nurses’ occupational stress and their child anxiety in Shahid Rahimi Hospital in Khoramabad City, Iran, in 2017.
Background. Work-family conflict is the source of stress that most people, especially nurses experience and its consequences can also affect family members.
Method. This study is a cross-sectional analytical study in which all critical care nurses (n=150) in Shahid Rahimi Hospital in Khoramabad City, Iran, were recruited using census sampling method and based on inclusion criteria. To collect data, a demographic form, Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS)-Parent Version, and Nurses Stress Scale were used. Data analysis was conducted SPSS 19 using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings. The average scores of nurses’ stress and child anxiety were 75.61±14.98 and 77.04±11.14, respectively. Pearson Correlation Coefficient showed the relationship between critical care nurses job stress and child anxiety (p=0.008, r=0.214).
Conclusion. Critical care nurses' job stress increases the anxiety of their children. Therefore, providing some programs for reducing nurses’ job stress is recommended.
Shirin Shirali, Zahra Dashtbozorgi,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This study aimed to determine the effect of existential group therapy on distress tolerance, existential anxiety, meta-worry and health worry in elderly women with cardiovascular disease.
Background. Elderly women with cardiovascular disease have major problems in psychological health and one of the intervention methods for reducing psychological problems is existential group therapy.
Method. This study was a semi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design with control group. In this study, 40 elderly women with cardiovascular disease referred to Mehr hospital of Ahvaz city in 2018, were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly divided into experimental and control group. Experimental group experienced 10 sessions of 60 minutes duration existential group therapy and the control group was placed on the waiting list for training. Research tools were the questionnaires distress tolerance, existential anxiety, meta-worry and health worry. Data were analyzed in SPSS software version 21 with using independent t-tests and multivariate analysis of covariance.
Findings. Before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in distress tolerance, existential anxiety, meta-worry and health worry, but after intervention, a statistically significant difference was observed between groups in terms of all four variables (P≤0.0001). In the other words, the method of existential group therapy increased distress tolerance (F=52.158, P≤0.0001), and decreased existential anxiety (F=67.813, P≤0.0001), meta-worry (F=59.766, P≤0.0001) and health worry (F=60.475, P≤0.0001) in elderly women with cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion. The results indicated the effect of existential group therapy on increasing distress tolerance and decreasing existential anxiety, meta-worry and health worry in elderly women with cardiovascular disease. It is recommended that clinical psychologists and therapists use the method of existential group therapy along with other therapeutics methods for improving psychological health of elderly women with cardiovascular disease.
, ,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This review study was conducted to explain the causes of prehospital delay in Iranian people experiencing myocardial infarction.
Background. While rapid diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction reduces mortality, improves heart function and most importantly, improves the patient's prognosis, studies show that some people experiencing the symptoms of myocardial infarction return to medical centers with delay.
Method. In this review study, SID database was used to search out articles published from 2001 to 2019. The keywords “acute myocardial infarction” and prehospital delay” was uysed to searching out the articles. Articles with accessible full text were reviewed in this study.
Findings. The review of articles related to the factors of prehospital delay in Iranian people experiencing acute myocardial infarction included expecting spontaneous recovery, attributing the disease to non-cardiovascular causes, unawareness of the symptoms of cardiovascular disease, not paying attention to the symptoms of the disease and taking medication arbitrarily, having an underlying disease such as diabetes, low level of pain in the onset, sex, old age, low education, low income, place of residence, insignificance of pain, being alone at the time of acute myocardial infarction, onset of symptoms from midnight to early morning, negative history of heart disease, and the gradual onset of symptoms.
Conclusion. The results of this review showed that the most important factors in prehospital delay of Iranian people experiencing myocardial infarction individual factors and misunderstanding of the disease. Health care team should work to improve public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
Ali Hosseinzadeh, Mahnaz Varedi Kolahi, Esmaeil Mohammadnejad, Rasool Raznahan,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (3-2019)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. The present study aimed to determine the quality of end-of-life nursing care in the intensive care unit from the perspective of critical care nurses.
Background. Assessing the quality of nursing care is one of the most important strategies for nurse mangers to improve nursing care services and achieve high-quality nursing practice; it is crucial to assess this index on a regular basis.
Method. In this descriptive cross sectional-study, data were collected using modified quality of nursing care questionnaire. The questionnaire was adopted from the standardized Quality Patient Care Scale in psychosocial, physical, and communication dimensions. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit 191 registered nurses participated in the study within a 2-month period. The data were analyzed SPSS version 20 using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings. The mean score for quality of end-of-life nursing care was 83.62±8.62 in the psychosocial dimension, 85.36±7.74 in the communication dimension, and 92.23±10.88 in the physical dimension. Quality was reported to be favorable in the psychosocial dimension (62 percent), communication (50.3 percent) and physical dimension (81.7 percent), respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the quality of end-of-life nursing care and passing educational course.
Conclusion. The quality of end-of-life nursing care was good from the perspective of critical care nurses, but it was not as good as expected in some dimensions. The psychosocial aspect of end-of-life nursing care needs to be improved. Taking measures and planning educational programs to improve the appropriate therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient and paying attention to the psychological and social needs of patients as much as possible can be an effective step in improving the quality of end-of-life care.
Mohammad Abbasi, Seyed Ali Tabaei,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (3-2019)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This review study was conducted to explain the causes of prehospital delay in Iranian people experiencing myocardial infarction.
Background. While rapid diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction reduces mortality, improves heart function and most importantly, improves the patient's prognosis, studies show that some people experiencing the symptoms of myocardial infarction return to medical centers with delay.
Method. In this review study, SID database was used to search out articles published from 2001 to 2019. The keywords “acute myocardial infarction” and prehospital delay” was uysed to searching out the articles. Articles with accessible full text were reviewed in this study.
Findings. The review of articles related to the factors of prehospital delay in Iranian people experiencing acute myocardial infarction included expecting spontaneous recovery, attributing the disease to non-cardiovascular causes, unawareness of the symptoms of cardiovascular disease, not paying attention to the symptoms of the disease and taking medication arbitrarily, having an underlying disease such as diabetes, low level of pain in the onset, sex, old age, low education, low income, place of residence, insignificance of pain, being alone at the time of acute myocardial infarction, onset of symptoms from midnight to early morning, negative history of heart disease, and the gradual onset of symptoms.
Conclusion. The results of this review showed that the most important factors in prehospital delay of Iranian people experiencing myocardial infarction individual factors and misunderstanding of the disease. Health care team should work to improve public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
Roghayyeh Ghanbarpour Jouybari, Fereshteh Araghian Mojarad, Seyyed Mahmoud Samadian Kiamohaleh, Hedayat Jafari,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. The aim of this study was to review the effect of music as a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, inexpensive method with no side effects, on people with heart disease
Background. Heart disease is a common disease with considerable annual mortality. This review study investigates studies to bring a comprehensive view about the effect of music therapy on recovery of people with heart disease.
Method. This study was a narrative review in which studies in Persian and English language were searched out in databases/ search engines Magiran, SID, IranMedex, Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the keywords music therapy, heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, hypertension, hypertension, heart surgery and open heart surgery. Inclusion criteria included articles being published in Persian or English language that examined the effect of music on recovery of people with heart disease. There was no time limit for articles under review. Exclusion criteria included articles that their full text were not accessible.
Findings. Out of 24 articles, the most of them (10 articles) examined the effect of music on hypertensive patients and on vital signs in heart patients (8 articles). The results showed that the effect of music on the recovery of heart patients included increasing the percentage of oxyhemoglobin saturation, relieving pain, reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue. The music had no effect on mean arterial pressure and respiration. There were conflicting results regarding the effect of music on blood pressure and heart rate.
Conclusion. Considering the easy and cost-free application of this method, it is recommended that the health care team and especially nurses use this non-invasive method in the care of people with heart disease.
Nasibeh Barani, Fatemeh Bahramnezhad, Khatereh Seylani, Farshad Sharifi, Alun C. Jackson, Behzad Ahsan,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This review study aimed to investigate the role of thirst in the development of delirium in patients admitted to intensive care units.
Background. Delirium is a common clinical syndrome in patients admitted to intensive care units, affecting approximately one-third of these patients. Delirium is a multidimensional phenomenon. One of the most important and controversial factors in the occurrence of delirium is the phenomenon of thirst.
Method. This study was conducted by searching out Persian and English databases of Magiran, SID, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, without publication year consideration and using the keywords "thirst", "dehydration", "hyperosmolarity" and "delirium". Of 55 articles retrieved, 17 articles were reviewed by the research team among, and finally, after complying with the inclusion criteria and evaluating the quality of articles, 6 articles were included in the study.
Findings. The findings of the present study showed that tolerating the thirst for more than 24 hours is a risk factor for delirium. The role of fluid deficiency in the pathogenesis of delirium is not fully understood, but factors such as tissue hypoperfusion (especially in the brain and kidneys), increased concentrations of drugs or their metabolites in reduced intravascular volumes, and decreased renal function in excretion and/or drug metabolism are possible causes for development of delirium.
Conclusion. There is a lack of studies in this area and due to the importance of delirium and thirst in patients in the intensive care units or the elderly patients, more studies should be conducted in this area. All these factors calls for more attention and studies in this area.
Sara Lotfian, Fatemeh Kermani, Dr Pardis Moradnejad, Haleh Dadgostar, Maryam Talebi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This study was conducted to compare the prevalence of neck pain and disability among nurses in intensive care and general wards.
Background. Nursing is known as one of the ten occupations that are associated with musculoskeletal complications. In has been reported that neck and shoulder disorder are more common among nurses with high physical workload than those with low physical workload. So far, few studies have been performed on neck problems in nurses working at intensive care unit.
Method. In this cross-sectional descriptive-comparative study, 40 nurses from intensive care units and 40 nurses from general wards of Rasool Akram hospital, Tehran, Iran, were selected by convenience sampling method. Data collection in both groups was done through completing a checklist of demographic characteristics, Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NDPS) questionnaires by participants. The data was analyzed in SPSS version 22 using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings. The prevalence of neck pain and disability (measured by NDI and NPDS) in all nurses was 77.5 percent and 60 percent, respectively; 90 percent and 70 percent in nurses working at the intensive care units, and 65 percent and 50 percent in nurses working at general wards. The difference in scores measured by NDI was statistically significant between nurses working at the intensive care units and those working at general wards (P=0.014).
Conclusion. The prevalence of neck pain was significantly high in nurses, which could be due to their high workload that requires appropriate preventive measures and reduction of their physical workload.
Masoumeh Aghaei, Zahra Razaghi, Masoomeh Imanipour,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of intensive care unit nurses towards communicating with unconscious or conscious intubated patients unable to speak.
Background. Communication is one of the most important tools in patient care and is more important in intensive care units because many patients are unable to communicate verbally due to illness or treatment.
Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 174 nurses working in intensive care units. They were selected by convenience sampling method. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire through self-report. This questionnaire had two sections of views on communication with unconscious or conscious intubated patients unable to talk and factors related to non-communication with these patients which was completed either in paper or electronic form. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 26 using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation.
Findings. The results showed that the majority of the studied units (94.3 percent) had a positive attitude towards communicating with patients with speech disabilities admitted to intensive care units. It was also found that large number of patients, nurse's reluctance to work in intensive care units, loading of unprofessional tasks, psychological fatigue, and no mastery in communicative skills are more associated with communicating with this group of patients.
Conclusion. According to the positive attitude of nurses towards communicating with unconscious or conscious intubated patients unable to speak, this positive attitude can be used to improve nurses' communication performance. In addition, it is necessary to improve the quality and quantity of communication with patients with speech problems through management measures to control some factors related to communicating with patients with speech impediments.
Shiva Khaleghparast, Leyla Abdolkarimi, Monireh Kamali, Hamidreza Pouraliakbar, Masoumeh Rostami, Neda Shirkhanloo, Hamidreza Pasha, Fahimeh Farrokhzadeh, Samaneh Karimian, Saeideh Mazloomzadeh,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This study examines the relationship of COVID-19 infection with demographic characteristics of the staff at Rajaie Cardiovascular Institute during the first six months of the epidemic.
Background. The COVID-19 virus was first identified in December 2019 in China and then rapidly spread to other countries. One of the challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic was human resource management. This led managers to prioritize protecting and managing employee health and safety.
Method. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on the staff of the Rajaei Cardiovascular Institute who were infected with COVID-19 between February and September 22, 2020. Demographic characteristics and clinical variables of the patients were collected using clinical records, interviews with the infected individuals, and phone calls. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22.
Findings. Over six months, 448 individuals with a mean age of 38.86 years contracted COVID-19. Among them, 280 individuals (62.5 percent) were female. A total of 155 employees (67.1 percent) developed symptoms of the disease within one to five days after contact with an infected person. Additionally, 206 employees (48.4 percent) used all three protective measures—masks, gloves, and social distancing. Contact with an infected individual was observed as the most common method of disease transmission. The most common symptoms among the infected were myalgia, weakness, and fever, with only 3.5 percent requiring hospitalization.
Conclusion. Most patients, despite following health and personal protection guidelines, contracted COVID-19. Therefore, it seems that in addition to adhering to health guidelines, vaccination is also an important necessity to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Other factors, such as changes in virus strains and people's failure in following health protocols, also contribute to the spread of the disease.
Sahar Tavan, Nehleh Parandavar, Rasool Eslami Akbar, Mohsen Hojat, Mohammad Hashem Abdi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of wearing personal protective equipment against covid-19 during cardiopulmonary resuscitation on physiological measures and fatigue in student nurses.
Background. Exposure of health workers to respiratory secretions and droplets of patients causes many infections. The use of personal protective equipment by nurses, despite providing safety, is often described as uncomfortable.
Method. The current randomized controlled trial was conducted in practical nursing skills laboratory of nursing school affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in 2022. Student nurses studying at eight semester were recruited in the study by census sampling method and randomly allocated to either experimental or control group. Intervention was wearing PPE during CPR for experimental group (n=20) compared to the control group (n=20) not wearing PPE. Physiological measures (pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation percentage, and temperature) and fatigue index was measured before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 21.
Findings. Before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in heart rate, average systolic and diastolic blood pressure, percentage of oxygen saturation, fever and fatigue. After intervention, the means of pulse rate (p≤0.0001), systolic blood pressure (p=0.035), temperature (p≤0.0001), and fatigue score (p≤0.0001) in experimental group were significantly higher than the control group. The mean percentage of oxygen saturation after the intervention was not significantly different between the groups.
Conclusion. The use of personal protective equipment during cardiopulmonary resuscitation can affect physiological measures including blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature, and fatigue in student nurses. It is necessary to design personal protective equipment with minimal potential discomfort and the highest safety for healthcare providers.
Mahdi Hedayat, Maryam Moghimian, Raziyeh Amini,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This study aimed to examine the effect of implementing a risk management program on pharmaceutical calculation skills of nurses in cardiac care units.
Background. Patient safety and the early detection of medication errors are indicators of the quality of care. Risk management, through a systems-based approach, is an important strategy for preventing medication errors and harm to patients.
Method. This was a semi-experimental study. The study population was staff nurses working in the cardiac care units of Milad Hospital in Isfahan. Sixty nurses working in cardiac care units were selected based on inclusion criteria using a convenience sampling method, and they were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The intervention group participated in a risk management program delivered in eight 2-hour sessions, two sessions per week. The control group received the hospital training program. Data collection instruments included demographic form and nurses’ pharmaceutical calculation skills questionnaire, which were completed at the beginning and two weeks after the study. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21.
Findings. Before the study, there were no statistical significant differences between the two groups in pharmaceutical calculation skills, interest, ability, need for training, ease of pharmaceutical calculation skills, and medication errors. The mean score of the pharmaceutical calculation skills was in the “good” level. After the study, in the intervention group the nurses’ pharmaceutical calculation skills, ease of calculations, and ability increased significantly (p≤0.0001), whereas there was no significant change in the control group. After the study, the difference in pharmaceutical calculation skills between the intervention and control groups was significant (p≤0.0001).
Conclusion. Implementation of the risk management program significantly enhances nurses’ pharmaceutical calculation skills and is suggested as a strategy for promoting safe medication administration by nurses and achieving high-quality nursing care.
Atefeh Mehrabi, Mohammad Ziae Totonchi Ghorbani, Mahmood Sheikh Fathollahi, Dr Amirali Soheili, Shiva Khaleghparast,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim .The aim of this study was to assess the current status of death notification by healthcare staff to the families of deceased patients in the intensive care units of a specialized cardiovascular medical center in 2020.
Background. Delivering bad news, particularly death notification, is one of the most important and challenging responsibilities of healthcare providers in intensive care units (ICUs). This process has profound psychological and emotional impacts, not only on the patient, but also on their families. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the healthcare staff in delivering death news, identify existing strengths and weaknesses, and provide potential solutions for improving this process.
Method. This descriptive cross-sectional study used the SPIKES questionnaire to assess the communication skills of the healthcare staff in delivering death news. A total of 121 healthcare staff members from the intensive care units of the specialized cardiovascular medical center participated in the study, selected via census sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, and a significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Findings. Of the 232 death notifications, 32.3 percent were delivered in person, and 67.7 percent were delivered by phone. The mean score obtained from the SPIKES questionnaire was 3.70±1.56, indicating an average performance in delivering death news. This result suggests that the performance of the healthcare staff in this regard is reasonably acceptable but still has room for improvement. The study also found that, in this center, the majority of death notifications were delivered by phone, which contradicts global standards that emphasize delivering death news in a private and in-person setting.
Conclusion. This study showed that healthcare staff in intensive care units need continuous training in communication skills and methods for delivering bad news to patients' families. Additionally, the results indicate the necessity of developing standardized protocols for death notification in healthcare settings. It is recommended that senior management pay special attention to this matter and develop precise protocols to improve the quality of this process and prevent the psychological harm caused by delivering death news to families.
Samaneh Shahidifar, Rana Haddadi,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. This systematic review aimed to investigate the role of nurses in using artificial intelligence to monitor medication use and therapeutic behaviors in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Background. With the increasing complexity of cardiac care and cardiac patient medication regimens, the use of artificial intelligence as a clinical decision support tool, especially in the nursing profession, has become increasingly important. This technology can play an effective role in monitoring cardiac medication use, reducing medication errors, and improving patient treatment behaviors.
Method. This study was conducted as a systematic review. Electronic databases including CINAHL, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and SID were searched for relevant articles published between 2020 and 2025. Studies meeting predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected, and their quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. A total of 17 articles were included in the final analysis.
Findings. The results suggest that AI-based systems, including machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and risk prediction models, can help improve cardiac safety, monitor vital signs, and increase patient compliance with prescribed treatments. However, challenges were identified, such as nurses' resistance to technology, ethical concerns, threats to professional identity, lack of infrastructure, and issues related to data security and privacy.
Conclusion. Artificial intelligence demonstrates substantial potential to enhance nursing care quality, patient safety, and medication monitoring. Nevertheless, successful integration requires a human-centered approach, targeted education for nurses, organizational support, and preservation of clinical judgment.
Fatemeh Fakharzadeh Jahromi, Rasool Eslami Akbar,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Abstract
Aim. The aim of this study was to review and analyze the existing evidence regarding the methods, outcomes, and challenges of distance education in nursing for patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).
Background. ACS is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide, and patients face challenges in treatment adherence, lifestyle modification, and psychological management of the disease after discharge. In recent years, nurse-led interventions, particularly utilizing telenursing and communication technologies, have been proposed as novel strategies to improve post-discharge care.
Method. This study was conducted as a systematic review of published research examining nurse-led distance education interventions in patients with ACS. For data collection, the data bases and search engines including PubMed, Scopus, ISI, Google Scholar, and the Iranian Scientific Information Database were searched out over the last ten years (2011 to 2026). The search strategy combined keywords including Distance Education, Nursing Care, Coronary Syndrome, Telenursing, Patient Education, Cardiac Care, Telehealth, and their Persian equivalents. Included studies were randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, observational, and qualitative studies. Data were extracted focusing on the type of intervention, follow-up duration, outcomes, and challenges, and were synthesized using thematic analysis. Among 35 identified articles, after removing duplicates (n=5) and irrelevant articles (n=15) through screening of abstracts, 15 articles were selected for final eligibility assessment, and ultimately 11 articles were included in the study. The quality of evidence was assessed using the PRISMA checklist.
Findings. Nurse-led distance education interventions, according to the objectives of the present study, could be categorized into themes including improvement of clinical outcomes and lifestyle modification, enhancement of self-care and self-efficacy, improvement of patient experience and satisfaction, diverse telenursing methods, and executive and procedural barriers and challenges. Furthermore, telenursing education was associated with reductions in cardiovascular risk factors, increased physical activity, improved medication adherence, enhanced self-efficacy, improved quality of life, and increased happiness in patients with ACS.
Conclusion. Telenursing education is considered an effective and feasible approach for improving care and outcomes in patients with ACS. It can lead to improved clinical outcomes and lifestyle modification, while enhancing patient self-care and self-efficacy and increasing their satisfaction. Developing structured and sustainable programs and conducting future research with long-term follow-ups can help strengthen the evidence, effectively integrate these interventions into clinical care, and address executive barriers and challenges.
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