Showing 29 results for Intensive Care
Venus Boochani, Batool Pouraboli, Marzieh Hasanpour, Hadi Ranjbar,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Mothers with premature babies are more likely to experience anxiety than mothers with full-term babies. The separation of the mother from the baby disrupts physical contact with the baby, which is the most important component affecting attachment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a group positive thinking program on anxiety and attachment in mothers with premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.
Methods & Materials: This study is a randomized clinical trial conducted in Kermanshah in 2020. A total of 72 mothers with premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Imam Reza and Mohammad Kermanshahi hospitals were randomly assigned into two groups of control and intervention. The Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Postpartum Attachment Scale were used to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16 using statistical tests (ANOVA and Chi-Square).
Results: There was no significant difference in the state anxiety levels before (p =0.791) and after the intervention (p =0.373) between the control and intervention groups. Likewise, no statistically significant difference was observed in the latent anxiety levels before (p =0.831) and after the intervention (p =0.093) between the two groups but comparing the amount of changes showed a significant difference (p =0.025). Regarding attachment, none of the attachment subscales had a statistically significant difference between the two groups before the intervention (p>0.05). After the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the scores of the subscales “lack of hostility" and "satisfaction with the interaction" (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, the group positive thinking training is recommended to the nurses and managers of neonatal intensive care units as a complementary program, along with the routine care for mothers of premature infants.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20210108049965N1
Fateme Ebrahimi, Ezzat Jafarjalal, Tahereh Najafi Ghezeljeh, Shima Haghani,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Attempting to improve the quality is an important issue in the nursing service and care system. The COVID-19 pandemic has created great challenges for healthcare systems, especially for the intensive care units, which can affect the quality of nursing care provided to these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of nursing care in nurses working in the intensive care unit of COVID-19.
Methods & Materials: In this descriptive-cross-sectional conducted in 2021-22, 142 nurses from Valiasr, Amir Kabir, Amir al-Momenin and Khansari hospitals affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences were selected by the census method. The Martins’ nursing care quality questionnaire (including 25 items in 7 domains) was completed by the participants. The SPSS software version 16 and independent t-tests, analysis of variance and the Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for the data analysis.
Results: The result showed that the mean score of the nursing care quality was 83.83±7.74, which was considered favorable due to being higher than the median score of the tool (62.5). Among the individual characteristics of nurses, the nursing care quality had a statistically significant relationship with the type of employment (P=0.003), age, work experience and work experience in the intensive care unit (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the significant relationship of the nursing care quality with the type of employment, age and work experience, it is recommended that health managers take an effective step in formulating the necessary policies to improve the quality of nursing care by taking into account the experience of skilled nurses in intensive care units.
Zeinab Siami, Mostafa Taheri,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Family caregivers of COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) face numerous challenges that can affect their well-being. Spiritual health represents a crucial component for coping with such stressful conditions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between spiritual health and attitude towards death in family caregivers of COVID-19 patients post-discharge from the ICUs.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-correlational study conducted between April and November 2021, focused on family caregivers of COVID-19 patients discharged from the ICUs. The sample comprised 260 family caregivers selected through convenience and purposive sampling methods. Data collection tools included a demographic and clinical questionnaire, Polotzin and Ellison's Spiritual Health Questionnaire, and Wong's Death Attitude Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 encompassed chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance and Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results: The results showed a significant inverse relationship between total spiritual health score and the total score of attitude towards death (rs=-0.101, P<0.05). The attitude towards death findings revealed fear as the highest scoring dimension, with active acceptance scoring the lowest. Moreover, religious health exhibited a significant inverse relationship with avoidance of death (rs=-0.93) and fear of death (rs=-0.64, P<0.05).
Conclusion: The study highlighted an inverse relationship between the level of religious health and negative dimensions of attitude towards death. Individuals with higher religious health scores exhibited lower average scores for negative attitudes towards death, including fear and avoidance of death. This underscores the importance of emphasizing the religious dimension within families, and among patients discharged from the ICU, showcasing the role of religion in mitigating negative attitudes towards death.
Javad Malekzadeh, Mahsa Quchani, Ahmad Bagheri Moghadam, Tahereh Sadeghi, Mohammad Rajabpour,
Volume 30, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background & Aim: With advancements in treatment and an increase in the prevalence of diseases, the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs) continues to rise each year. The ABCDE bundle is a multi-component, evidence-based approach designed to improve patient outcomes in the ICU. This study aimed to determine the effect of the ABCDE bundle on the risk of pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis and delirium in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Methods & Materials: This randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted between September 2021 and January 2022. The sample included 100 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU department of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using block randomization. The intervention group received the ABCDE bundle over a period of 7 days. The control group received routine care. The criteria for assessing complications included the risk of pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), evaluated at the end of the intervention and on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7. The study utilized several assessment tools: the COMHON Index for pressure ulcers, the Wells Deep Vein Thrombosis Scale, and the Delirium Evaluation Tool in the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20, employing chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and independent t-tests.
Results: A decrease in the average pressure ulcer risk score was observed in the intervention group on day seven (P<0.05). In this group, the incidence of delirium fell decreased from 64.4% to 13.3% (P<0.05), indicating a statistically significant reduction. Additionally, the risk score for deep vein thrombosis in the control group significantly increased on day seven compared to the intervention group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of the ABCDE bundle significantly reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, and delirium in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and represents an effective strategy that can be implemented by nurses and other trained healthcare professionals.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20190625044000N1
Amin Mahzoon, Khadijeh Yazdi, Shohreh Kolagari, Zahra Mehrbakhash, Fatemeh Shah Beiki,
Volume 31, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Nurses today experience high levels of fatigue that significantly impair their performance in delivering care, thereby affecting patient safety. This research aimed to determine the relationship between nurses’ compassion fatigue and alarm fatigue with patient safety in intensive care units (ICUs).
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 among 248 nurses working in the ICUs of hospitals in Golestan. A stratified sampling method with proportional allocation was employed. Data collection involved a demographic information checklist and three questionnaires assessing patient safety, alarm fatigue, and compassion fatigue. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Both univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were applied.
Results: The mean scores were as follows: compassion fatigue (86.13±25.20), alarm fatigue (22.67±7.38), and patient safety (62.23±13.67). A significant correlation was found between alarm fatigue and compassion fatigue (P<0.001). However, no significant relationship was observed between compassion fatigue (r=0.101, P=0.112) or alarm fatigue (r=0.090, P=0.158) with patient safety. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between patient safety and work experience (P=0.031), income level (P=0.012), and employment type (P=0.039).
Conclusion: Despite moderate levels of compassion and alarm fatigue, patient safety remained within acceptable ranges, indicating that nurses continued to provide safe care even amidst occupational fatigue risks.
Somayeh Mohammadi, Camellia Torabizadeh, Mostafa Roshanzadeh, Parvin Ghaemmaghami,
Volume 31, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Nurses’ attitudes towards death affect their caregiving practices. Spiritual intelligence, by promoting a deeper understanding of the meaning of life and death, may improve the nurses’ attitudes towards death. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of spiritual intelligence on attitudes towards death and care for dying patients among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, involving a sample of 200 ICU nurses. Data were collected using instruments, including demographic questionnaires, the Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAPR), King’s Spiritual Intelligence Scale, and the End-of-Life Care Assessment Scale (EOLCAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.
Results: Correlation analysis showed a statistically significant positive relationship between spiritual intelligence and both caring for dying patients (P<0.01, r=0.265) and attitudes towards death (P<0.001, r=0.360). Among the dimensions of spiritual intelligence, critical existential thinking emerged as a significant predictor of attitudes towards death (P<0.001, β=1.207) and evaluation of dying patient care (P<0.001, β=0.880).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that spiritual intelligence may play a vital role in shaping positive attitudes towards death and improving the quality of care for dying patients. It is recommended that nursing managers incorporate strategies to enhance spirituality in clinical practice to optimize end-of-life care.
Avishan Gholamiyan, Somayeh Gheysari, Zinat Mohebbi,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Clinical competence is crucial for enhancing the quality of patient care and increasing patient satisfaction with nurses. Critical thinking is a key factor that influences the clinical competence of nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between critical thinking and clinical competence among nurses working in intensive care units.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-correlational study involved 240 nurses working in intensive care units at hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection included demographic questionnaires, the California Critical Thinking Form B, and assessments of nurses' clinical competence. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and the Spearman correlation coefficient in SPSS software version 23.
Results: The mean total score of nurses' clinical competence was 143.53 with a standard deviation of 26.62, indicating an average level of clinical competence based on the instrument's scoring. The total score for nurses' critical thinking was 17.51 with a standard deviation of 13.41, showing a relatively high level of critical thinking among the nurses in the study. A positive and significant correlation was found between the total score of clinical competence and critical thinking (r=0.147, P=0.023).
Conclusion: The results suggest that nurses with stronger critical thinking skills also demonstrate higher levels of clinical competence. Therefore, incorporating strategies to enhance critical thinking in nursing education programs can enhance students' clinical competence, better preparing them for effective clinical judgment and decision-making in complex care scenarios.
Arezoo Rozbahani, Salam Vatandost, Bijan Nouri, Parvin Mahmoodi,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: The health of nurses’ work environments can influence their clinical competence and accordingly the quality of care they provide. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between a healthy work environment and clinical competence among nurses working in intensive care units of the teaching hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2023.
Methods & Materials: This cross‑sectional study was conducted using a census method on 245 nurses working in the intensive care units of Kosar, Tohid, and Besat teaching hospitals in Sanandaj during the winter of 2023. Data were collected using a demographic and occupational information form, as well as the Healthy Work Environment and Clinical Competence questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using STATA software version 12, using independent t‑test, one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests.
Results: In the present study, 198 nurses (81.1%) reported their work environment health as low, 43 nurses (17.6%) as favorable, and only 3 nurses (1.3%) as very favorable. Nurses reported their clinical competence as good (86.5±2.72). No statistically significant relationship was found between a healthy work environment and overall clinical competence or its dimensions (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The lack of a significant relationship between a healthy work environment and nurses’ clinical competence in this study does not diminish the importance of providing a healthy work environment for nurses. The findings indicated that the level of work environment health was not desirable, whereas nurses’ clinical competence was good. Considering the importance of a healthy work environment, implementing measures to improve work environment health is essential.
Mohammad Ganji, Elham Navab, Maryam Esmaeili, Shima Haghani, Mahboubeh Shali,
Volume 32, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Determining the amount of risk that threatens patients can lead to making correct treatment decisions. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of early warning scores in prehospital care for diagnosing traumatic brain injury and the need for intensive care unit admission.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2024 among patients referred to the emergency department of selected hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Using convenience sampling, 250 trauma patients were enrolled in the study. Data collection was carried out utilizing a demographic questionnaire and various scoring systems, including the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), Triage Early Warning Score (TEWS), and Modified Emergency Medical Score (MREMS). SPSS version 16 software and sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, and confidence interval tests were used to analyze the data.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.90±15.78 years. According to the findings, 217 patients (86.8%) had a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and 70 patients (28%) required intensive care unit admission. The National Early Warning Score 2 showed the highest diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity (82.2%), specificity (81.1%), and area under the curve (0.88).
Conclusion: The higher diagnostic accuracy of the National Early Warning Score 2 makes it a valuable tool for identifying patients who have sustained traumatic brain injury and require intensive care unit admission.
