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
Quality of life in long-term cancer-free breast cancer survivors in Spain: a descriptive study
(Nature, 2025-07-03) Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; Pimentel Parra, Gustavo Adolfo; García Vivar, Cristina; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QOL) of long-term breast cancer survivors (LT-BCS), disease-free 5 years after completing primary treatments, and to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with their QOL. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with LT-BCS from the Navarra region in Spain. The QOL was assessed using the Spanish version of the QOL scale for cancer survivors. Sociodemographic and clinical data, time since treatment completion, and lifestyle factors were also collected. Bivariate statistical analysis and multiple regression were used to explore associations between independent variables and QOL and its domains. A total of 188 LT-BCS participated, with a mean age of 57.55 years and a mean survival time of 10.22 years. The overall QOL score was 5.77/10, with physical well-being scoring the highest and spiritual wellbeing the lowest. Age, occupation, and moderate physical activity were associated with better QOL, while total mastectomy, early menopause, and recurrences had a negative impact. Radiotherapy was associated with improved overall QOL. Regression models confirmed these associations, except for spiritual well-being. The study identifies key factors affecting the QOL of LT-BCS, a population that has been relatively underrepresented in scientific literature. It provides valuable insights into their distinct physical and psychological sequelae, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their long-term well-being. Sequelae of breast cancer persist, affecting long-term survivors’ wellbeing. Despite the growing importance of supportive care, many women lack proper follow-up. This study underscores the need for strategies such as survivorship care plans to improve coordination and support, addressing both psychological impacts and physical well-being.
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
Use of telehealth among cancer survivors: a scoping review
(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 2023) Irurita Morales, Paula; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; García Vivar, Cristina; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Long-term cancer survivors have specific needs that are frequently neglected. Telehealth, as a new form of health care, can benefit this growing population.Objective: To identify, analyze, and synthesize the existing evidence on the use of telehealth in the care of cancer survivors after the end of treatment.Methods: A scoping review was conducted in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, COCHRANE, SCIELO, DIALNET, and LILACS and reference institutions in cancer.Results: The initial search yielded 406 publications with 59 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. There are different types of telehealth (video calls, phone calls, websites, mobile applications, and short message services) used for the care of cancer survivors. Most telehealth interventions focus on improving the physical and mental spheres of quality of life in the extended survival phase (from 1 to 3 years postdiagnosis), with only two articles (3%) on long-term cancer survivors (>5 years postdiagnosis). Survivors are satisfied with telehealth interventions, noting the importance of improving comprehensibility, personalization of the platforms, and the lack of excessive information included.Conclusions: Telehealth is a feasible modality for cancer survival care. The scarcity of interventions aimed at long-term survivors stands out, as does the general neglect of the social and spiritual spheres of quality of life.Implications for Practice: Telehealth platforms must adapt their content, format, and items to the preferences reported by the survivors.
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.
Open Access
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
Quality of life of male breast cancer survivors: a systematic review
(Wiley, 2025-04-30) López Wilson, Arleen; Leite, Ana Carolina Andrade Biaggi; Soto Ruiz, María Nelia; Escalada Hernández, Paula; García Vivar, Cristina; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Introduction: Breast cancer treatments signifcantly infuence the quality of life of cancer survivors. While most studies havefocused on female breast cancer survivors, data on the quality of life of men who have undergone medical, surgical or radiologicaltreatments for breast cancer are limited. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of male breast cancer survivors. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement with a search in four databases: PubMed,Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science. We screened and extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the studies viathe Cochrane RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools for randomised clinical trials and follow-up studies, respectively. Te data werepresented in a narrative synthesis format. Results: In total, 993 records were identifed, of which three studies were included for analysis: two randomised clinical trials andone cohort study. Te interventions in the randomised clinical trials involved evaluating the impact of endocrine therapy and theimplementation of online physical training. Although there was a reduction in the overall quality of life during cancer treatment,patients who received tamoxifen monotherapy did not report a clinically signifcant change in their sexual function. Additionally,moderate exercise was shown to improve physical health and enhance social well-being. In the cohort study, quality of life andsymptom burden were evaluated in men with breast cancer treated with endocrine therapies at the time of diagnosis via symptomassessment scales. Conclusions: Male breast cancer survivors experience a decrease in quality of life during and after treatment. While tamoxifenmonotherapy preserves sexual function, moderate-intensity physical rehabilitation signifcantly improves both quality of life andsocial functioning. Te limited number of studies included in this review highlights the need for further research to address thephysical, psychological and social needs of male breast cancer survivors.
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
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
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.