Open Access
Can virtual reality reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric emergency care and promote positive response of parents of children? A quasi-experimental study
(Elsevier, 2023) Ferraz Torres, Marta; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; García Vivar, Cristina; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients during venipuncture procedure in emergency care and the behavioral response of their parents/companions. Background: Virtual reality is being used as a source of distraction in children undergoing invasive procedures. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with 458 children (from 2 to 15 years) who attended a pediatric emergency service from September 2019 to April 2021. An intervention based on virtual reality as a distraction method during venipuncture procedure was applied. The level of pain and anxiety of children and attitude of parents/ companions were assessed. Ordinal and binary logistic regressions were applied. Results: A protective effect of using virtual reality was observed in the intervention group both for the absence of pain (− 4.12; 95 % CI: − 4.85 to − 3.40) and anxiety (− 1.71; 95 % CI: − 2.24 to − 1.17) in children aged between 2 and 15 years. A significant reduction in the blocking response of the accompanying parents (− 2.37; 95 % CI: − 3.017 to − 1.723) was also observed. Conclusions: VR is effective in reducing pain and anxiety in children during venipuncture in emergency care. A positive attitude of the parents during the invasive procedure to their children was found.
Open Access
Effectiveness of digital health on the quality of life of long-term breast cancer survivors: a systematic review
(Elsevier, 2023) Pimentel Parra, Gustavo Adolfo; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; García Vivar, Cristina; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objectives: To identify, critically appraise, and synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of digital health interventions to improve the quality of life or any of its four dimensions (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual) in women survivors of breast cancer who are in the extended or permanent survival stage. Data Sources: Systematic review—Four databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Conclusion: The clinical evidence shows a positive relationship or association between eHealth use and improved quality of life in breast cancer survivors at extended or permanent survival stage. However, the findings point to a deficit in the assessment of the social and spiritual domains that play a fundamental role in the quality of life of survivors. Implication for Nursing Practice: The findings found reflect implications of great value for nursing practice because these professionals are the main users of digital health tools to provide them to patients. Using these digital tools contributes to improving evidence-based practice and providing greater efficiency and effectiveness in the care of long-term cancer survivors.
Open Access
How did COVID-19 lockdown impact the health of older adults in nursing homes?: a scoping review
(BMC, 2024) San Martín-Erice, Isabel; Escalada Hernández, Paula; García Vivar, Cristina; Furtado Eraso, Sara; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults in nursing homes is signifcant, with high death rates, disrupted care, isolation measures, and inadequate treatment. Social isolation has increased risks of cognitive disorders, anxiety, and depression. While many studies have examined the pandemic’s efects on nursing home staf and residents’ families, less is known about the health consequences for the residents themselves. This review aims to synthesize literature on the COVID-19 lockdown’s impact on the functional, cognitive, and psycho-emotional states of older adults in nursing homes. Methods. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA exten sion for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Four databases were searched: CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and Psy cINFO. The eligibility criteria included studies on older adults in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, with data that could be disaggregated for this population and results on the lockdown’s impact on physical, cognitive, and psycho-emotional levels. Results. Seventeen articles met the criteria for data extraction The synthesis was categorized into four main areas: functional, cognitive and psycho-emotional status, and isolation measures. Key fndings included decreased func tional abilities, lower cognitive test scores during the pandemic’s frst waves, development of psychological symp toms, and increased negative feelings among residents. Conclusions. Highlighting the consequences of confnement for nursing home residents is essential for updating evidence, developing efective strategies, and establishing protocols to mitigate the impact and prevent health issues in future pandemics.
Embargo
Virtual reality to reduce pain, fatigue, and emotional distress in people with cancer: a scoping review
(Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2024-09-02) Cuñado Pradales, Rebeca; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; García Vivar, Cristina; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: cancer and its treatments cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and emotional distress, which affect the quality of life of patients at different stages of cancer. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising alternative for addressing these symptoms by immersing patients in a virtual environment that isolates them from reality. Objective: to describe the existing evidence on the use of VR to improve pain, fatigue, and emotional distress in people with cancer at different stages of the cancer trajectory. Methods: a scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Search was conducted in PubMed and CINAHL until October 2023. Results: twenty-three primary studies related to the study topic were identified, and the following information was collected: type of VR (immersive vs nonimmersive) used in oncology services, purpose (distraction, training, or relaxation), devices used (head-mounted display, headset, or virtual controller), and the environment simulated (natural environment, skill games, or educational environment). The effects of VR on pain, fatigue, and emotional distress are described, highlighting its ability to mitigate these symptoms in the short term.
Open Access
A themed game to learn about nursing theories and models: a descriptive study
(Elsevier, 2020) San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
One of the most demanding challenges for teachers in undergraduate nursing programmes is teaching the intangible aspects of the discipline, such as its conceptual and theoretical bases. This study aimed to evaluate nursing students' satisfaction and knowledge acquisition after taking part in a specific themed game to learn about nursing theories and models. A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative, interventional study was undertaken involving 105 nursing degree students. After taking part in a themed game called 'The Nurse Theorist game', the knowledge acquired by the students was assessed plus their satisfaction with the game. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that the average score for knowledge was 8.28 points (on a scale of 0–10); the overall average score for satisfaction was 7.60 points out of 10. The scores obtained for satisfaction with each aspect of the game ranged from 2.90 to 3.90 out of 5. All the students recommended using this game for this subject in the years to come. To conclude, the proposal for a themed game specifically for learning nursing theories and models has been revealed to be effective in terms of knowledge acquisition and student satisfaction.
Open Access
Impact of individual and job characteristics on nurses' scope of practice in spanish hospital units
(Wiley, 2024) Saralegui Gainza, Amaia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; García Vivar, Cristina; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background. Nurses are one of the largest and costliest groups in healthcare organizations; therefore, it is important to comprehend their scope of practice. Aim. To contribute to the improvement of nursing resource management in medical-surgical and Intensive Care Units by identifying factors that influence the scope of nursing practice. The hypothesis was that the activities carried out by nurses in medical-surgical units and intensive care units are influenced by individual and job-related factors, with job characteristics having an additive and moderating effect on individual characteristics. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional correlational design to test the relationship between the individual and job characteristics on the nursing scope of practice measured by the Actual Scope of Nursing Practice (ASCOP) questionnaire. The sample consisted of 270 nurses. Linear mixed effects models analysis (LME) was used with the aleatory effect of the intensive care unit (ICU). Results. Belonging to the ICU decreased the scope of practice of nurses. We found a statistically significant effect of psychological demand, practice environment, role ambiguity, and growth need strength on the scope of nursing practice. The models explained a variance up to 24%. Conclusions. Although the survey results revealed the existence of broader scope of practice levels in Spanish hospital units than in the original Canadian study, the use of scope of nursing practice remains suboptimal. Higher levels on the psychological demand, the practice environment and in the individual growth need strength were related with a broader scope of practice. Otherwise, role ambiguity negatively affected the scope of practice. Implications for Nursing Management. This article provides an analysis of the impact of individual and job-related characteristics on the nursing scope of practice. It serves as a valuable resource for both managers and nurses, offering insights to improve nurses' working conditions and obtain more efficient workforces.
Open Access
Alcance de práctica de las enfermeras de hospitalización médico-quirúrgica y unidades de cuidados intensivos
(Elsevier, 2024-07-09) Saralegui Gainza, Amaia; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; García Vivar, Cristina; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
Objetivo: Analizar el alcance de práctica de las enfermeras de unidades de hospitalización médico-quirúrgicas y unidades de cuidados intensivos en el contexto español, y su relación con las características individuales de las enfermeras y de su ámbito de trabajo. Método: Estudio observacional, transversal, realizado en 29 unidades de hospitalización médico-quirúrgica de adultos y 5 unidades de cuidados intensivos de la red pública de Navarra. La variable principal, el alcance de práctica de las enfermeras, se midió mediante el cuestionario de D’Amour en su versión española. Se analizaron los datos con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, estableciendo el nivel de significación en 0,05. Resultados: Un total de 310 enfermeras participaron en el estudio, y los resultados revelaron niveles aceptables del alcance de práctica enfermera. La edad y el trabajar en unidades de cuidados intensivos fueron determinantes a la hora de identificar diferencias en las actividades desempeñadas por las enfermeras en el ejercicio de su profesión. La correlación encontrada muestra que a mayor edad existe mayor probabilidad de expresar puntuaciones más bajas en la dimensión «Cuidado centrado en paciente y familia». En contraste, en la dimensión «Calidad del cuidado y seguridad del paciente» fueron las enfermeras más jóvenes las que puntuaron significativamente más bajo. Conclusiones: Comprender el alcance de práctica de las enfermeras es esencial para abordar la escasez de profesionales en los sistemas de salud. No se trata únicamente de aumentar el número de enfermeras, sino de garantizar que estas estén dedicadas a desempeñar integralmente las funciones propias de su profesión.
Open Access
The Spanish version of the child medical fear questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation and validation
(MDPI, 2021) San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Ferraz Torres, Marta; García Vivar, Cristina; Saralegui Gainza, Amaia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Having valid and reliable tools that help health professionals to assess fear in children undergoing medical procedures is essential to offer humanised and quality of care in the paediatric population. The aim of this study was to develop the cross-cultural adaptation and the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the 'Child Medical Fear Scale' in its shortened version (CMFS-R). The design consisted of two phases: first, of cross-cultural adaptation and second, of the psychometric validation of the CMFS-R with a sample of 262 children from Spain, applying a cross-sectional design. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess construct validity and the Cronbach's alpha and the adjusted item-total score correlation coefficients were performed to study reliability. The results confirmed internal consistency and construct validity of the Spanish version of the CMFS-R, indicating that the scale has an acceptable level of validity and reliability. Therefore, this study brings a new version of the scale to assess fear related to medical procedures for use in the Spanish paediatric population.
Open Access
Guía del Programa Health-Friendly. Intervención para la disminución del miedo al entorno sanitario en niños y niñas de edad escolar
(2021) Escalada Hernández, Paula; Ferraz Torres, Marta; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Saralegui Gainza, Amaia; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
El programa Health-Friendly tiene como objetivo reducir el miedo al entorno sanitario de los niños y niñas entre 5 y 9 años. Es un programa de inmersión basado en una intervención en la que los niños y niñas, a través de un entorno sanitario simulado, toman contacto con distintos escenarios, como una consulta de enfermería o una habitación de hospitalización quirúrgica. En el proyecto de diseño y evaluación del programa Health-Friendly participaron niños y niñas de distintos colegios de Navarra. La intervención se llevó a cabo en el Espacio de Habilidades Clínicas y Simulación de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA).
Open Access
Mental health of spanish nurses working during the covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
(Wiley, 2022) San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Ferraz Torres, Marta; Rodríguez Matesanz, Irati; García Vivar, Cristina; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Aim. To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of nurses working in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare centers in Navarre (Spain). Background. Healthcare workers, especially nurses, are at high risk for developing mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduction. Spain ranks among the European countries with the highest incidence of and mortality from COVID-19 and has a 31% deficit in the number of nurses compared with the average for the European Union. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving 800 Registered Nurses in Navarre, Spain. Four standardized instruments, along with a self-administered online questionnaire, were used to measure the impact in terms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was used to report this study. Results. Of the 800 nurses, 68% had some level of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress, and of these, 38% had moderate or severe symptoms. Those who worked in hospital COVID units and in nursing homes showed a higher impact on their mental health. Discussion. The sustained pressure that nurses have experienced in their work during the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected their mental health. Conclusion. This study found that nurses who worked in hospital COVID units and in nursing homes during the pandemic had worse mental health outcomes. Implications for nursing/policy. Recommendations for nursing policy include the need to implement coaching and emotional programs to support nurses on the frontlines of the pandemic. There is also an urgent need for the implementation of national training programs to strengthen health emergency preparedness, improve response capacity, and increase the resilience of nurses to disasters.