AIMS: To investigate nurses' perceptions of risk factors for phlebitis in a tertiary teaching hospital in north-east Peninsular Malaysia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 199 randomly selected nurses were surveyed for their perceptions of risk factors for phlebitis using a self-administered questionnaire.
FINDINGS: More than half of the nurses (56.8%) had a good perception levels of risk factors for phlebitis. There was a significant association between the clinical area and nurses' perceptions of risk factors for phlebitis (p=0.04). Nurses working in medical, orthopaedic, and surgical areas had slightly better perceptions than nurses working in multidisciplinary and oncology areas.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that nurses need to continually improve their knowledge about risk factors for phlebitis to ensure safer nursing practice.
BACKGROUND: Despite advocacy being a crucial role for nurses, its scope is often limited in clinical practice. Although numerous studies have identified barriers to patient advocacy, their recommendations for resolution were unclear.
METHOD: The study employed a constructivist grounded theory methodology, with 13 Saudi Arabian registered nurses, working in critical care, in a tertiary academic teaching hospital. Semi-structured interviews, with broad open-ended questions, and reflective participant journals were used to collect data. All interviews were concurrently analysed and transcribed verbatim.
RESULTS: Gender, culture, education, subjugation, communal patronage, organisational support and repercussions, and role-associated risks were all revealed as factors affecting their ability to act as advocates for critically ill patients.
CONCLUSION: Saudi Arabian ICU nurses in the study believed that advocacy is problematic. Despite attempting to advocate for their patients, they are unable to act to an optimal level, instead choosing avoidance of the potential risks associated with the role, or confrontation, which often had undesirable outcomes. Patient advocacy from a Saudi Arabian nursing perspective is contextually complex, controversial and remains uncertain. Further research is needed to ensure patient safety is supported by nurses as effective advocates.
AIMS AND METHODS: A randomised controlled, non-blinded, cross-over study involving 38 patients (with colostomies and ileostomies) compared the test device to a similar device from the same manufacturer but without the tape border. The main objective was to assess wear time for non-inferiority as a measure of efficacy. Secondary efficacy assessment included peristomal skin condition using the DET (discolouration, erosion and tissue growth) score and patient acceptability, which was assessed through questionnaires using Likert-scale options. Safety was assessed according to the incidence and intensity of device-related adverse events, and the condition of the peristomal skin.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Analysis of results in the per-protocol population showed an average wear time of 4.5 days for both devices and demonstrated non-inferiority. DET scores were similar in both groups, and both had low rates of device-related adverse events, all of which related to peristomal skin. Patients said the devices were user friendly. While the two devices are similar, some patients may find one with an adhesive tape more suited to their needs.
AIMS: This study aimed to assess the readiness and ability to use mHealth apps among patients with CKD in north-east Peninsular Malaysia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken, using a convenience sample of 100 CKD medical inpatients in a tertiary teaching hospital. A structured, self-administered questionnaire on readiness and ability to use mHealth apps was adopted.
FINDINGS: Nearly one in five patients (18%) actively used health applications. More than three-quarters (77%) were aged >40 years and a similar proportion were ready to use mHealth apps (78%), and nearly half (46%) were confident about connecting their device to wifi. There was a correlation between ability and readiness to use mHealth apps (r=0.4; P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half of participants had a good command of mHealth applications. Therefore, support on the use of these apps is needed, and healthcare managers need to consider this.
AIM: To explore mental illness stigmatisation in Malaysian adults.
METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted using thematic analysis to synthesise and categorise evidence. Five key themes emerged, providing insight into mental health stigmatisation.
FINDINGS: Cultural beliefs, limited knowledge of mental health and lack of education on mental health were factors influencing stigmatisation. Stigmatisation significantly affected the wellbeing and functioning of people with a mental illness. Interventions such as contact-based education effectively reduce stigmatising attitudes manifested by healthcare providers.
CONCLUSION: Establishing mental health literacy, encouraging patient contact, promoting mental health awareness and strengthening mental health policies could reduce mental illness stigmatisation and its impact in Malaysia. Future research is warranted to investigate the impact on physical wellbeing and anti-stigmatising strategies targeting the general public.