Neurological Nursing Research Articles

Nursing care in adaptation to the role of informal caregivers of people with Parkinson’s disease

IntroductionParkinson’s disease (PD) is catastrophic, chronic, and neurodegenerative. In advanced stage requires a permanent informal caregiver. The adaptation of the caregiver to their role is unknown, a fundamental aspect to guarantee the quality of care. ObjectivePrepare a healthcare proposal with standardized language to promote the adaptation of informal caregivers of Parkinson’s patients to their social role. MethodsTwo-phase study: Literature review and preparation of a Care Proposal. Search in Proquest, Scielo, Scient Direct, Pubmed, and Google Scholar databases, in English, Spanish and Portuguese languages, for the last five years. Descriptors: Parkinson’s disease, Chronic disease, caregivers, adaptation, nursing process. The proposal articulates the Calixta Roy adaptation Model with the Nursing Process using NANDA-NOC-NIC taxonomy. ResultsFew publications on coping and adaptation of caregivers and on the Nursing Process to caregivers using standardized language. Committed adaptation modes: Role function and Self-concept. Relevant nursing diagnoses: Tiredness of the caregiver role, Interruption of family processes, Impairment of social interaction, Ineffective relationship, Compromised family coping, Willingness to improve self-concept, Risk of low situational self-esteem, and Body image disorder. Two NOC outcomes and three NIC interventions were linked for each diagnosis. ConclusionsThe articulation of the Calixta Roy Adaptation Model with the standardized language NANDA-NOC-NIC is an innovative contribution to the disciplinary and professional development of Neurological and Community Nursing. The proposal makes it possible to monitor the levels of adaptation of the informal caregiver and intervene in a timely manner.

Summary of the 28th Annual Conference and 4th International Conference of the Spanish Society of Neurological Nursing

Summary of the 28th Annual Conference and 4th International Conference of the Spanish Society of Neurological Nursing

Influence of Selected Socio-demographic Variables on the Level of Occupational Burnout in Neurological and Neurosurgical Nurses

Introduction. Burnout is recognized as an important individual and social problem. Occupations at increased risk of burnout include: doctors, nurses, social workers, teachers, policemen and emergency service workers.Aim. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of selected socio-demographic variables on the level of occupational burnout in neurological and neurosurgical nurses.Material and Methods. The research was carried out on a group of 206 nurses employed in thirteen neurological and neurosurgical centres in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. By means of a diagnostic survey, the level of occupational burnout was assessed using a questionnaire survey.Results. When analysing the impact of socio-demographic variables on occupational burnout, the following results were obtained for: gender (0.939), age (0.071), workplace (0.239), marital status (0.657), education (0.330), distance to the workplace (0.773), years of experience (0.013) and position held (0.552). Only work experience in the profession had a statistically significant, low correlation with the results of the level of occupational burnout (p < 0.05).Conclusions. The examined group of nurses showed a low level of occupational burnout. The vast majority of nurses felt satisfied with their work. There was no significant influence of socio-demographic variables on the level of occupational burnout. (JNNN 2021;10(4):162–167)

Analysis of job burnout, satisfaction and work-related depression among neurological and neurosurgical nurses in Poland: A cross-sectional and multicentre study.

AimThis study investigated the status of job burnout, work‐related depression and job satisfaction among neurological and neurosurgical nurses in Poland.DesignA cross‐sectional and multicentre study.MethodsThe sample consisted of 206 neurological and neurosurgical nurses, all of whom completed a self‐report questionnaire designed by the authors.ResultsThe results revealed a work‐related burnout incidence of 32%, colleague‐related burnout incidence of 44.2% and patient‐related burnout incidence of 22.8%. Nurses working in neurological departments were statistically over three times more likely to struggle with colleague‐related burnout than nurses working in neurosurgical departments were. Further, work‐related burnout was higher in people aged above 54 years than those in the youngest age category. Nonetheless, 71.8% of the nurses expressed satisfaction with their work. In sum, our results indicated that job burnout is common among registered nurses and that personal (age) and workplace (type of ward, distance to work, experience and shift work) factors contributed to symptoms of burnout.

Behavioral aspects of nurse practitioners associated with optimal multiple sclerosis care in Spain.

BackgroundNurse practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in the multidisciplinary management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Neurologists´ behavioral characteristics have been associated with suboptimal clinical decisions. However, limited information is available on their impact among NPs involved in MS care. The aim of this study was to assess nurses´ therapeutic choices to understand behavioral factors influencing their decision making process.MethodsA non-interventional, cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted. NPs actively involved in the care of patients with MS were invited to participate in the study by the Spanish Society of Neurology Nursing. Participants answered questions regarding their standard practice and therapeutic management of seven simulated relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) case scenarios. A behavioral battery was used to measure participants´ life satisfaction, mood, positive social behaviors, feeling of helpfulness, attitudes toward adoption of evidence-based innovations, occupational burnout, and healthcare-related regret. The outcome of interest was therapeutic inertia (TI), defined as the lack of treatment escalation when there is clinical and radiological evidence of disease activity. A score to quantify TI was created based on the number of simulated scenarios where treatment intensification was warranted.ResultsOverall, 331 NPs were invited to participate, 130 initiated the study, and 96 (29%) completed the study. The mean age (SD) was 44.6 (9.8) years and 91.7% were female. Seventy-three participants (76.0%) felt their opinions had a significant influence on neurologists´ therapeutic decisions. Sixteen NPs (16.5%) showed severe emotional exhaustion related to work and 13 (13.5%) had depressive symptoms. The mean (SD) TI score was 0.97 (1.1). Fifty-six of NPs showed TI in at least one case scenario. Higher years of nursing experience (p = 0.014), feeling of helpfulness (p = 0.014), positive attitudes toward innovations (p = 0.046), and a higher intensity of care-related regret (p = 0.021) were associated with a lower risk of TI (adjusted R2 = 0.28). Burnout was associated with higher risk of TI (p = 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough NPs cannot prescribe MS treatments in Spain, their behavioral characteristics may influence the management of patients with RRMS. Continuing education and specific strategies for reducing occupational burnout may lead to better management skills and improve MS care.

Clinical Study on Rehabilitation Nursing of Cerebral Apoplexy in Neurology Nursing

Clinical Study on Rehabilitation Nursing of Cerebral Apoplexy in Neurology Nursing

Nurses' experiences of communicating with patients with aphasia.

AimThis study explored nurses' experiences of communicating with patients with aphasia.DesignA naturalistic paradigm approach was adopted to describe the phenomenon of interest.MethodsParticipants were neurological nurses employed in various neurological departments and recruited using purposive sampling. Group interviews were conducted for 1 hr and 30 min using semi‐structured open‐ended questions. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was followed.ResultsFour generic categories were derived: “Conversations with the aphasic patients are frustrating, which leads to impatience among nurses, and they eventually dismiss the patients,” “Feeling responsible for communicating with aphasic patients but also experiencing guilt for not being able to give adequate care in practice,” “Concerns about communication methods with aphasic patients” and “Desire to learn ways to communicate with aphasic patients.” Appropriate education and support should be given to nurses to facilitate communication with aphasic patients to ensure that they are not excluded from medical benefits because of communication difficulties.

Is there a need for advance care planning in China?-an interview survey of healthcare professionals in the neurology department.

Family-oriented medical decision-making in China is founded on Confucian family-determination. The value and necessity of individual autonomy are marginalized in theory and practice. However, the dilemma in end-of-life (EOL) decision-making caused by the lack of advance care planning (ACP) has been increasingly concerned by the public. This study explores the value and necessity of ACP practice in China from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs). We conducted semi-structured interviews with five neurological physicians and five neurological nurses from a Grade 3 Class A hospital in Beijing. The results showed that in situations with a poor prognosis, respondents tended to believe that as part of ACP regarding, a patient's right to refuse invasive treatments should be followed, although all ten interviewees agreed that nasogastric feeding tubes (NGTs) should be maintained. Factors influencing a families' considerations in EOL decision making included prognosis and age, prior similar experiences, others' moral judgement, and the advice of HCPs. Four respondents had experienced patients expressing their wishes for EOL treatments and reported some obstacles in considering these wishes. Seven respondents considered creating an ACP themselves, two respondents doubted it would work in practice, and one respondent thought it was unnecessary. The differences in the concept and practice of palliative care may be significantly related to the differences in the idea of ACP between Chinese and Western. The family-oriented decision-making model under Confucian culture cannot replace the ACP practice. Clinical situations and therapeutic measures that reveal the necessity and value of ACP should be the priority exploration to advance ACP practice. The practice of ACP and palliative care should be promoted simultaneously at the national level, and legislation for advance directives (ADs) is necessary for mainland China.

Challenges of patients with epilepsy and measures for improving epilepsy care in western China: A qualitative study

ObjectiveThe aim of this qualitative study was to explore the challenges that patients with epilepsy (PWEs) face and the opportunities or areas where changes in nursing care may improve epilepsy care in western China. MethodsSemi-structured interviews with open-ended questions based on a review of the literature were conducted at the epilepsy center of a tertiary hospital in western China. A total of 18 PWEs, 18 caregivers and 11 neurology nurses were interviewed by using purposive sampling. The data were transcribed verbatim, and a content analysis was used to conduct the framework analysis. ResultsThree key themes were identified, namely, the impact of epilepsy, barriers to epilepsy management, and measures in nursing care for improving epilepsy care. Psychological stress, the side effects of drugs and accidental injury related to seizures were reported to be the main negative impacts on patients. Limited knowledge about epilepsy, poor adherence to therapy, and a lack of effective communication between patients and medical staff were the major barriers to epilepsy management. Strengthening health education, assessing the frequency and type of seizures, screening for psychological disorders and mental intervention, and maintaining continuity of care were identified as crucial measures for nurses to improve epilepsy care. ConclusionsThis study highlights the challenges among PWEs and opportunities for improving the quality of epilepsy care in western China. Limited knowledge and poor drug adherence are the main barriers to epilepsy management, which might be improved by more health education and continuing care provided by nurses. Assessing seizures, screening for psychological disorders and providing appropriate psychological care would help improve epilepsy care

Cuidados enfermeros en adaptación al rol de cuidadores informales de personas con enfermedad de Parkinson

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is catastrophic, chronic, and neurodegenerative. In advanced stage requires a permanent informal caregiver. The adaptation of the caregiver to their role is unknown, a fundamental aspect to guarantee the quality of care. ObjectivePrepare a healthcare proposal with standardized language to promote the adaptation of informal caregivers of Parkinson's patients to their social role. MethodsTwo-phase study: literature review and preparation of a care proposal. Search in ProQuest, Scielo, Scient Direct, Pubmed, and Google Scholar databases, in English, Spanish and Portuguese languages, for the last five years. Descriptors: Parkinson's disease, chronic disease, caregivers, adaptation, nursing process. The proposal articulates the Callista Roy adaptation model with the nursing process using NANDA-NOC-NIC taxonomy. ResultsFew publications on coping and adaptation of caregivers and on the Nursing Process to caregivers using standardized language. Committed adaptation modes: role function and Self-concept. Relevant nursing diagnoses: tiredness of the caregiver role, interruption of family processes, impairment of social interaction, ineffective relationship, compromised family coping, willingness to improve self-concept, risk of low situational self-esteem, and body image disorder. Two NOC outcomes and three NIC interventions were linked for each diagnosis. ConclusionsThe articulation of the Callista Roy adaptation model with the standardized language NANDA-NOC-NIC is an innovative contribution to the disciplinary and professional development of neurological and community nursing. The proposal makes it possible to monitor the levels of adaptation of the informal caregiver and intervene in a timely manner.

Application Analysis of Standardized Health Education in Neurology Nursing

Application Analysis of Standardized Health Education in Neurology Nursing

Anti-spasticity medication and multiple sclerosis: why nurses and therapists need to get involved

Spasticity is common in people with MS and can negatively affect activities of daily living and quality of life. It can be managed with anti-spasticity medications, but prescribers often fail to titrate, monitor or review the efficacy of these drugs. Optimal doses are not always reached, and insidious side effects can cause symptoms that mimic disease progression, increase disability and hinder therapeutic interventions. It is important that health professionals involved in the management of people with MS are aware of the injurious potential of these medications and educate people with MS to self-manage them. This article looks at common anti-spasticity medications, the mode of action, dosage and side effects. It provides examples of how medication misuse can lead to increased disability and explains how neurological nurses and physiotherapists can play an active role in monitoring these medications as part of their treatment plan, including information on becoming an independent or supplementary prescriber.

The Level of Knowledge about Dysphagia Among Neurological and Internal Medicine Nurses

Introduction. Dysphagia is defined as swallowing disorders which causes malnourished, aspiration pneumonia andincreased number of deaths. The best method to diagnose dysphagia are screening tests. Due to the tests it is possibleto introduce an accurate therapy and make a team of therapists to participate in. According to the information theknowledge about this kind of dysfunction is important among nurses.Aim. The main goal of my diploma project was to measure the level of knowledge about dysphagia among thenurses from neurological and internal wards.Material and Methods. The scientific method, which has been used to make the research was diagnosis soundingincluding the surveys. Research tool which has been used while the research was especially made and dedicated formy project own questionnaire of surveys.Results. In the research have taken a part 70 nurses in the age over 22 year-old, who are active in their jobs andwork at neurological and internal wards in the hospitals of Gdańsk. The research has proved higher knowledge levelof the nurses working at neurological wards. All the surveyed people showed the knowledge about the definitionof dysphagia as well as about the food which every sick person should consume and avoid.Conclusions. Own research has shown that the garden of respondents does not affect the level of knowledge aboutdysphagia. The age of the respondents shows no relation to the level of nurses’ knowledge about dysphagia. In turn,seniority affect the knowledge of nurses in this area. The greater the seniority, the higher the level of knowledge ofthe topic in the field of dysphagia. Similarly the workplace. Neurological nurses were characterized by a higher levelof knowledge about dysphagia than nurses from internal medicine departments, while the level of knowledge aboutdysphagia does not depend on the education of the nurses surveyed. (JNNN 2021;10(1):10–17)

Thoughts on the Construction of Humanistic Care in Neurology Nursing

<p>In the nursing work of neurology, we must always follow the concept of humanistic care, and actively explore and continuously improve the humanistic care methods suitable for neurology. Starting from the basics, build a nursing culture of “quality nursing, humanity first”, and attach importance to nursing work. In addition, according to the specific conditions of the departments and patients, a warm hospitalization environment and personalized service methods are created. Attention should also be paid to extend humanistic care to patients’ families and nurses, and to continuously improve the level of humanistic care in neurology nursing.</p>

神经内科护理中康复护理对脑卒中后偏瘫患者的预后观察分析

神经内科护理中康复护理对脑卒中后偏瘫患者的预后观察分析

Summary of the 27th Annual Conference and 3rd International Conference of the Spanish Society of Neurological Nursing

Summary of the 27th Annual Conference and 3rd International Conference of the Spanish Society of Neurological Nursing

A Neurology Nurse Practitioner By Day, An Advocate Against Human Trafficking After Hours

A Neurology Nurse Practitioner By Day, An Advocate Against Human Trafficking After Hours

The mental health of neurological doctors and nurses in Hunan Province, China during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak

BackgroundNeurological symptoms are increasingly being noted among COVID-19 patients. Currently, there is little data on the mental health of neurological healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and influencing factors on anxiety and depression in neurological healthcare workers in Hunan Province, China during the early stage of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.MethodsAn online cross-sectional study was conducted among neurological doctors and nurses in early February 2020 in Hunan Province. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by the Chinese version of the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) (defined as a total score ≥ 50) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) (defined as a total score ≥ 53). The prevalences of probable anxiety and depression were compared between different groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to understand the independent influencing factors on anxiety and depression.ResultsThe prevalence of probable anxiety and depression in neurological nurses (20.3 and 30.2%, respectively) was higher than that in doctors (12.6 and 20.2%, respectively). Female healthcare workers (18.4%) had a higher proportion of anxiety than males (10.8%). Probable anxiety and depression were more prevalent among nurses, younger workers (≤ 40 years), and medical staff with junior titles. Logistic regression analysis showed that a shortage of protective equipment was independently associated with probable anxiety (OR = 1.980, 95% CI: 1.241–3.160, P = 0.004), while young age was a risk factor for probable depression (OR = 2.293, 95% CI: 1.137–4.623, P = 0.020) among neurological healthcare workers.ConclusionsProbable anxiety and depression were more prevalent among neurological nurses than doctors in Hunan Province. The shortage of protective equipment led to probable anxiety, and young age led to probable depression in healthcare workers in neurology departments, which merits attention during the battle against COVID-19.

Postgraduate Education of Neurological Nurses — Preliminary Reports

Introduction. Postgraduate education for nurses is an integral part of professional development. Currently, in accordance with the legislation in force in Poland, a neurological nurse may improve their profession as part of self-education or as part of organized forms and types of postgraduate education by undergoing various specialized training, acquiring professional skills in the narrower fields of nursing or providing specific health services.Aim. The aim of the research was to analyse the postgraduate education of neurological nurses.Material and Methods. The research was conducted on a group of 128 nurses employed in 9 neurological centres in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (Bydgoszcz, Toruń, Włocławek, Grudziądz, Świecie, Lipno). Postgraduate education was assessed by means of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire survey technique.Results. It was shown that there are statistically significant differences between the age, experience and education of the respondents and the preferred form of education (p < 0.05) and awarding educational points for training (p < 0.05). It was also found that age and seniority in the neurology department differentiated the form of financing training (p < 0.05). Additionally, seniority is a factor that significantly differentiates the thematic specificity of the training (p < 0.05).Conclusions. The most popular form of postgraduate education is specialization and a specialist course. An important form of training is also participation in a conference/symposium. The vast majority of respondents stated that their trainings are financed by their own/private funds. It was found that the respondents lacked knowledge about training specific to neurological nurses, with the simultaneous need for such training. Among the difficulties/problems related to professional development, the most frequently indicated were the lack of time for training and difficulties with its financing. Almost half of the respondents expect to receive education/credit points for education. (JNNN 2020;9(2):71–75)

Summary of the 26th Annual Conference and 2nd International Conference of the Spanish Society of Neurological Nursing

Summary of the 26th Annual Conference and 2nd International Conference of the Spanish Society of Neurological Nursing