Cardiothoracic Nurses Research Articles

Barriers to research progress for perioperative care practitioners working in cardiothoracic surgery.

Policy and research literature worldwide support the need to build research capacity and capability among non-medical practitioners within healthcare systems. However, there exists a paucity of evidence on whether practitioners in cardiothoracic surgery are attuned to this and on what barriers or enablers exist. A survey was carried out with non-medical practitioners working in cardiothoracic surgery in the United Kingdom to explore attitudes towards health research and audit, and to identify current challenges and barriers to surgical research and audit as perceived by cardiothoracic nurses and allied health professionals. A total of 160 completed questionnaires were returned. 99% of respondents supported the need for research and believed that evidence-based surgical care improves outcomes for patients. Seventy-two percent reported that their employer motivates them to take part in national research or audit but, only 22% were allocated time to do so within their role; 96% reported their interest in being involved in research and audit, yet only 30% believed they had the skills to undertake research, and 96% reported needing additional training. More work is needed to increase awareness, capacity and capability among cardiothoracic surgery care practitioners, and indeed other specialities to achieve research progress.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG NURSES ABOUT WOUND INFECTION IN CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY PATIENTS

Cardiothoracic nurses are crucial in providing wound care to patients following cardiac surgery. However, there is limited research on their knowledge and competency in wound management, despite the high incidence of wound infections observed in previous studies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and competency of staff nurses regarding wound management while also investigating potential differences in knowledge between nurses working in private and public hospitals. The study utilized a descriptive design and employed a self-reported questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge of staff nurses in cardiac wound management. A sample of 156 nurses from private and public hospitals was selected, and the questionnaire was distributed among them. Total knowledge scores were calculated, and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The response rate for the study was 55.05%, with a total of 87 nurses participating. The findings of the study revealed several knowledge deficits among cardiothoracic nurses. These deficits were primarily related to wound healing, recognizing the signs and symptoms of surgical site infections, and understanding the specific aspects of cardiac wounds. Many nurses demonstrated uncertainty regarding the appropriate cleaning agents for washing cardiac wounds and lacked awareness of when the initial post-operative dressing should be changed. Based on these results, it is evident that measures need to be taken to improve the knowledge and competency of nurses in wound management. Seminars and workshops should be organized to keep nurses updated with the latest advancements and guidelines in wound care. Additionally, further training opportunities should be provided to enhance their understanding and proficiency in managing wounds specific to cardiothoracic surgeries. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of addressing the knowledge gaps among cardiothoracic nurses regarding wound management. By equipping nurses with comprehensive knowledge and skills in this area, we can improve patient outcomes, reduce the incidence of surgical site infections, and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems.

P02 Effect of Mindfulness Activities on Cardiothoracic Nursing Staff’s Perceived Stress Levels

Existing international literature has demonstrated the link between nursing staff stress and its impact on nursing care delivery and patient outcomes. Mindfulness activities have been shown to decrease stress levels. Existing research has examined stress in specific nursing groups, however there is a lack of research in cardiothoracic nurses. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiothoracic nursing staff’s perceptions of stress pre- and post-implementation of mindfulness activities. Mindfulness activities included guided meditation, massage, healthy lunches, group exercise and staff gratitude and appreciation.

Multimodal Lung and Sternal Ultrasound Education Program for Cardiothoracic Nurses and Physiotherapists

Point-of-Care lung and sternal ultrasound is emerging as an assessment tool that informs timely clinical management within nursing and physiotherapy. We implemented a multimodal training program combining knowledge, simulation, and mentored practice to optimise translation into practice.

R02 A Sequential Program of Online, Simulator and Clinical Mentored Training for Lung and Sternal Ultrasound for Cardiothoracic Nurses and Physiotherapists

Point-of-care ultrasound imaging is an emerging tool in nursing and physiotherapy practice. Current ultrasound education includes intensive workshops and/or online learning. We investigated whether simulator training followed by clinical mentored ward rounds increases image acquisition skills and interpretive accuracy compared to online learning alone.

Effect of Respiratory Physiotherapy in Preventing Pulmonary Complications in Post CABG: A Cross-Sectional Study at LUH Hyderabad, Pakistan

Background: The efficacy of physiotherapy techniques used for patients following uncomplicated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is well documented. According to previous literature some of the evident techniques were adopted into practice by cardiothoracic nurses. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the current physiotherapy interventions used for following uncomplicated CABG surgery patients, and to establish the currently evidence-based practice in nursing staff for CABG surgery patients in cardiothoracic ward. Methods: Using purposive sampling the structured questionnaire was distributed among 10 nurses working in the cardiac ward with response rate 100%.Results: The results of the study revealed that most common postoperative pulmonary complications in cardiothoracic ward were pleural effusion (90%), pulmonary embolism (60%), pneumothorax (50%) and acute respiratory syndrome (40%). The routinely physiotherapy techniques which were used to prevent from postoperative pulmonary complications were chest physiotherapy (90%), splinting while cough (80%), and incentive spirometry (50%).Conclusion: In conclusion nurses used physiotherapy techniques for treating patients following uncomplicated CABG patients such as chest physiotherapy, splinting while cough and incentive spirometry that are supported by the available evidence. This survey provides an insight into physical therapy practice cardiothoracic surgery nurses. Standardized guidelines may be required for nurses to practice better according to clinical care pathway.

Assessing knowledge of wound care among cardiothoracic nurses.

to explore cardiothoracic nurses' knowledge and self-reported competence of wound care following cardiac surgery and to ascertain if there were any differences in knowledge between nurses working in public and private hospitals. cardiothoracic nurses are the main providers of wound care for patients post cardiac surgery, however, there is a lack of research about their knowledge of wound care. a descriptive, quantitative design was used in the form of a cross-sectional, self-reported questionnaire. the questionnaire was developed to ascertain nurses' knowledge of cardiac wound management. Census sampling was used and the questionnaire was distributed to 503 nurses in 6 hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. Total knowledge scores were calculated and data analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. the response rate was 31.2% (n=158). The main knowledge deficits identified were wound healing, the signs and symptoms of surgical site infection and cardiac-specific wound care. Some nurses reported using inappropriate products for cleansing wounds and variable time for initial postoperative dressing removal. the combination of low total knowledge scores and requests for further training and education suggest the need for ongoing wound care education. Audit of the use of wound cleansing products, support bras and wound assessment charts is recommended.

Vitamin C in the Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: A New Challenge for Cardiothoracic Nurses

Vitamin C in the Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: A New Challenge for Cardiothoracic Nurses

Book Review: Hearts Hands Minds: The cardio-thoracic nurses of Green Lane Hospital, by Margaret Horsburgh

Book Review: Hearts Hands Minds: The cardio-thoracic nurses of Green Lane Hospital, by Margaret Horsburgh

Shared Medical Appointments After Cardiac Surgery-The Process of Implementing a Novel Pilot Paradigm to Enhance Comprehensive Postdischarge Care

To facilitate the physical and emotional needs of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and their families, our Cardiac Surgery Outpatient Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center in Cleveland, Ohio, decided to implement a trial of a novel care delivery paradigm called Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs). The purpose of this venture was to facilitate timely access to care 3 to 5 days after hospital discharge, include family members in the education process and the care of the patient, and provide a forum for support and shared learning among patients who have been through like surgical experiences. The clinic system, which performed 3,597 open heart surgeries and 213 robotically assisted cardiac surgeries in 2008, already used family education classes to provide instruction to the patients and family prior to surgery. Because this medium was an effective way to disseminate knowledge, we theorized that using an SMA would be an effective strategy to provide timely medical care after discharge and garner support, education, and increased access to timely medical care after discharge. Although there were many physicians in subspecialties performing these types of clinic visits at our institution since 2002, by the spring of 2007, a group of cardiothoracic nurses decided to perform a trial on this model in this cohort of patients and be a fully nurse-led SMA to provide comprehensive care after discharge. Preliminary patient satisfaction surveys have revealed that 92% of post-cardiac surgery patients rated the experience as good or excellent, and 82% would prefer an SMA for their next clinic visit rather than an individual visit. These data are consistent with physician-led SMA satisfaction surveys in our organization to date. Although still in its relative infancy, an SMA for this cohort appears to have merit in enhancing the support and education as well as providing for the complex medical needs of these patients.

1391: Improving patient outcomes in cardiothoracic nursing: A service collaboration between the hospital at night and ITU outreach services

1391: Improving patient outcomes in cardiothoracic nursing: A service collaboration between the hospital at night and ITU outreach services

Nursing implications of increasing asthma prevalence.

There is evidence of a worldwide increase in the prevalence of, and mortality from, asthma. Suggested causes of these increases include environmental and medical factors. There are implications for nursing practice. The nurse has a role to play in health education and promotion for asthmatics. Research is being carried out but there is a need for further work.

Stressors Associated with Coronary Bypass Surgery

The purpose of this study was to: design and test an instrument to evaluate the incidence and severity of stressors associated with coronary bypass surgery and assess the concordance between patient and nurse perceptions of such stressors. The patient sample consisted of 30 patients recovering without complications from coronary bypass surgery. Patients were white, primarily male and employed, one-third with graduate education, with a mean age of 54. The nurse sample consisted of 18 registered nurses with cardiosurgical nursing care experience. A 30-item stressor scale was developed: 27 items were derived from literature review and 3 from comments of cardiovascular clinical specialists. Stressfulness of each item was rated on a 5-point scale. A pilot study with seven patients provided information for initial scale refinement. Content validity of the scale has both theoretical and empirical support because of the varied sources used to obtain and validate relevant items for the tool. Homogeneity reliability of the scale was supported by high coefficient alphas. Based on severity of stress ratings, two-way analysis of variance indicated that the cardiothoracic nurses generally rated all items as significantly more stressful for coronary bypass patients than did the patients themselves. Comparisons used by the nurses and the patients in assigning stressfulness ratings are discussed.