Rostrum of Asclepius Vol 23, Suppl. 3A (2024): July - September 2024

Introduction: Patients with diabetes face significant challenges in managing their disease. The social support they receive from family members or their friends and wider community can help them to better manage their illness.

Aim: The aim of this review was to investigate the impact of social support on the management of diabetes.

Material and Methods: A literature review was conducted in the PubMed database. Articles published in English language between 2012-2022 were selected. The keywords used were: diabetes, management, outcomes, social, support. Primary (cross-sectional) and secondary (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) studies were included.

Results: Diabetic patients who receive social support from their family members, friends and significant others in their social environment have better mental health and experience lower diabetes-related stress, while having a lower likelihood of developing depression. They also show better adherence to dietary restrictions, medication, physical activity and control of their feet. Finally, the greater the social support, the better the glycosylated hemoglobin levels, the regulation of which is associated with disease progression and even mortality in diabetic patients.

Conclusions: Τhe control and management of diabetes is a difficult and continuous process for the patient. The social support that the patients receive is a powerful ally that helps them to cope with the demands of a chronic disease.

Keywords: management, outcomes, Diabetes mellitus (DM), social support

Substance dependence is a biopsychosocial, multidimensional and multifactorial phenomenon. The family is a dynamic and multifaceted system of ideas, emotions and behaviors. The elements of the family system influence and feed off each other, and changes within the family have an impact both individually and collectively as the family goes through its life cycle. The results of most research studies pointed out that: 1) the phenomenon of substance dependence is not associated with a specific type of family i.e. with a stable pathognomonic profile 2) drug-dependent personalities can arise in different types of family structure 3) certain characteristics of family structure, in general, seem to be common to the functioning of families of addicted persons 4) in the family of substance-dependent persons the characteristics that are found in many other families 5) there is a high incidence of mental disorders in the family of substance abusers and 6) therapeutic intervention in the family is imperative, but must be accompanied by other interventions. Substance dependence seriously affects public health and needs to be addressed in a variety of ways. It has become clear that intervention in the family becomes necessary in order to change the behavior of the user, to change the attitudes of other family members and to modify the overall family dynamics.

Keywords: Substance dependence, addicted personality, family system, coping strategies

The global community was confronted with the biggest crisis in decades with the emergence of the Sars-Cov-2 respiratory syndrome which challenged the sustainability of health systems and the emergence, recognition and management of ethical issues. The review of the international literature showed that the ethical issues that emerged during the pandemic in the ICU, were: 1) The conflict stemming from the ethical stance of health professionals in providing care to Sars-CoV-2 patients with the fear of their possible infection and transmission of the virus to their family members 2) Screening patients according to their priority for treatment 3) Selecting patients for respiratory support 4) Selecting patients for home care 5) Which patients should have hospital care 6) The inadequate provision of health services in the "new beds of ICU" 7) The deterioration of patients with co-morbidities 8) The compromised rights of patients and family members regarding decision-making 9) The separation of severely ill patients from their loved ones 10) The lack of opportunity for the family to say goodbye to their deceased member and 11) The possible spread of viral infection in areas with few cases where there were ICU beds. The ethical issues that emerged during the pandemic in NCDs should form the basis for a new health policy strategy with interventions and actions to respond effectively to new challenges that will arise.

Keywords: Sars-CoV-2, ICU, ethical issues, dilemmas

Schizophrenia is proven one of the most serious mental disorders, with most of the disorders having a different etiology. It is characterized by a change in the internal and at the same time external reality and is expressed by disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, will and behavior. Childhood schizophrenia has a greater hereditary burden than adult schizophrenia, while adolescent schizophrenia has an insidious onset and is a special meeting point between child psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Raising awareness and informing about social problems can help both people with schizophrenia and the rest of society. People suffering from the disease need to feel that they are integrated into society, despite their diversity. Mental health nurses can offer their services in the field of early detection of symptoms, in the area of care and treatment and in the very critical area of reintegration.

Keywords: Schezophrenia, childhood, adolescence, mental disorders, symptoms

Keywords:

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed health professionals to conditions of increased stress, traumatic stress and depression, thereby reducing their resilience in treating patients with serious health problems, as well as in communication. In this environment, it is important to investigate the factors that influence nurses' attitudes towards informing patients who have serious or life-threatening illnesses.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that influence nurses' attitudes towards informing patients who have serious or life-threatening illnesses.

Material and Methods: One hundred thirty four nurses and assistant nurses of KAT hospital participated in the present synchronous research. A questionnaire was used for the data collection that included demographic / social characteristics, and 4 tools (scale of psychological empowerment-PEI, scale of physicians 'attitude towards informing patients, scale of physicians' attitude towards informing cancer patients, CD-RISC-10) . Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21.

Results: Relatively high level of resilience (average 27.9, mean 6.38) and psychological empowerment (average 46,029, mean 7.41) was found. Regarding the three sub-scales of the WHO model: the sub-scale of truth disclosure, had a relatively high level (average 5.94, S.D.1.25), the sub-scale of concealment of truth had medium level (average 5.02, S.D.1,36), and the sub-scale personalized information with high level (average 6.86, S.D.1,009). Regarding the correlations, statistical significance was found (p:, 025) between the sub-scale Hidden Truth and Communication (<0.05), between the sub-scale Personalized Information and Communication (<0.01). In addition, statistical significance was found between Durability and Strengthening (<0.01).

Conclusions: According to the objectives of the present study, the results showed the following: (a) nurses have a relatively high level of resilience, psychological empowerment and attitude in communication (for serious, chronic diseases), which highlights the special requirements of the nursing profession (b) personalized information is influenced by the attitude of nurses in communication (for serious & chronic diseases), and also, the work department of the nurse affects the disclosure and concealment of the truth in communication with the patient, and the position The nurse's responsibility affects the concealment of the truth when communicating with the patient about serious illnesses. However, new research on the subject of the present study needs to be conducted. Thus, it is proposed in the future to conduct a similar primary research with a larger sample and change the WHO measurement tool (or its extension), since it cannot work reliably due to its small size.

Keywords:  communication, health professional, nurse, resilience, empowerment, bad news

Introduction: Central Venous Catheters (CVC) are an important part of patient care, allowing the administration of intravenous fluids, blood, drugs and parenteral solutions. Their use is a cause of infections due to micro-organisms colonizing the skin at the entry point or the catheter or other point along it or the fluids administered by the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI’s) in children's ICUs are an important factor that negatively affects the course of the disease, causing complications, perhaps irreversible. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the interventions for the management of CLABSI’s in neonatal and pediatric ICUs. Methodology: Published research articles in the years 2016-2021 in valid scientific journals referring to children with CVC hospitalized in neonatal and pediatric ICUs were studied. A systematic search of the literature was performed in digital scientific databases (Medline, PubMed Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library) using keywords. The PICOS (Population, Interventions, Controls, Outcome, Study design) procedure was used as a criterion for the inclusion of an article in the present study. The evaluation of the articles of the bibliographic search were evaluated using the PRISMA method. Results – Discussion: Interventions for the management of CLABSI’s included the use of chlorhexidine-soaked pads, implementation of measures to prevent CLABSI’s, use of a pre-filled disposable syringe for flushing, implementation of an infection surveillance system, use of new methods/measures for introduction, use and management of CVCs, use of ethanol lock, use of antibiotic-impregnated CVCs and multidimensional approaches. Conclusions: As it was seen from the results of the study, there are several research evidence regarding the effectiveness of nursing interventions to limit CLABSI’s in neonatal and children's ICUs. Nevertheless, it seems that prevention measures for CLABSI’s and hand hygiene guidelines have a decisive role in limiting CLABSI’s in neonatal and pediatric ICUs.

Keywords: Bloodstream infections, pediatric intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, nursing, central line-associated bloodstream infection, central venous lines

ABSTRACT

Introduction: New technologies play an important role in the health industry, providing solutions in the fields of Telehealth and Telenursing. The use of digital technology in healthcare has been further enhanced by the extraordinary circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted in the PubMed database using specific keywords: “Telehealth AND Nursing” and “Telenursing” and a time limit of two years. From the initial search, 918 studies were found, of which 13 were finally evaluated.
Results: Telehealth and Telenursing interventions are associated with improved patient compliance with medication and increased satisfaction with the use of digital technology, while the complementary use of new remote technologies along with the provision of standard care is recommended for optimal effectiveness. In addition, there is a reduction in readmissions, an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in patients' anxiety and clinical symptoms. Also, the medical and nursing staff seem to comply satisfactorily with the use of new technologies, while a further training is deemed necessary to improve efficiency and acquire the necessary digital skills.
Conclusions: The Telehealth and Telenursing services can supplement and support effectively the in-life health services, especially in cases when geographical limitations are observed.

Keywords: telenursing, Telehealth, nursing informatics, internet of things

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Great leaders suppress our behavior, and activate the best version of us, according to Goleman. One view is because they have the ability to speak to the heart and emotion, another view is because they influence a person's actions and behavior in the way they speak, react and deal with situations. A criterion for a successful career is not only the intelligence index, but also the Emotional Intelligence index. The nursing profession makes the use of emotional intelligence an absolute necessity due to the complexity of the profession itself linked to the physical and psychological exhaustion of health professionals. The nursing leadership can be the main vehicle that drives the behavior of the employees, evaluates their skills, capabilities and their development prospects. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to map to what extent Emotional Intelligence affects the way nursing administration is practiced and if it is related to the motivation and job satisfaction of nurses.

Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out, in electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Iatrotek), using the Prisma method. The keywords were used, "emotional intelligence", "nursing leadership", "nurses", "motivation", "job satisfaction" and predefined study inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Then, the collected studies were analyzed and evaluated. Results: In the present review 18 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. The results showed that the contribution of EI in relation to the leadership style chosen by nursing management executives is decisive. In addition, the relationship of emotional intelligence as a balancing factor in professional burnout and its necessity for the satisfaction, development and above all the motivation of the nursing staff was captured.

Conclusions: Human resources are the heart of health systems, so it is considered necessary to make rational use of their skills and abilities. Nurse managers have a direct impact on the activation and motivation of nursing staff. As a brake on smooth operation they must take steps to create a healthy work environment so that through it they can communicate the vision and goals of the organization.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Nursing Management, Nurses, Motivation, Job Satisfaction, Job Performance.