Revista de Enfermagem e Cuidados

Secure systems aimed at preventing medication error are the essential. Our objective was to describe and map the medication system of a large hospital in Brasilia, DF, Brazil and propose risk management strategies for their principal weaknesses. For this cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study, the data was collected with the support of two nurses trained by the researcher. Direct observations and semi-structured interviews of professionals involved in the medication system covered the processes: prescription, dispensing, preparation, and administration of medications. The data collection period was from May 8 to 22, 2012. Eight nursing technicians from this study site, who are responsible for the preparation and administration of medications, participated in the study. We identified 34 activities, undertaken by different professionals, which show the complexity and greater possibility of error. The weaknesses identified include interruptions, displacement, environmental problems, human resources, lack of patient identification, infrastructure, technical problems during preparation and administration, as well as deficiencies in compliance with rules and security protocols. It was concluded that the more the process is computerized the less weaknesses are present. Therefore, implementation of risk management strategies and the use of technologies are needed to detect and reduce risks to ensure the quality of the executed processes.

Objective: To illustrate the experiences and perceived benefits of healing yoga as described by patients with breast cancer participating in a healing yoga program. Methods: The qualitative research with naturalistic design was conducted after the completion of an 8 weeks healing yoga program. A total of 11 breast cancer women with adjuvant chemotherapy were interviewed using the semi-structured interview guidelines. Findings: Participants expressed their experiences of healing yoga, including transforming concern to confidence, regaining a sense of belonging, gaining experience and satisfaction, and leading the way for life, were critical in developing these benefits. The perceived benefits of participating in this program was described as positive mental support, promoted a mind-body interaction and provided benefits ascribed to social activities, leading to a reported increase in active participation in life. Conclusion: This study gives support for the positive experiences of healing yoga among patients with a breast cancer. The objective effect of the healing yoga must be examined further to guide nurses in implementing suitable health promotional strategies for breast cancer patients.

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is one of the deadliest diseases patients face. The key to cardiovascular disease management is to evaluate large scores of datasets, compare and mine for information that can be used to predict, prevent, manage and treat chronic diseases such as heart attacks. Big Data analytics, known in the corporate world for its valuable use in controlling, contrasting and managing large datasets can be applied with much success to the prediction, prevention, management and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Data mining, visualization and Hadoop are technologies or tools of big data in mining the voluminous datasets for information. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to identify usage of Big Data analytics in heart attack prediction and prevention, the use of technologies applicable to big data, privacy concerns for the patient, and challenges and future trends as well as suggestions for further use of these technologies. Methods: The national and international databases were examined to identify studies conducted about big data analytics in healthcare, heart attack prediction and prevention, technologies used in big data, and privacy concerns. A total of 31 studies that fit these criteria were assessed. Results: Per the studies analyzed, Big Data analytics is useful in predicting heart attack, and the technologies used in Big Data are extremely vital to the management and tailoring of treatment for cardiovascular disease. And as the use of Big Data in healthcare increases, more useful personalized medicine will be available to individual patients. Conclusion: This review offers the latest information on Big Data analytics in healthcare, predicting heart attack, and tailoring medical treatment to the individual. The results will guide providers, healthcare organizations, nurses, and other treatment providers in using Big Data technologies to predict and manage heart attack as well as what privacy concerns face the use of Big Data analytics in healthcare. Effective and tailored medical treatment can be developed using these technologies.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the significance of clinical supervision amongst Bridging course learners at the selected hospitals in Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, contextual and descriptive design was used and this approach was regarded as the most appropriate for this study. The population of this study consisted of the learner nurses in the Bridging Course Programme (R683) leading to registration as a General Nurse. Purposive, non-probability sampling method was used to select the participants. Data collection: Data was collected by means of focus group discussion interviews during which participants were able to describe their experiences of the clinical placement in the real life setting and the support received from the professional nurses, data were collected until data saturation was reached. Data analysis: The researcher used the process of bracketing and remained neutral, setting aside previous knowledge and beliefs about the phenomenon under investigation. The researcher listened to the audiotapes used for data collection several times until the researcher completely satisfied with the interpretation of the verbatim data. Ethical consideration: The researcher sought for approval to collect data from the appropriate authority at the University of Venda, the Provincial Department of Health and the bridging students in each institution.

Introduction: Inappropriate initial antimicrobial therapy leads to higher mortality in patients with bloodstream infection. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between risk factors, etiology and antimicrobial therapy on mortality rates of patients with bloodstream infection. Methods: Between January 2016 to December 2016, 167 patients with bloodstream infection were prospectively evaluated according to the presence or absence of inappropriate antimicrobial therapy of infection. Hospital mortality was the main outcome variable compared between the two study groups. Results: Infected patients who received inappropriate antimicrobial therapy had statistically more diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal disease and death than infected patients who initially received appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Loading dose error and error in starting antimicrobial administration were the most frequently detected error in our study and both were determinant factors related to increased mortality. Initial antimicrobial therapy was maintained, escalation and de-escalation 67.6%, 22.7% and 9.6% of cases, respectively. Coagulase negative staphylococci represented the majority reaching 40.7% and multi-drug resistant microorganisms were detected in 27.3% of infections. There was no observed difference in mortality rates among infections caused by resistant or susceptible microorganisms. Conclusion: Loading dose error and error in starting antimicrobial administration, were the most frequently detected error in our study and both were determinant factors related to increased mortality. Beside the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the delay in starting antimicrobial therapy was the only independent factor that increased mortality.

Aim: The aim of this study is to define and evaluate factors related to the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) of intensive care unit nurses working at Adnan Menderes University. Methodology: The population of the study consisted of 60 nurses studying and at working at university hospitals. The sample size consisted of 40 nurses who volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected from January to March 2012. The Socio-demographic Features Data Form and the CCTDI were used as data collection tools. This inventory was developed based on the results of the Delphi Report in which critical thinking and disposition toward critical thinking were conceptualized by a group of critical thinking experts. The original CCTDI includes 75 items loaded on seven constructs. These are inquisitiveness, open-mindedness, systematicity, analyticity, truth-seeking, critical thinking self-confidence, and maturity. The SPSS 15.0 package software was used in the evaluation of data, which employed numbers, percentage estimations, arithmetic means, the Kruskal-Wallis Test, the t test and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: When total score means are examined, it is seen that the mean score obtained by the nurses was 190,90 ± 20,23. The CCTDI score means of the nurses taken into the scope of the study reveal that the mean score on the “truth-seeking” subscale was 21,50 ± 5,62; the mean score on the “Open-mindedness” subscale was 36.95 ± 7.32; the mean score on the “systematicity” subscale was 19,32 ± 3,56; the mean score on the “Self-confidence” subscale was 27,75 ± 6,02; the mean score on the “Inquisitiveness” subscale was 34,47 ± 6,00. It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the CCDTI scale mean scores and the nurses’ ages, years of study, income levels, and education levels (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study found the nurses’ critical thinking dispositions to be at a low level. To ensure the development of a critical thinking disposition in nursing, educational opportunities must be provided inside and outside the institution.

Introduction: Parents who care for Thalassemia children tolerate a great burden. Understanding these sufferings seems necessary in order to provide appropriate care. This study was aimed to explore the experiences of parents who have children with thalassemia. Method: A qualitative approach was used to obtain rich data. Twenty-two parents were recruited purposefully from one charity clinic in South East of Iran. Semi-structured interviews were used. Data were analyzed by Lundman and Granheim's content analysis method. Results: Data analysis led to form one main theme including “Parents’ Burden of care”. Within this theme the following categories created: immersion in suffering, stigma and social death, uncertainty about future, and absence of a support network. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that Caring for children with thalassemia have a significant impact on the lives of caregivers and alleviating caregivers’ burden is critical to managing parents. This research may be useful in terms of increasing information about thalassemia and raising consciousness of nurses and other health care providers.

Objective: To understand the meaning attributed by menopausal women to coronary artery disease. Method: A descriptive and exploratory study of qualitative - quantitative approach, carried out between June and August 2013 in the cardiology service in north eastern Maranhão - Brazil. It was used the symbolic interactionism and the method of content analysis. In the quantitative phase, the data collection instrument was the Menopause Rating Scale with forty (40) women; from these 40 women, twenty five (25) took part in the qualitative phase. Results: The coronary artery disease is described as a serious and incurable manifestation of multifactorial nature, with intense symptoms, feelings and emotions (rapid heartbeat, palpitations, fatigue, pain, disability, dependence). Discussion: A change is revealed in their daily lives, what turns them into fragile, insecure women. A conflict between the desirable world and the real world, endowed with meaning and significance. Conclusion: Heart disease is responsible for the biggest changes in their lives, a threat to their physical and emotional integrity, placing them in the sick role.

Background: Venous ulcers, characterized as discontinuous areas of epidermis, are caused by venous hypertension and insufficiency of the muscle pump. They can affect the patient's life quality and cause aesthetic deformity, complications and serious sequelae. Objective: This study investigates the combined effects of photodynamic therapy, laser therapy and cellulose membrane on the healing of venous wounds. Methods: Seven patients at an average of 70 years old and with ulcer history for more than one year were selected. The patients received 3 times per week the application of photodynamic therapy and cellulose membrane; and 2 times per week was applied laser therapy. Results: The results show the reduction of area of ulcer in 7 session (p<0.04) and 8 session (p<0.02). Conclusion: The ulcers treatment proposes can decrease the healing time of venous ulcers and promote higher life quality for patients.

Objective: Monitoring of tuberculosis treatment outcome is scarcely done in Ethiopia. This study investigated the outcomes of tuberculosis treatment at Bale Robe Hospital in Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the profile and treatment outcome of all tuberculosis patients registered from September, 2007 to August, 2012 at tuberculosis Clinic was conducted. Patients’ socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment outcomes were were extracted from registration document. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine treatment outcomes predictor variables. Results: We analyzed treatment outcomes of 916 tuberculosis patients, of which 544 (59.6 %) were males. Of these 180 (19.7%) were cured, 536 (58.5%) were found completed their treatment, while 82 (9%) were died, in addition, 55 (6.0%) and 54 (5.9%) were defaulters and transferred out respectively. Overall, 716 (78.2%) had a successful and 200 (21.8%) a poor treatment outcome. Being female (AOR 1.23, P=0.05), HIV positive (0.48, P<0.001) and new TB patients (AOR 2.17, P=0.002) were significantly associated with treatment outcome. Patients aged ≤ 14 had significantly high treatment success rate (AOR 4.99, P=0.003) followed by 35-44 years (AOR 3.5, P=0.009) and 25-34 years (AOR 2.52, P=0.029). Tuberculosis patients with HIV co-infection (AOR 4.32, P=<0.001), smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis (AOR 2.00, P=0.05) and age ≥ 65 years (AOR 5.50, P=0.03) were more likely to experience death than their counter parts. Conclusion: The treatment success rate of 78.2% tuberculosis patients was fairly good. However, a high proportion of patients (9%) death and 22.2% of HIV prevalence among TB patients is a serious public health concern that needs to be addressed urgently in the area.

Objective: To determine if knowledge acquired during nursing career influence the health habits of students: drugs consumption, diet, exercise and sexual behavior. To identify areas for improvement in the curricula of nursing career, as well as the specific weaknesses presented by these students. Design: Literature review by searching primary documents of original researches on the subject through secondary sources, making a critical and thorough evaluation of such documents. Data sources: Original articles from four databases: PubMed/Medline, Spanish Medical Index, CINAHL and Scopus. Review methods: DeCS/MeSH "Students, Nursing", "Health Behavior" "Health Promotion", "Life Style", "Alcohol Drinking", "Smoking", "Unsafe Sex", "Drug Users", "Feeding Behavior", "Sedentary, Lifestyle" and "Risk-taking" were used, applying AND/OR boolean. Inclusion criteria established were: quantitative research in any design, participating nursing students, published in scientific journals from 2005 to 2015 in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Exclusion criteria: references outside the desired focus and repeated articles. Results: 21 references were included in the literature review. 85% of them (n=18) had a descriptive crosssectional design, 9.5% (n=2) a longitudinal observational design and 4.7% (n=1) a quasi-experimental design. 43% of articles (n=9) were focussed about substance abuse, 38% (n=8) about physical activity and healthy eating, 9.5% (n=2) about sexual behaviors of students, and another 9.5% (n=2) about the importance of knowledge on Health Promotion in the development of professional and personal lives. Conclusion: Nursing students have a better predisposition to improve their health habits than other non-medical qualifications students. They have healthier behaviours related to toxic intakes or sex relationships. The evolution and formation of students throughout nursing degree, in general, improve their health habits, although sometimes they could be damaged by factors such as academic overload. The implementation of education programs in the field of Health Promotion is deemed necessary for the university stage.