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Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a prevalent condition among breast cancer survivors, often exacerbated by oncological treatments. Hormonal therapies are typically contraindicated in this population, necessitating effective non-hormonal interventions.
This randomised controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multimodal pelvic floor physiotherapy—comprising pelvic floor muscle training, non-ablative radiofrequency, therapeutic pelvic health education and the use of vaginal moisturisers—versus fractional CO2 laser therapy combined with vaginal moisturisers in alleviating GSM symptoms in breast cancer survivors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. Primary outcomes include measures of sexual function (assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index), subjective pelvic perineal pain intensity (measured with a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale) and health-related quality of life (assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast), assessed at baseline, post-intervention and at 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Statistical analyses will be conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the interventions.
The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics and Health Research Committee of the University of Alcalá (Reference: CEIP/2024/1/012). All participants will provide informed consent prior to inclusion in the study. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations, and by engaging with patient associations and survivor groups through tailored materials.
The article describes the outcomes of a single-centre investigation on the use of OZOILE to improve the healing process in patients with chronic diabetic ulcers. This is a non-randomised interventional study which aims to assess the differences between two groups (total 200 patients) by evaluating healing time at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days. Pain assessment with VAS scale at 15, 30 and 45 days, biofilm test and tissue regeneration by histological evaluation were also taken into consideration. The outcomes show faster healing, reduced pain, control of local infection, aesthetically pleasing and qualitatively better healing. Our treatment strategy involves applying OZOILE detergent without rinsing, Ozoile spray oil and Ozoile cream followed by a non-adherent dressing (paraffin gauze). This integrated protocol shows a safe and effective treatment for diabetic chronic wound healing in a cost-effective manner. The group treated with the Rigenoma/Ozoile protocol demonstrated significantly superior outcomes compared to the control group, including accelerated healing, reduced pain levels, effective management of unpleasant odour, and high levels of compliance from both patients and surgeons. Overall, Ozoile markedly reduced healing time compared with standard care, with results robust across multiple analytical approaches.
Patient safety culture plays a crucial role in reducing clinical errors. By improving healthcare professionals’ and patients’ understanding of human fallibility and error attribution, patient care can be enhanced, fostering greater engagement from both groups. A Just Culture approach, which balances accountability and learning from errors, is a key factor in fostering this safety culture. The DECIDE Project aims to: (1) examine the conceptualisation of human fallibility within and beyond healthcare, (2) identify barriers and facilitators to Just Culture adoption, (3) assess the impact of psychoeducational interventions on professionals’ and social leaders’ attitudes toward clinical errors and (4) develop a roadmap for Just Culture implementation in healthcare.
A 36-month mixed-methods study including qualitative research, a survey of 1255 healthcare professionals, an experimental study with 180 participants (60 per arm) testing interventions based on cognitive dissonance and reasoned action theories and a consensus conference to develop a Just Culture roadmap. Participants include professionals from hospitals, primary care, long-term care, nursing homes and social leaders in Spain. The qualitative data collected during stages 1 and 4 will be analysed using MAXQDA software. In identifying factors related to the implementation of Just Culture during stage 2, ANOVA, t-tests and multiple linear regression will be conducted. To examine the effects of the interventions in phase 3, a linear mixed-effects model for repeated measures will be employed.
This study has received ethical approval from three institutional review boards. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and policy recommendations aimed at integrating Just Culture into national and international patient safety strategies. By promoting a constructive approach to errors, the project could enhance incident reporting, strengthen professional engagement in safety policies and foster a culture of learning and accountability. Its findings will guide policy recommendations for integrating Just Culture into national and international patient safety strategies, with potential applications beyond Spain.
by Francesco Colussi, Jacopo Favaro, Claudio Ancona, Edoardo Passarotto, Maria Federica Pelizza, Eleonora Lorenzon, Simone Ruzzante, Stefano Masiero, Giorgio Perilongo, Giovanni Sparacino, Irene Toldo, Stefano Sartori, Maria Rubega
Brain maturation from birth to adolescence involves profound transformations in neural dynamics, which can be studied in a minimally invasive manner using quantitative EEG. Most of the results published in the literature are based on spectral analysis approaches, which are extremely effective in detecting and assessing EEG rhythms. However, some aspects of EEG dynamics can only be investigated using nonlinear approaches, the use of which is still relatively unexplored in the pediatric population. The aim of the present paper is to assess the EEG differentiation of wakefulness from deep sleep (quiet sleep in neonates, stage N3 in older children) and its maturation across a wide developmental window (0–17 years) using the fractal dimension. Specifically, Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD) algorithm is used to analyse both wakefulness and sleep EEG recordings collected from 63 infants (aged 0-1 year) and 160 children (aged 2-17 years). To ensure methodological consistency, a data-driven criterion for the selection of HFD user parameters is implemented to enhance reproducibility. Our results show that HFD during wakefulness increases during the first year of life, followed by a stabilization or slight decrease in later years. In contrast, HFD during sleep exhibits a more stable profile, with only a mild increase over development. These findings are consistent with known neurodevelopmental processes—including synaptogenesis, pruning, and white matter maturation—and support the interpretation of HFD as a sensitive marker of large-scale integrative brain dynamics. These physiological trajectories of HFD both in wakefulness and sleep could be used as reference for future clinical applications in pediatric neurology and developmental monitoring.Surgical site infections (SSI) and surgical site complications (SSC) significantly impact surgery outcomes, increasing hospital stays and mortality rates, and negatively affecting patients' quality of life. Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) emerged as a prophylactic strategy to reduce these complications. However, its applicability across different surgical procedures remains unclear. A scoping review was conducted to synthesise the available evidence on the use of ciNPT in different surgical contexts. A multidisciplinary panel of experts from different surgical specialties was assembled to identify patient risk factors for SSCs specific to each modality. Surgical procedures were categorised based on anticipated SSC rates and the impact of SSI. A decision diagram was finally developed, providing tailored recommendations for ciNPT use according to individual surgical circumstances. The findings of the review indicate that ciNPT effectively reduces SSI and SSC in most surgical procedures. Key patient-related factors influencing outcomes, such as age, obesity, and malnutrition, were outlined. Additionally, a specialty-based list of surgical procedures was compiled, specifying whether ciNPT is recommended, not recommended, or conditionally recommended based on specific criteria. This study underscores the benefits of ciNPT and provides a comprehensive guide to its application across several surgical specialties, aiming to optimise patient management and inform clinical practise.
Patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience periods of disease stability and exacerbations (ECOPD). COPD imposes a negative and impactful extrapulmonary impairment and commonly overlaps with multimorbidity, particularly cardiovascular disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) aims to improve physical activity (PA) and quality of life, while behavioural change interventions (BCIs) aim to promote lifestyle changes and autonomy. However, after ECOPD, a variety of barriers often delay patient referral to PR. This study aims to assess the effects of a BCI for patients after ECOPD, focusing on cardiovascular health, PA and functionality. Additionally, the study will assess 6-month sustainability of PA and conduct a cost-utility analysis comparing a non-intervention group in the Unified Health System.
This randomised clinical trial will assess patients with ECOPD over 12 weeks using a BCI based on self-determination theory to increase daily steps. First, the cardiovascular and functional profile will be evaluated. Afterwards, the patients will receive an accelerometer to monitor the PA level. After 7 days, questionnaires will be applied on quality of life, symptoms and motivational levels for PA. Patients will be randomised into control group or intervention groups, both will receive educational booklets and IG will also receive an educational interview. PA will be tracked using activPAL accelerometer at weeks 1, 4 and 12, and follow-up at 6 months. Data analysis will include unpaired Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney test for group comparison, and a linear mixed model to assess intervention effects over time. Economic evaluation, using STATA (V.14), will involve correlation analysis, and p
This study has been approved by the Federal University of São Carlos’ Ethics Committee, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Carlos and Base Hospital of São José do Rio Preto. All procedures will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements. All results will be presented in peer-reviewed medical journals and international conferences.
Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials under the registration number RBR-6m9pwb7.
This study aimed to explore the direct and indirect effects of secondary traumatic stress (STS) on nurses' perceived work ability and the effect of these two variables on job satisfaction, organisational turnover intention and intention to leave the nursing profession.
A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2023.
Data were collected by sending an online survey to a convenience sample of nurses. Instruments for data collection included a 37-item questionnaire divided into three sections: (i) socio-demographics, job satisfaction, organisational turnover intention, and intention to leave the profession; (ii) perceived work ability assessed through the Work Ability Index (WAI); (iii) STS measured with the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale.
Two hundred seventy-one nurses completed the questionnaire. STS negatively and statistically impacted on WAI, and it was a direct determinant of intention to leave the nursing profession. WAI showed a direct, positive and significant impact on job satisfaction and it was a significant partial mediator in the relationship between STS and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction mediated between WAI, the intention to leave the nursing profession, and the organisational turnover intention.
STS negatively impacted nurses' work ability, influencing their job satisfaction through the mediation of WAI, whereas job satisfaction independently affected nurses' organisational turnover intention. Moreover, STS was a positive and direct determinant of the intention to leave the nursing profession.
Nurses, as helping professionals, are exposed to extreme stressful events resulting from the traumatic experiences of patients. STS in nurses can lead to emotional exhaustion, turnover intention, job dissatisfaction and reduced work ability. The findings from this study offer insights that can help shape organisational health policies aimed at reducing STS, preserving nurses' work ability, enhancing job satisfaction and mitigating turnover intentions within and outside the nursing profession.
This study followed the STROBE checklist guidelines for cross-sectional studies.
No Patient or Public Contribution.
As healthcare systems confront rising demands and workforce shortages, advanced practice nursing (APN) has emerged globally as a vital strategy to improve care delivery and address systemic gaps, particularly in primary care facilities in low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines.
Qualitative case study.
This study was conducted in a rural setting in the Philippines and draws on a preceding mixed-methods case study that explored task shifting and advanced nursing practice in primary care facilities. Using purposeful sampling, 41 nurses, physicians, academics, policymakers, and recipients of care participated in interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed in ATLAS.ti, and quantitative data were descriptively analyzed in JASP. Findings were integrated into the APN framework tailored to primary care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Although the Philippines lacks a formal APN policy, nurses informally fulfill many advanced practice roles aligned with Hamric's model, particularly in direct patient care, leadership, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Key enabling competencies include health promotion, systems thinking, and policy implementation—environmental barriers such as a lack of regulatory frameworks, educational pathways, and financing limit APN institutionalization.
This study proposes a contextualized advanced practice nursing (APN) model, which is relevant for LMICs, particularly in primary care facilities facing workforce shortages and rising NCD burdens. To institutionalize APN roles, key reforms should include investments in education, certification, financing, and regulation. Settings implementing initiatives to attain universal health coverage can serve as entry points for recognizing APN functions through competency-based systems.
The study proposes a contextualized APN framework for low-resource settings, showing that formalizing expanded nursing roles through education and certification can enhance access to quality care and advance UHC in underserved areas.
Una de las principales novedades del debate parlamentario de la ley de beneficencia en el Trienio Liberal radicó en las delaciones de irregularidades en la gestión de este tipo de establecimientos. La meta principal de este estudio es analizar dichas denuncias sobre la base de una triple diferenciación: las que apuntan a las irregularidades debidas a una mala gestión de los recursos económicos, las que se refieren a la administración concejil y las que tienen que ver con la dejadez de quienes cuidaban a los menesterosos en tales casas. Los debates parlamentarios del Trienio liberal en la Ley de Beneficencia se constituyen como fuente principal del estudio. Metodológicamente se aborda el análisis de las intervenciones de los diputados que participaron en la elaboración de dicha normativa. Lo extraño en esta época no eran estas irregularidades, asumidas como algo natural, sino el hecho de que fueran denunciadas por los parlamentarios, pues ello evidencia un cambio sustancial en cuanto a la voluntad de controlar la gestión económica de estos establecimientos, así como la responsabilidad de los cuidadores.
Objetivo principal: identificar intervenciones post quirúrgicas basadas en la evidencia que garantizarían la adaptación al nuevo estilo de vida y le ayuden a retomar la actividad física que realizaba antes de la intervención quirúrgica con seguridad y evitando complicaciones. Metodología: búsqueda de evidencia siguiendo el modelo PRAXIS. Conclusión principal: Recomendaciones de buena práctica: (a)informar a la persona ostomizada como realizar ejercicios abdominales seguros tras la cirugía para fortalecer la musculatura abdominal, (b)mostrar diferentes alternativas de dispositivos y accesorios para la realización de ejercicio /deporte, (c)instruir al paciente en vigilar la presencia de posibles complicaciones al realizar ejercicio. Prácticas de autocuidado: Contactar con su estomaterapeuta para realizar los ejercicios de manera segura, conocer la variedad de dispositivos y accesorios para la realización de deporte, prevenir complicaciones.
Objetivo. Analizar factores relacionados con la conducta suicida en pacientes con enfermedad mental para orientar la prevención y cuidados de salud mental especializados. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal de una muestra de 44 pacientes hospitalizados por conducta suicida en psiquiatría. Durante 12 meses se registraron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, se aplicaron la escala Columbia de cribado del riesgo suicida, la de Desesperanza de Beck, la de Impulsividad de Plutchik y el Inventario de Razones para Vivir. Se usó estadística descriptiva e inferencial para una significación estadística de p<0,05. Resultados. El 84% (n=37) presentó ideación suicida, el 63,3% (n=28) tentativa y el 2,3% (n=1) suicidio consumado. Realizaron más intentos previos las mujeres (60%/n=15) que los hombres (38%/n=7). La intoxicación medicamentosa fue el método más utilizado por ambos sexos seguido de autolesiones por mujeres (p<0,05) y precipitación por hombres (p<0,05). La depresión, trastorno más prevalente, se asoció a la edad y al medio rural (p<0,05). El trastorno de ansiedad fue el más predictivo para la intención/plan y tentativas suicidas (p<0,05). El 80% (n=16) de los intentos padecía enfermedad médica (p<0,05). Se evidenció la relación inversa entre las creencias de supervivencia/afrontamiento y la conducta suicida. Discusión. La conducta suicida supone más del 20% de los ingresos de una unidad psiquiátrica. No es posible determinar un perfil único de riesgo, se han evidenciado diferencias según el espectro suicida. Todos los factores relacionados deben ser valorados.
ABSTRACT
Objective. To analyze factors related to suicidal behavior in patients with mental illness to guide prevention and specialized mental health care. Methodology. A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in a sample of 44 inpatients at a psychiatric unit who attempted suicide. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were registered during 12 months. The scales applied were the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), Beck Hopelessness Scale, Plutchik’s Impulsivity Scale and the Reasons for Living Inventory. A descriptive and inferential statistic has been applied for a statistical significance of p<0,05. Results. 84% (n=37) had suicidal thinking, 63,3% (n=28) attempted suicide and 2,3% (n=1) committed suicide. More women (60%; n=15) than men (38%; n=7) attempted suicide. Medication overdose was the main suicidal approach by both sexes followed by self-harm by women (p<0,05) and deliberate fall by men (p<0,05). Depression, the most prevalent disorder, was associated with age and rural environment (p<0,05). Anxiety had the highest predictive value of suicidal attempt (p<0,05). 80% (n=16) of those who attempted suicide suffered from a medical illness (p<0,05). There is evidence of inverse relationship between the survival and coping beliefs and the suicidal behaviour. Discussion. Suicidal behaviour surpasses 20% of the admissions at a psychiatric unit. It is not possible to determine a specific risk profile as differences according to the suicidal spectrum have been acknowledged. Every possible cause must be evaluated.
Objetivo principal: Evaluar la factibilidad de la aplicación de la técnica de canalización eco-guiada por enfermería en el servicio de neonatología. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo realizado entre mayo de 2018 y enero de 2020 en una UCI Neonatal. Resultados principales: Se registraron 55 canalizaciones, con tasa de éxito del 94,55%. La media de edad gestacional, peso y días de vida fue de 32+3SG (24-41), 2410gr (560-4450) y 19días (0-124), respectivamente. No encontramos diferencias significativas en relación con el éxito de la canalización y las características del neonato. Conclusión principal: La técnica eco-guiada ha demostrado ser útil en el paciente neonatal con acceso venoso complejo. El desarrollo de esta técnica es de interés para la enfermería neonatal y justifica la creación de un equipo de enfermería especializado.
Objetivo principal: Conocer las experiencias laborales y la vida de una matrona del siglo pasado. Metodología: Cualitativa. Análisis de contenido. Resultados principales: Dificultad para conciliar vida personal y laboral. Soledad. Malas condiciones laborales. Conclusión principal: La profesión de matrona se desempeñaba en condiciones dificiles y con pocos medios.
Introducción: En las últimas décadas, la población juvenil española, ha experimentado numerosos cambios en sus patrones de alimentación y ejercicio físico, destacando el alto porcentaje de adolescentes que acuden a su centro educativo sin haber desayunado. Diversos estudios muestran que la educación escolar puede producir efectos beneficiosos, promoviendo actividad física y alimentación saludable, hábitos que permanecen el resto de la vida. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de los hábitos nutricionales y de ejercicio físico en la población infantojuvenil de Benicassim, que durante el año lectivo 2015-2016 cursara de 6º primaria a 2º de bachillerato. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal que muestra los hábitos nutricionales y de ejercicio físico mediante la Encuesta mundial de salud a escolares (módulos de alimentación y deporte). Participaron 143 alumnos que cursaban entre 6º de primaria y 2º de bachillerato en Benicàssim. Resultados principales: La mayoría de alumnos mantienen hábitos saludables (desayuno y almuerzo diario, consumo de lácteos y consumo moderado de alimentos salados y grasos), aunque persiste un 20% que no muestran estos hábitos. Los chicos realizan más ejercicio físico (3-4 días), que las chicas (2-3 días), que parece que pasan más horas sentadas. Conclusiones: La mayor parte de los encuestados presentan hábitos saludables, sin embargo, gran parte de los alumnos no desayunan a diario. Además cabe destacar el importante porcentaje de población con un IMC considerado como delgadez.
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