Upotreba živinih mjernih uređaja u zdravstvenim ustanovama u Hrvatskoj

In 2009, we conducted a survey to assess the use of mercury-based thermometers and sphygmomanometers and their disposal in Croatian healthcare facilities. The questionnaire addressing the use of mercury-based medical devices, waste management, preferences between mercury-based and electronic devices, and the knowledge on mercury toxicity was filled by ward nurses affiliated with 40 (71.4 %) out of 56 contacted healthcare facilities. Only one of these facilities had given up the use of mercury-containing medical devices at the time. As many as 84.6 % of the nurses believed that broken devices did not increase the risk of mercury exposure, even though 90 % claimed they were aware of mercury toxicity. In fact, 69.4 % of the nurses preferred mercury-containing devices on account of their precision and reliability and because they received little training in the use of electronic devices. Breaking of thermometers and sphygmomanometers is common in healthcare facilities. The number of broken thermometers and sphygmomanometers was estimated to 278 and fi ve per month, respectively. Only 18 (46.2 %) of the surveyed healthcare facilities claimed to have had a proper disposal procedure for mercury from broken devices. Nurses, who most often handle these devices and collect mercury spills, are primarily exposed to mercury vapours via inhalation. Croatia has adopted the EU Directive 76/769/EEC intended to reduce mercury exposure in the living and working environment. Our survey suggests that all healthcare professionals need training in proper management of broken mercury-based medical devices, nurses in particular. To reduce the risk of exposure, all Croatian healthcare facilities should implement guidelines for staff protection and programmes to gradually replace mercury-based with electronic devices.Živa je štetni čimbenik izravno povezan s provođenjem zdravstvene zaštite. Tijekom 2009. provedeno je istraživanje u zdravstvenim ustanovama RH, s ciljem procjene uporabe živinih mjernih instrumenata, toplomjera i tlakomjera te načina odlaganja razbijenih uređaja. Upitnik o uporabi živinih uređaja, zbrinjavanju otpada, sklonostima uporabi živinih, odnosno elektroničkih mjernih uređaja te pitanja o poznavanju toksičnosti žive, ispunile su odjelne medicinske sestre iz 40 (71,4 %) od 56 zdravstvenih ustanova. Samo u jednoj ustanovi živini se mjerni uređaji uopće ne rabe. Čak 84,6 % ispitanica smatra da nisu dodatno izložene živi iz razbijenih uređaja, iako je 90 % svjesno toksičnosti Hg. Zbog njihove preciznosti, pouzdanosti i nedostatka edukacije o uporabi i održavanju elektroničkih uređaja prednost uporabi živinih uređaja daje 69,4 % medicinskih sestara. Razbijanje toplomjera i tlakomjera čest je incident u zdravstvenim ustanovama. Procijenjeni broj mjesečno razbijenih toplomjera bio je do 278, a razbijenih tlakomjera do 5. U samo 18 (46,2 %) ustanova pravilno se odlagala živa iz razbijenih uređaja. Medicinske sestre koje najčešće rukuju uređajima i prikupljaju živu najizloženije su živinim parama putem inhalacije. U Hrvatskoj su doneseni pravni akti s namjerom smanjenja prisutnosti žive u životnom i radnom okolišu. Time je stupila na snagu EU direktiva 76/769/EEZ-a o smanjenju proizvodnje i prometa uređaja koji ju sadržavaju. Rezultati upućuju na potrebu edukacije svih zdravstvenih radnika, posebno medicinskih sestara, o zbrinjavanju razbijenih živinih mjernih uređaja. Radi smanjenja potencijalne izloženosti i osiguranja boljih zdravstvenih uvjeta na radnome mjestu sve hrvatske zdravstvene ustanove trebaju provoditi smjernice za zaštitu radnika i programe za smanjenje uporabe žive uporabom zamjenskih toplomjera i tlakomjera dostupnih na tržištu

Evaluating the organisational climate in Italian public healthcare institutions by means of a questionnaire

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>By means of the ICONAS project, the Healthcare Agency of an Italian Region developed, and used a standardised questionnaire to quantify the organisational climate. The aims of the project were (a) to investigate whether the healthcare institutions were interested in measuring climate, (b) to estimate the range of applicability and reliability of the instrument, (c) to analyse the dimensions of climate among healthcare personnel, (d) to assess the differences among employees with different contractual positions.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The anonymous questionnaire containing 50 items, each with a scale from 1 to 10, was offered to the healthcare organisations, to be compiled during ad hoc meetings. The data were sent to the central project coordinator. The differences between highly specialised staff (mostly physicians) and other employees were assessed after descriptive statistical analysis of the single items. Both Principal Component Analysis and Factor Analysis were used.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Ten healthcare organisations agreed to partecipate. The questionnaire was completed by 8691 employees out of 13202. The mean value of organisational climate was 4.79 (range 1–10). There were significant differences among single items and between the 2 groups of employees. Multivariate methods showed: (a) one principal component explained > 40% of the variance, (b) 7 factors summarised the data.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Italian healthcare institutions are interested in assessing organisational phenomena, especially after the reforms of the nineties. The instrument was found to be applicable and suitable for measuring organisational climate. Administration of the questionnaire leads to an acceptable response rate. Climate can be discribed by means of 7 underlying dimensions.</p

Reliability and construct validity of the health-promoting lifestyle profile II in an adult Turkish population

Background: Little is known about health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among Turkish people, who are experiencing a lifestyle transition from a developing country to one undergoing rapid modernization, although health promotion is receiving increasing attention regarding its prominent role in healthcare. Use of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLPII) has the advantage of allowing comparison of different international populations, although cultural adaptations are needed

The effect of theoretical and simulation training on medical errors of nurse students in Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of theoretical training related to medical errors and patient safety and practical simulation training on students' knowledge and skill levels.. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted from March 28 to May 18, 2016, at nursing department of a university and comprised of students attending the third grade of the nursing school. The subjects were divided into two equal experimental and control groups. The experimental group, among other things, received simulation training that involved a demonstration and subsequent one-to-one practice. Data was collected on a proforma that included demographic information, pretest and post-test scores, checklists for pre-assessments and final assessments related to nursing practices. RESULTS: There were 62 nurses divided into two groups of 31(50%) each. The difference between post-test scores of the concerning theoretical training about medical errors and patient safety was statistically significant (p0.05), while there was a significant difference between their final assessments (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Theoretical education increased students' levels of knowledge regarding medical errors and patient safety, and the the practical simulation training reduced malpractices by improving skills

nurse students in Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey

Objective: To assess the efficacy of theoretical training related to medical errors and patient safety and practical simulation training on students' knowledge and skill levels.Methods: This experimental study was conducted from March 28 to May 18, 2016, at nursing department of a university and comprised of students attending the third grade of the nursing school. The subjects were divided into two equal experimental and control groups. The experimental group, among other things, received simulation training that involved a demonstration and subsequent one-to-one practice. Data was collected on a proforma that included demographic information, pretest and post-test scores, checklists for pre-assessments and final assessments related to nursing practices.Results: There were 62 nurses divided into two groups of 31(50%) each. The difference between post-test scores of the concerning theoretical training about medical errors and patient safety was statistically significant (p0.05), while there was a significant difference between their final assessments (p<0.05).Conclusion: Theoretical education increased students' levels of knowledge regarding medical errors and patient safety, and the the practical simulation training reduced malpractices by improving skills