Therapeutic Team Research Articles

Use of Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents for Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Related Strictures at a Pediatric Center: A Case Series

Use of Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents for Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Related Strictures at a Pediatric Center: A Case Series

Therapeutic Methods Including the Tasks of a Nurse and Evaluation of Their Effectiveness in the Opinion of Patients after Craniocerebral Trauma with a Diagnosis of Alcohol use Disorder

Introduction. Alcoholism is a phenomenon with multi-factorial conditions and numerous health and socialconsequences, which makes its treatment a real challenge not only for the addict himself and his relatives, but alsofor the entire medical team involved in the therapy process. For this reason, in order to strengthen the therapeuticeffects of alcoholic disease, it is important to conduct research aimed at determining the factors that shape theeffectiveness of the implemented methods. With this in mind, it has been assumed that the aim of the research isto determine the relationship between the therapeutic methods used in the Clinical Alcohol Dependency TherapyUnit (COTUA), taking into account the tasks of a nurse, and the assessment of their effectiveness in the perceptionof patients after craniocerebral trauma with a diagnosis of alcohol disease.Material and Methods. 100 COTUA patients were tested, in which the diagnostic survey method was used and aquestionnaire was chosen as a technique.Results. The conducted analyses showed that, in the opinion of the respondents, the leading tasks of the nurses atCOTUA include informing patients about the principles and methods of therapy, familiarizing them with thetopography of the ward, the Charter of Patient’s Rights, the regulations of the ward, the schedule of the day and itsspecifics, administering medicines, providing a sense of safety, providing psychological support, transferring knowledgeand learning how to live with the disease and cooperating with the therapeutic team. In addition, three quarters ofthe respondents indicated that the nurses working in the ward are willing to talk to patients about alcohol dependence,and a comparable percentage of the respondents assessed the effectiveness of the therapeutic methods used by thetherapeutic team in relation to their own alcohol dependence problem very well and well.Conclusions. Patients’ assessment of the effectiveness of the therapeutic methods used depends on the nurses’ tasksof conducting therapeutic conversations with patients, providing them with knowledge, learning how to live withthe disease, cooperating with the therapeutic team and the nurses’ readiness to talk to patients about alcoholdependence. (JNNN 2021;10(1):26–34)

Inwazyjny rak piersi w ektopowej tkance gruczołowej zlokalizowanej w dole pachowym. Opis przypadku

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women in Poland. Rare, unusual forms of breast cancer remain a diagnostic problem. The incidence of ectopic breast glandular tissue in the general population varies between 0.4 and 6%. The same abnormalities and diseases as in the anatomical mammary gland may develop in this tissue. Breast cancer may develop as well. We present the case of a 36-year-old woman, who went to the doctor because of a nodule in the right armpit presented for 2 years. The patient was referred to a surgeon with suspicion of an epidermal cyst. The lesion was surgically removed and in the histopathological examination, the diagnose was: invasive breast cancer in ectopic glandular tissue. After imaging diagnostics, discussion of a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic team, the patient was offered a surgical procedure - widening of the excision margins to obtain oncological completeness and axillary lymphadenectomy. After the surgery, due to the results of the histopathological examination, complementary systemic treatment (chemo- and hormone therapy) and radiotherapy were used. Doctors often do not consider the possibility of primary breast cancer occurring elsewhere than in the breast. Breast imaging does not always make it possible to diagnose the disease, and doctors performing and interpreting these tests often do not include primary armpit cancer in the differential diagnosis. This can cause a delay in diagnosis and worsen the prognosis.

The relationship between the experience of negative feelings and quality of life and the socio-demographical factors of patients treated for spinal discopathy of the lumbar spine

Most of the pathological changes in the spine begin with the physiological loss of intervertebral disc function. Discopathy of the lumbar spine leads to a significant deterioration in the quality of life, which is why the therapeutic team strives is to improve patients quality of life through actions aimed at reducing spinal dysfunction to an extent that allows for human functioning. The research aim was to determine the quality of life of patients who had been treated as a result of discopathy of the lumbar spine and to establish the relationship between the experience of negative feelings and a subjective assessment of the quality of life with factors resulting frompatient socio-demographics. The study included 110 patients treated for lumbar discopathy. A diagnostic survey method was employed as a research technique, with the use of a proprietary survey questionnaire. Statistic analysis of the results was performedusing the statistical package PQStat v1.6.6. Subjective evaluation of patients quality of life in 66 persons (60%) was at an average level, only 6 (5.45%) respondents rated the quality of their lives as being higher. Those living in towns of up to 50,000 residents rated their quality of life higher (6.21), with the lowest level being reported by those living in the countryside (4.95). Age did not influence significantly the quality of life, but older people most often experienced pain (p=0.4). Analysis of variance did not show statistically significant differences between marital status and respondent quality of life (p = 0.53) but did show significant differences between education levels and the incidence of negative feelings such as fear, anxiety or depression. Socio-demographic variables: such as gender, age and marital status do not significantly differentiate the quality of life of the respondents. There is a relationship between experiencing negative feelings and educational levels. The lower the education level obtained, the more often negative feelings are experienced. The experiencing of negative feelings and disease duration are variables that reduce the quality of life of respondents.

Celiac disease in the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on global health. DesignThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with coeliac disease was assessed in the present review. ResultsThe incidence of coeliac disease and the problems associated with coeliac disease increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adherence to the diet is crucial for the patient's health and quality of life since the only approved therapy for coeliac disease is a gluten withdrawal. ConclusionsA gluten-free diet should be promoted by the therapeutic team and implemented among these categories of patients.

Patient safety in the operating theatre

Abstract In connection with medical services provided, many patients are exposed to harm that may lead to permanent health impairment, hospitalisation, extended hospital stay or even death. Adverse events are reported and are the result of a complex nature of current healthcare systems, in which effective therapy and treatment outcomes of every patient depend on numerous factors, and not only on competencies of individual healthcare professionals. Individual healthcare professionals can contribute to improving the safety of care by establishing respectful relationships with patients, following procedures, learning from mistakes, and communicating effectively with other members of the therapeutic team. This also decreases costs associated with reduction of harm sustained by patients. Reporting and analysis of errors may help identify major factors that have contributed to their occurrence. In order to consider changes that could prevent errors, at first it is necessary to learn about factors that led to them. An operating theatre is the heart of every hospital. It is where complex and highly specialized surgical procedures are performed in line with state-of-the-art procedures and applicable standards. It is also where employees of various wards meet to perform their crucial tasks that save lives. Patient’s well-being is a paramount value for a therapeutic team working in the operating theatre. The main goal of surgical nurse is, in turn, to ensure a holistic and individual approach to the patient in accordance with applicable law, procedures and recommendations.

Crisis intervention for serious mental disorders. The example of the First Department of Psychiatry of Athens University

We describe the crisis management and resolution service for serious mental disorders established by the First Department of Psychiatry of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The service is intended to meet patients' needs for adequate management of acute mental crisis without hospitalization, while implementing modern standards in mental care and considering existing restrictions in mental health resources and public expenditure. Last decade we witness an increase in demand for psychiatric beds in Psychiatric clinics of General Hospitals resulting in a drastic increase of auxiliary beds that becomes a serious problem in mental health provision. The shutdown of big psychiatric hospitals in the process of psychiatric reform, accompanied by a delay in the establishment of all the anticipated beds in general hospitals together with overloaded and insufficient network of mental health services in the community are the major determinants. Additionally, fiscal economic crisis of the last decade intensified even more the problem by diminishing funding for the recruitment of new personnel and drastically reducing allocated funding for new and old services. In 2016 we set up a crisis intervention service for serious mental disorders within the operational framework of the emergency psychiatric services of the Department of Psychiatry in Eginition Hospital in Athens. The crisis resolution team is composed by two psychiatrists, a psychiatric nurse, social workers, a psychologist, mental health volunteers, and mental health trainees/students. The patient enters the service through the emergency service when an indication for hospitalization is given by the emergency psychiatrist, followed by the clinical estimation of a member of our team. The therapeutic team convenes twice a week for the new entrants and for follow-up sessions with the participation of the patient and the family members whenever feasible. The rest of the therapeutic interventions take place during the week. The work 'with' the person and not 'to' the person encapsulates the philosophy of the service, which is characterized by a holistic treatment approach aiming to empower the individual strengths and sense of control of the patient for crisis resolution on the basis of a safe therapeutic milieu. Therapeutic interventions include family and supportive members, as well as community interventions. In summation, interventions consist of a) comprehensive evaluation (psychiatric/ physical) and therapeutic plan, b) psychopharmacological treatment, c) psychotherapeutic support for the patient and the family for management of the crisis, d) training for the management of future crises and e) referral to appropriate community services for follow up management and treatment. Treatment lasts approximately 6-8 weeks. Initial data of the evaluation study indicate clinical effectiveness and high levels of satisfaction for patients and family. Conclusively, crisis management and resolution services are feasible even in a time of heavy restrictions in recourses, and anticipated benefits are multiple for the economy, mental health provision, the public health system, patients and relatives alike.

Stigma, mental illness, and COVID-19 from a frontline clinician perspective: a way to go against the grain?

A well-known insidious obstacle for patients with mental illness is stigma, linked to feelings of incomprehensibility, incurability, and dangerousness. The COVID-19 pandemic represented a relevant additional barrier for these patients, which contributed to their marginalization, quality of life reduction and diminished treatments feasibility. As part of a cross-sectional multidisciplinary project conducted in the psychiatric service of Biella, a northern Italy province, preliminary data were collected by frontline clinicians during the COVID-19 first wave regarding the vicious cycle that may have been created between stigma and psychiatric patients in COVID-19 time. Therefore, we tried to frame the observed changes not in the dual literature paradigms stigma-mental illness or stigma-social consequences in COVID-19 time, but in the mental illness-stigma-COVID-19 three-way paradigm. The protection of this vulnerable segment of population, including a rapid access to COVID-19 vaccination, needs to be recognized as a real public health priority. The role of mental health services in providing information and activating supportive interventions for patients with mental illness is also crucial. Particularly, a multidisciplinary therapeutic team including mental health providers, general practitioners, hospital physicians, and social services would be needed to ensure adequate networks and cares continuity. Actions to contrast stigma can be arduous and exhausting because they must counteract the gravitational pull of customs, prejudices, and ingrained cultural beliefs, and may therefore appear to be moving in an “unnatural” direction, like the water in Escher’s lithograph entitled “Waterfall”. Nevertheless, there is no less strenuous way to go against the grain.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS IN HOSPITALS IN IMPROVING THE CONDITION OF PATIENTS PSYCHOLOGICALLY” - A FIELD STUDY IN AIN SHAMS SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL

This research aims to shed light on the effectiveness of public relations department activities in hospitals to improve the condition of mentally ill patients by reaching proposals on the roles that public relations management should play within hospitals and thus improving patients 'condition psychologically. The research sample consisted of (100) individuals, (80) individual patients, at a rate of (80.0%), and they are detainees in the internal departments and frequenting the outpatient clinics of the hospital, which is the highest percentage, while the number of workers was (20) individuals at a rate of (20.0%) of Hospital workers The research belongs to the descriptive research where the method of social survey in the sample was used based on the questionnaire as a basic tool for data collection. The questionnaire forms were applied by (100) questionnaires to find out opinions about the effectiveness of the activities of the public relations department in the hospital in improving the condition of patients psychologically, and the study reached many results. Among the most important of them are the many psychological effects that patients suffer, as some patients feel psychosomatics (physical/ psychiatric diseases). The research recommended the interest of the hospital administration in providing an integrated therapeutic team of doctors, public relations specialists and psychologists to provide support and social support to patients through the effectiveness of relationship activities, which are to reduce the psychological effects.

High volume on line hemodiafiltration in dialysis pregnant patients: predilutional or postdilutional?

Although the frequency of pregnancy in women on chronic dialysis is extremely low, it is associated with severe maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This situation represents a challenge for the therapeutic team, which requires multidisciplinary management, as well as measures to adequate dialysis treatment. Such efforts include increasing the time and frequency of dialysis session, maintaining low uremia levels and ensuring hemodynamic stability by avoiding intra-treatment arterial hypotension and hydro electrolytic fluctuations. Regarding the dialysis modality, literature makes references to hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis in pregnancy women, but little is known about the of high volume online hemodiafiltration (HVHDF) as well as the appropriate type of replacement fluid (pre-dilution or post-dilution). We present two cases of patients who were pregnant while being treated with HVHDF modality and had a favorable evolution, where the decision to continue with this dialysis modality was motivated by a best hemodynamic stability and the highest clearance of all types of uremic toxins offered by HVHDF.

The Role of Self-Efficacy in the Recovery Process of Stroke Survivors.

IntroductionBelief in one’s personal capabilities are conducive to achieving success and provides additional energy for action. The stronger the conviction of one’s self-efficacy, the higher the self-goals and the stronger the commitment to achieving them, despite any adversities. Our knowledge regarding the role of self-efficacy in post-stroke rehabilitation is still scarce.Aim of the StudyThe study aimed to analyze characteristics related to high self-efficacy levels before and after rehabilitation and to determine the role of self-efficacy in this process.Materials and MethodsThe study involved 99 stroke survivors. Participants’ mental and functional state were assessed using Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Barthel Index (BI), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI). Patients were evaluated twice: on admission (T1) and 3 weeks into rehabilitation (T2).ResultsPatients without self-efficacy improvement after 3 weeks of rehabilitation, on discharge from the ward demonstrated poorer well-being (p = 0.002, Hedges’ g = 0.63, 95% CI [0.24–1.08]), lower illness acceptance levels (p < 0.001, Hedges’ g = −0.78, 95% CI [−1.25 – −0.41]), poorer functional status in basic activities of daily living (p = 0.003, Hedges’ g = −0.62, 95% CI [−1 – −0.25]), locomotive abilities (p = 0.004, Hedges’ g = −0.58, 95% CI [−1.12 – −0.15]) and instrumental activities of daily living (p = 0.001, Hedges’ g = −0.71, 95% CI [−1.15 – −0.34]).ConclusionSelf-efficacy level is significantly related to rehabilitation outcomes. A routine self-efficacy assessment during the rehabilitation process seems very important. Patients whose initial self-efficacy is low or remains unchanged despite rehabilitation require special attention. Close cooperation between all members of the therapeutic team is essential to strengthen, at each stage, the sense of self-efficacy in stroke survivors.

Mentoring in the clinical training of midwifery students - a focus study of the experiences and opinions of midwifery students at the Medical University of Warsaw participating in a mentoring program

BackgroundThe current system of clinical training for midwifery students in Poland is in need of considerable revision to adapt it to the global standards and the expectations of healthcare providers, healthcare users and student midwives themselves. Aim of this study was to report the experiences of midwifery students participating in a mentor-led clinical training program and their opinions of mentoring as a novel training method.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study that used a focus group was undertaken in the period from October 2017 to June 2019. The participants were 12 s- and third-year midwifery students at the Medical University of Warsaw who at various times during the study period had their clinical training in the Department of Obstetrics, Solec Hospital in Warsaw, Poland. All students had previous experience of clinical training other than clinical mentorship. At the end of the study, a focus group interview was conducted with all 12 participants. Five questions were selected to guide the focus group discussion: Did you get any valuable learning experience during your clinical training? How did this clinical training differ from your previous clinical training? What was your experience of one-on-one mentoring? Did the mentoring program meet your expectations? What do you think could be changed to make the proposed mentor-led clinical training more effective?ResultsFour themes were identified. The study demonstrated that mentoring was perceived by the participants as an innovative and effective method of clinical training for midwifery students. All students positively evaluated the quality of the mentor-led clinical training which allowed improving their clinical skills and building new competencies. Students believed they could effectively use their clinical skills and make informed decisions in a safe and supportive clinical learning environment. They felt that their inclusion in the therapeutic team contributed to better patient care.ConclusionsThe use of innovative forms of clinical training at undergraduate level improves its effectiveness and in the future should be reflected in a high-quality maternity care. Mentoring has its advantages for both, mentor and mentee, but the main goal is to develop and improve professional competencies of the junior partner.

Wiedza i opinie kobiet na temat wybranych aspektów nietrzymania moczu

The therapy and prevention of urinary incontinence NTM should be focused on educational activities carried out for members of the therapeutic team, patients and their families, and the entire society. Aim. The aim of the study is to analyze women's knowledge and opinions on selected aspects of urinary incontinence. Material and methods. The study involved 100 patients with urinary incontinence. A diagnostic survey method and a survey technique were used. Results. In their own research, the respondents confirmed that urinary incontinence episodes are more often observed in older age groups of women. They also had a varied knowledge of the causes, risk factors, diagnostic methods and NTM therapy. Most of the respondents confirmed the impact of the disease on the sphere of sexual life, professional activity and family life. The smallest percentage of respondents emphasized the impact of NTM on the sphere of social life. More than half of the women indicate that they have little knowledge about the prevention of urinary incontinence. The vast majority of respondents declare that they would like to definitely expand their knowledge on this subject. Women most often stated that the common source of knowledge about NTM is information obtained from a gynecologist, urologist, specialist doctor and data from the Internet. Conclusions. 1. Women with urinary incontinence show a different level of knowledge about selected aspects of the disease. 2. Women confirm insufficient knowledge about selected aspects of urinary incontinence and at the same time show readiness to supplement it.

Treatment of overweight and obesity during and after a pandemic. Let’s not wait for the development of complications — new guidelines for doctors

Guidelines developed by Experts endorsed by the Polish Association for the Study of Obesity, Polish Psychiatric Association, Polish Society of Hypertension, Scientific Section of Telepsychiatry of the Polish Psychiatric Association, Polish Association of Cardiodiabetology, Polish Association of Endocrinology, and The College of Family Physicians in Poland Social patronage of the Foundation for People with Obesity OD-WAGA The treatment of obesity in the pandemic era has become more important than ever. The current situation is conducive to the worsening of disease and the development of new diseases, mainly as a result of compensating negative emotions with food. Taking into account the data on the impact of obesity and its complications on the severity of the course and the risk of death due to COVID-19, we recommend using the 2016 American Endocrine Society’s criteria for the diagnosis of obesity instead of the 1998 WHO criteria. We also recommend diagnosing eating under the influence of emotions and the occurrence of eating disturbances, such as compulsive eating syndrome, night eating syndrome and food addiction, and complications of obesity, in any person with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 . The approach to treatment should be individualised and should not be limited to nutritional and physical activity education alone. Each patient should be offered appropriately selected pharmacotherapy, and, if necessary, also psychotherapy. The first-line drug should be a combined preparation containing naltrexone and bupropion (Mysimba ® ). Liraglutide in a dose of 3 mg (Saxenda ® ) should be considered as a second-line drug in a situation where eating under the influence of emotions is excluded (reaching for food in situations of experiencing negative and positive emotions and boredom, eating disturbances: compulsive eating syndrome, night eating syndrome, and food addiction) and depressed mood or there are permanent contraindications to the use of the first-line drug. It is unethical not to treat obesity or refer the patient to another doctor for treatment. The use of telemedicine tools can facilitate work in therapeutic teams (doctor, dietitian, psychotherapist), as well as improve patient compliance with pharmacotherapy and changes in eating habits and the level of physical activity recommendations.

Implementing and Sustaining SHARE: An Exposure-Based Psychotherapy Group for Incarcerated Women Survivors of Sexual Violence.

Although incarcerated women are a highly victimized population, therapy for sexual violence victimization (SVV) sequela is not routinely offered in prison. SHARE is a group therapy for SVV survivors that was successfully implemented and sustained in a women's correction center. Here, we aimed to identify implementation factors and strategies that led to SHARE's success and describe incarcerated women's perspectives on the program. We conducted a retrospective process evaluation using interviews structured according to EPIS, a well-established implementation science framework. Participants (N=22) were incarcerated women, members of the SHARE treatment team, and members of the correction center's leadership, therapeutic team, and volunteer program. Factors that facilitated SHARE implementation varied by EPIS phase and organization. Positive inter-organizational and interpersonal relationships were key across phases, as were the synergies between both the strengths and needs of each organization involved in implementation. Incarcerated women reported a strong need for SHARE and did not report any concerns about receiving trauma therapy in a carceral setting. Therapy for SVV sequelae, including exposure-based therapy, is possible to implement and sustain in carceral settings. Community-academic partnerships may be a particularly feasible way to expand access to SVV therapy for incarcerated women.

Acute non-hematological toxicity of intensive chemotherapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children

AbstractIntroductionLeukemia belong to 31% of all childhood malignancies. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent type of pediatric leukemia accounting for 80–85% of all cases. Progress in diagnostics and therapy of leukemia is dependent on international cooperation. The objective of the study was the analysis of non-hematological toxicity during intensive chemotherapy according to two consecutive intercontinental protocols.Patients and methodsA total number of 210 children diagnosed for ALL who were treated in single center between 2002 and 2018 were divided in two groups defined by therapeutic protocol: ALL IC-BFM 2002 (group 1) and ALL IC-BFM 2009 (group 2). Data were entered prospectively from 2002 into international ALL IC-BFM 2002 and ALL IC-BFM 2009 registry. Non-hematological toxicity was analyzed according to the criteria followed in protocols, compatible with CTCAE criteria.ResultsThe most frequent toxicities included hepatic toxicity with transaminitis and hyperbilirubinemia, infections, oral mucositis and gut toxicity with vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Non-hematological toxicity episodes calculated as a ratio per patient were comparably often observed in both the groups; however, the distribution was different. There were more grade III and less grade II toxicities. This was mainly related to significant increase in the rates of infections and transaminitis. However, there was a significant decrease in vomiting and central and peripheral neurotoxicity.ConclusionsIntensive treatment of ALL is burdened with frequent severe toxic and infectious complications. Further progress in therapy of pediatric ALL is dependent on sophisticated supportive therapy and very well experienced and knowledgeable therapeutic team.

Bolus calculator in personal insulin pumps — advantages, differences and practical tips

The widespread use of personal insulin pumps in the treatment of type 1 diabetes has significantly improved the effects of therapy. Patients achieved better metabolic control of diabetes, but also increased comfort of life and professional opportunities. One of the func­tions that increased the effectiveness of insulin therapy using a personal insulin pump is the bolus calculator. The bolus calculator function allows the user to dose their insulin more accurately before meals and to correct hyperglycaemia. The bolus calculator algorithms in insulin pumps of individual manufacturers differ in the way they calculate the correction dose and the amount of so-called active insulin. Consequently, with the same treatment parameters, individual bolus calculators may offer a different dose of insulin. Understanding the principles of the bolus calculator by therapeutic team members and patients is very important for proper diabetes education and diabetes management.

Medication Error Incidence (Parenteral Therapy) at Government Hospital in Magelang

Patient safety is the key to maintain the quality of health services. One of the most important things to achieve patient safety is to identify medication errors and its causes. Most cases of medication errors are reported by nurses, because nurses are the therapeutic team. The purpose of this study is to determine factors affecting medication error by nurse in giving parenteral therapy at Government Hospital in Magelang. A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out on 67 nurses working in hospital wards. The data were collected using a questionnaire filled by respondents to see medication errors within 3 months. The final number of medication errors were 91 incidents in 3 months. The most frequent errors were wrong time (51.7%), wrong dose (14.2%), wrong document and wrong drug (9.9%), wrong route (8.8%), and the least was wrong patient (5%). Although the medication error incidences were not sentinel events and didn’t affect to SNARs criteria, but it still affecting on the quality of health services in the hospital. The significant independent determinant of medication errors is working experience at Government Hospital in Magelang (p 0,001), while the other determinants are not. Conclusion in this study was significant correlation between work experience in hospital and medication error, where respondents with work experience at Government Hospital in Magelangless than 5 years tend to be at higher risk doing medication errors than those who having worked more or equivalent to 5 years.

A curriculum for heart failure nurses: an expert opinion of the Section of Nursing and Medical Technicians and the Heart Failure Working Group of the Polish Cardiac Society.

The rates of mortality and morbidity due to heart failure (HF) are expected to significantly rise over the next 10 years owing to an ageing population and will be the highest of all rates pertaining to cardiovascular diseases. To face this rapidly progressing problem, that is, the increasing prevalence of HF and need for care of patients with this disease, an attempt was made to develop a curriculum targeted at HF nurses. The HF nurse, as a member of the therapeutic team, has to play an active role in monitoring patients' physical and mental condition, coordinating hospital care, planning intervention after discharge from the hospital, and involving the patient and / or his or her family in self‑care, effective cooperation, and communication with the therapeutic team. The curriculum was conceived to complement the knowledge of HF and improve HF nurses' educational skills. The proposed model of education, based on the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and led by trained educators, will enable clinicians to fully implement the principles of coordinated care and properly assess the effectiveness of educational interventions in patients with HF.

Selected aspects of allergy nursing

Abstract Introduction. Due to their dynamic character, allergic conditions pose challenges for modern medicine and constitute a public health problem. Nearly 40% of the general Polish population is estimated to suffer from an allergy. We would like to emphasize that allergies are not some extraordinary ailments; instead, they commonly coincide with or are complications of other systemic conditions. Hence, national health policies should prioritize the development and implementation of ready-to-use protocols that focus mainly on prevention rather than treatment. Conclusions. In an outpatient setting the care for individuals who suffer from allergies is facilitated by therapeutic teams. Allergy nurses play a special role in this framework, with the scope of their professional duties including diagnostic procedures, treatment, being a mediator for patient education initiated by the therapeutic team. This article focuses on three important types of allergy nurses‘ responsibilities: diagnostic procedures (e.g. skin prick tests), therapeutic procedures (allergen-specific immunotherapy), and selected aspects of medical record-keeping.