Rostrum of Asclepius Vol 23, No. 4 (2024): October - December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of bowel function that affects approximately 23% of the population worldwide. It represents the most common gastrointestinal disorder. Dietary changes contribute catalytically to the treatment and limitation of particularly painful symptoms.

Aim: This review aims to study the irritable bowel, to investigate the type of diet that is indicated for people suffering from IBS and the effects that the syndrome causes on the daily life and the quality of life of the person.

Materials and Method: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched from July 2020 to April 2023 using the keywords: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Food Intolerance, Fodmaps diet, quality of life, psychology, intestinal disorders. A narrative literature review of 8 studies that met the inclusion criteria was performed.

Results: This paper reviewed 8 primary studies, the full text of which was retrieved.   Of these, 1 was prospective, 2 patient-control, 3 cross-sectional and 2 clinical trials. It was found that the symptoms of SHE have a significant impact on the daily life of the patients, reducing the quality of life. Anxiety and depression are moderately associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS, and food-related quality of life (FRQoL) is influenced by symptom severity patient. The 93.5% of patients reported that the consumption of certain foods, such as the FODMAP-rich diet, causes them discomfort and disorder that burdens the quality of life.

Conclusions: The consumption of specific foods had an effect on the quality of life of the sufferers, with the diet low in FODMAPs having positive effects. Further research is needed to investigate more nutritional interventions with a positive impact on the symptoms of the syndrome. It is necessary to have a holistic treatment and proper information from specialized health professionals and specialist psychologists, in order to achieve an effective treatment of the unpleasant effects of the syndrome on the daily life and quality of life of the sufferers.

Keywords: irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, nutrition, quality of life, intestinal disorders

ABSTRACT

Introduction: fashion of artificial nails is followed by many health professionals. However, the guidelines recommend the avoidance of artificial nails to prevent the transmission of pathogenic bacteria in the hospital environment as well as the patients so that morbidity and mortality are at low rates.

Aim: This review explores the microbial burden that may be present in the artificial nails of healthcare professionals and the risk of transmission of pathogenic bacteria to patients as well as the understanding of guidelines for short, natural nails without the use of varnish or gel.

Material-method: The bibliography was searched from December 2022 to March 2023 without a time limit for the past, in English and Greek, in Pub Med, American Journal of Infection Control, CDC, WHO, EODY. Research studies and case studies with index words were included: artificial nails, bacterial transmission, pathogen transmission, hospital acquired infection, nail hygiene, hand hygiene with a combination of the above terms such as artificial nails and bacterial transmission, artificial nails and pathogen transmission, etc.

Results: Artificial nails become colonized with pathogenic bacteria and are responsible for the occurrence of serious nosocomial infections in vulnerable patients such as neonates and surgical patients with increased hospital stay and even death. Their microbial load increases over the days while their long length contributes to the difficulty of removing it.

Conclusions: Adherence to the rules of nail hygiene is a parameter that is recommended to be taken into account and followed by all health professionals as the transmission of an infection can occur in an unexpected way or conditions. Artificial nails are rightfully recommended to be avoided in healthcare facilities.

Keywords: Nosocomial infection, artificial nails, bacteria transmission, pathogen transmission, nail and hand hygiene

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The burnout syndrome is a phenomenon that used to concern and continues to do so, the scientific community. Especially, the field of Nursing, as it occurs mainly in nurses. The outbreak of COVID-19 made the problem bigger since Health System and nurses had to deal with the biggest part of this situation.

Aim: The aim of this review was to study the burn out syndrome of nurses during the pandemic of covid-19.

Methods: The method of this study included bibliography research. The researches were online platforms such as Google Scholar. The bibliography was based on both past and current research data, focusing on recent research during the pandemic.

Results: According to the results of the review, there were significant factors that led to an increase in professional burnout among nurses during the pandemic. The main factors were the excessive workload, overtime and the fear of exposure to the virus. Additionally, among the above are the lack of social recognition and support and the neglect of personal needs experienced by the nursing staff.

Conclusions: It is vital to recognize and treat the burnout syndrome in the right time with the appropriate interventions. Even if these interventions are individual or come from the Health institutions. It has to do with both nurses’ and patients’ safety. The goal is to achieve the best provision of Health services.

Keywords: burnout, COVID-19, nurses

ABSTRACT

Nowadays there is an increase in the number of nosocomial infections. This situation requires the development of new perceptions, a change in behavior and a different approach to daily hospital practice. Education must be multifaceted, both theoretical and practical. Formal training in infection control is generally limited and many healthcare workers learn on the job. However, current training conditions are considered inadequate, given the low level of compliance. In addition, due to the global health crisis caused by the disease COVID-19, more and more health personnel were required to be trained in the use of PPE and techniques to control nosocomial infections that caused an increase in mortality in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, virtual training programs of various personnel were developed and now virtual reality tends to be established as an important tool in improving infection control processes. The use of virtual reality (virtual reality) in education can be considered as one of the naturals of computer-aided teaching. Simulation offers the advantage of learning in a safe environment with a sense of realism similar to that of a real clinical setting that is reported to enhance self-efficacy in nosocomial infections, safety and learning ability.

Keywords: Virtual reality, training, nosocomial infection

ABSTRACT

Postoperative pain control and management is of primary importance to the patient because of the potential adverse effects that can occur from the normal pain response following surgery. In addition, postoperative pain management is vital not only for patient comfort but also for facilitating recovery, reducing hospital length of stay, and preventing the development of chronic pain. Recent advances in pain management have focused on a multifaceted approach, which incorporates various pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to achieve effective analgesia. The introduction of advanced pain management devices such as analgesia pumps has further improved postoperative pain control by providing consistent and adjustable analgesia. Their use improves pain control, reduces opioid consumption, and enhances patient recovery after major abdominal surgery. A multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and pharmacists is essential and necessary for effective postoperative pain management. Continued research and development of pain management techniques is vital to improving clinical outcomes and ensuring patient satisfaction.

Keywords: Postoperative analgesia, pain management, major abdominal surgery, analgesia pumps

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Recent studies emphasize that even moderate-intensity physical activity is vital for maintaining health and promoting longevity. However, the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles has led to a significant global decline in physical activity levels.1-3. Additionally, there is a gap in epidemiological knowledge regarding the factors that influence the maintenance of an active lifestyle.

Objective:  Evaluation of the determining factors that influence the physical activity levels of men and women in the general Greek population, overa20-year period (2002-2022).

Method: In this study, data were utilized from 1,293 men (aged 46±14 years) and 1,292 women (aged 46±15 years), who participated in the ATTICA epidemiological study and had reliable information regarding their physical activity levels. Physical activity levels were first assessed at the participants' enrollment in the study (2001-2002) and followed by three more evaluations (2006, 2012, and 2022), using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Four trajectories of physical activity were detected among the participants: consistently active (engaging in light/moderate exercise at least once per week), consistently inactive, and those who transitioned either from active to inactive or from inactive to active.

Results: During the 20-year follow-up period, 45% of men and 53% of women were classified as physically inactive, 13% of men and 9% of women transitioned from physically active to inactive, 24% of men and 23% of women transitioned to active, and 18% of men and 15% of women remained physically active (p<0.001). According to the multivariable model of the study, a man, with an average age of 45 years, of medium socioeconomic status, without clinical risk factors, and with moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, has a 33% probability of remaining physically active throughout the 20-year follow-up period, while a corresponding woman has a 25% probability of remaining physically active over the entire follow-up period.

Conclusions: The results of the study highlight the social factors as a key determinant of physical activity, shaping it as a way of life. This underscores the importance of targeted interventions, which should be tailored to the socioeconomic characteristics of the population.

Keywords: physical activity, determinants, ATTICA study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Thermal Burn is the most common type of burn worldwide. Resulting complications are numerous and difficult to manage, leading population to increased morbidity and mortality. A useful tool in the clinical management of burn disease as an adjuvant treatment is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), as it contributes the oxygenation of traumatic surfaces and the promotion of the healing mechanism.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of Thermal Burn.

Method: A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and Open Archives databases for the years 2010-2022 was performed. Criteria for the introduction of an article in the study were the English or Greek language of writing and to be a primary study in human patients (adults and children) with thermal burn.

Results: 6 primary studies were included in the present study. All studies concluded that HBOT has beneficial effects on various parameters in the management of Thermal Burn, but statistically significant results are poor and more research is needed to be a strong indication.

Conclusions: HBOT appears to improve the healing of traumatic burn surfaces and reduce complications arising from Burn Disease, but there is no strong evidence for these results.

Keywords: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen, Thermal Burns, Inhalation thermal injury

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, and the school setting plays a crucial role in supporting students with T1D. School nurses are essential in ensuring the health and well-being of diabetic students, helping them manage their health condition effectively and safely while participating in all aspects of school life.

Aim: This systematic review aims to explore the role of school nurses in the prevention and health promotion of students suffering from diabetes within the school environment.

Methodology: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, ECB) in February 2023 is conducted to identify relevant studies between 2003 and 2023. The inclusion criteria encompass primary research studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published in English and Greek language. Data extraction and analysis is performed to synthesize the findings and identify common themes and best practices.

Results: The outcomes of this systematic review provide insights into the effectiveness of prevention and health promotion strategies implemented by school nurses for students with diabetes. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge in this area, inform policy development, and guide future research and practice in school health services.

Conclusion: Ιnterventions led by school nurses have the potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for students with T1D.

Keywords: health promotion

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Emotional intelligence has been associated with both leadership performance and effectiveness, and proper stress management, job satisfaction, burnout prevention, a good working climate and positive forms of conflict.

Aim: The purpose of this doctoral study was to investigate, evaluate and compare the emotional intelligence level of primary care nurses and leadership models after educational intervention or not, and on the other hand the correlation between emotional intelligence and leadership models applied by nursing leadership.

Material - Methods: This research is a longitudinal study, of two time phases, using an anonymous questionnaire in nurses working in Primary Health Care structures in Greece. The sample, according to the research design, contains the control group and the intervention group.

Results: In order to be effective, individuals practicing nursing leadership should possess the necessary leadership skills and interpersonal skills. The results of the survey will help nurses and supervisors understand the importance and value of emotional intelligence, which is directly linked to the way leadership is exercised in the field of nursing and subsequently to the better organization of the health system and specifically of the Primary Health Care, with the ultimate goal of improving the health services provided.

Conclusions: It is important that nursing leadership is exercised by people with high emotional intelligence, taking into account that it has a direct impact on the quality of patient care and therefore, can actively and substantially lead to changes or improvements in healthcare.

Keywords: emotional intelligence, Empathy, leadership, management, Primary Health Care