Impact of Nurses’ Intervention in the Prevention of Falls in Hospitalized Patients

Background: Clinical safety is a crucial component of healthcare quality, focused on identifying and avoiding the risks to which patients are exposed. Among the adverse events that occur in a hospital environment, falls have a large impact (1.9–10% of annual income in acute care hospitals); they can cause pain, damage, costs, and mistrust in the health system. Our objective was to assess the effect of an educational intervention aimed at hospital nurses (systematic assessment of the risk of falls) in reducing the incidence of falls. Methods: this was a quasi-experimental study based on a sample of 581 patients in a third level hospital (Comunitat Valenciana, Spain). An educational program was given to the intervention group (n = 303), and a control group was included for comparison (n = 278). In the intervention group, the nurses participated in a training activity on the systematized assessment of the risk of falls. Analysis was undertaken using the Bayesian logistic regression model. Results: a total of 581 patients were studied (50.6% male, 49.4% female), with an average age of 68.3 (DT = 9) years. The overall incidence of falls was 1.2% (0.3% in the intervention group and 2.2% in the control group). Most of the falls occurred in people ≥65 years old (85.7%). The intervention group had a lower probability of falling than the control group (OR: 0.127; IC95%: 0.013–0.821). Neither the length of hospital stay, nor the age of the participants, had any relevant effect. Conclusions: the systematic assessment of the risk of a patient falling during hospital processes is an effective intervention to reduce the incidence of falls.

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Effects of water aerobics on posture alignment and risk of falls of older adults: an intervention study

Revista Brasileira de Ciências do Esporte ◽

10.1590/rbce.43.e011020 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

Author(s):

Camila Costa Ibiapina Reis ◽

Marcos Antônio Pereira dos Santos ◽

Camila Feitosa da Costa ◽

Edna Maria Silva Araújo ◽

Luiz Roberto Ramos

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Intervention Study ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Body Segments ◽

Experimental Intervention ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Risk Of Falls ◽

Falls In Older Adults

ABSTRACT Considering that aging leads to losses in postural control and balance, our objective was to analyze the effects of water aerobics on posture alignment and risk of falls in older adults. A quasi-experimental intervention study included 49 older adults in the Intervention Group (IG) and 34 in the Control Group (CG). A plumbed symmetrograph assessed posture alignment, while a Time Up & Go test determined the fall risk. The IG performed water aerobics twice a week for three months. Posture alignment significantly improved in most body segments assessed for the IG, and worsened in the CG. The low risk of falls in the IG increased by 28% in relation to the CG. We concluded that water aerobics improved posture alignment and reduced fall risk in older adults.

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A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of Volunteer Mentorship for Young Adults With Self-Harm Behaviors Using a Quasi-Experimental Design

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000393 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 415-426 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yik-Wa Law ◽

Paul S. F. Yip ◽

Carmen C. S. Lai ◽

Chi Leung Kwok ◽

Paul W. C. Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Experimental Design ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Treatment As Usual ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Self Harm ◽

Volunteer Support

Abstract. Background: Studies have shown that postdischarge care for self-harm patients is effective in reducing repeated suicidal behaviors. Little is known about whether volunteer support can help reduce self-harm repetition and improve psychosocial well-being. Aim: This study investigated the efficacy of volunteer support in preventing repetition of self-harm. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design by assigning self-harm patients admitted to the emergency departments to an intervention group with volunteer support and treatment as usual (TAU) for 9 months and to a control group of TAU. Outcome measures include repetition of self-harm, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and level of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: A total of 74 cases were recruited (38 participants; 36 controls). There were no significant differences in age, gender, and clinical condition between the two groups at the baseline. The intervention group showed significant improvements in hopelessness and depressive symptoms. However, the number of cases of suicide ideation and of repetition of self-harm episodes was similar for both groups at the postintervention period. Conclusion: Postdischarge care provided by volunteers showed significant improvement in hopelessness and depression. Volunteers have been commonly involved in suicide prevention services. Further research using rigorous methods is recommended for improving service quality in the long term.

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PENGARUH PELATIHAN PENGENDALIAN VEKTOR DEMAM BERDARAH TERHADAP MAYA INDEX PADA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR DI MAJALENGKA

Jurnal Ilmu dan Teknologi Kesehatan ◽

10.33666/jitk.v11i1.271 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wawan Kurniawan

Keyword(s):

Vector Control ◽

Dengue Fever ◽

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Group Design ◽

Group Design ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Dengue Vector Control

ABSTRAK Latar belakang: Demam Berdarah Dengue (DBD) disebabkan oleh virus Dengue dapat menyebabkan kematian. Pencegahan DBD yang dianggap paling tepat adalah Pemberantasan Sarang Nyamuk (PSN). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pelatihan pengendalian vektor Demam Berdarah pada siswa sekolah dasar terhadap Maya Index di Majalengka. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain quasi experiment (pretest-posttest control group design). Sebanyak 4 sekolah terpilih sebagai kelompok intervensi dan 4 sekolah lainnya sebagai kontrol. Subyek penelitian adalah siswa kelas IV-VI yang terdiri dari 171 siswa pada kelompok intervensi dan 163 pada kelompok kontrol. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah formulir pemantauan jentik berkala. Hasil: Jumlah rumah dengan kategori Maya Index tinggi berkurang dari 27,5% menjadi 9,4%. Terjadi penurunan angka BRI kategori tinggi pada kelompok intervensi dari 20,5% menjadi 1,8%. Pada kelompok kontrol tidak terjadi penurunan angka BRI kategori tinggi (22,1%), sebaliknya terjadi penurunan kategori rendah dari 34,4% menjadi 3,7%. Tidak terjadi penurunan angka HRI pada kelompok intervensi maupun kontrol. Kesimpulan: Pelatihan pengendalian vektor Demam Berdarah dapat menurunkan nilai BRI dan Maya Index, tetapi tidak berpengaruh terhadap nilai HRI. Tidak adanya perubahan nilai HRI menunjukkan bahwa kebersihan dan sanitasi lingkungan merupakan faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap probabilitas kejadian demam berdarah. Kata Kunci : Demam Berdarah, Maya Index, pelatihan, pengendalian vektor ABSTRACT Background: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) caused by Dengue virus could cause death. The most appropriate prevention of Dengue is eradication of mosquito nests (PSN). This study aims to determine the effect of Dengue vector control training on elementary students towards Maya Index in Majalengka. Method: This study used quasi-experimental design (pretest-posttest control group design). A total of 4 schools were selected as intervention groups and 4 other schools as controls. The subjects were students in grades IV-VI consisting of 171 students in the intervention group and 163 in the control group. The instrument used was periodic larva monitoring form. Results: The number of houses with a high Maya Index category in the intervention group decreased from 27.5% to 9.4%. There was a decrease in the high BRI category in the intervention group from 20.5% to 1.8%. In the control group, there was no decrease in the high BRI category (22.1%), on the contrary, there was a decrease in the low category from 34.4% to 3.7%. There was no decrease in HRI rates both of intervention or control groups. Conclusion: Dengue Fever vector control training could decrease the value of BRI and Maya Index, but does not affect the value of HRI. The absence of changes in HRI indicate that environmental hygiene and sanitation are factors that influence the probability of dengue fever occurrence. Keywords: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, Maya Index, training, vector control

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Effects and Responsiveness of a Multicomponent Intervention on Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Leptin in Overweight/Obese Adolescents

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18147267 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 7267

Author(s):

Leticia Borfe ◽

Caroline Brand ◽

Letícia Schneiders ◽

Jorge Mota ◽

Claudia Cavaglieri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Control Group ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽

Obese Adolescents ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Multicomponent Program

Physical exercise reduces the biochemical markers of obesity, but the effects of multicomponent interventions on these markers should be explored. The present study aimed to elucidate how overweight/obese adolescents respond to a multicomponent program approach on body composition, physical fitness, and inflammatory markers, using a quasi-experimental study with 33 overweight/obesity adolescents (control group (CG) = 16; intervention group (IG) = 17). The intervention consisted of 24 weeks with physical exercises and nutritional and psychological guidance. Both groups were evaluated at the pre/post-intervention moments on body mass index (BMI); body fat (%Fat); waist circumference (WC); waist/hip ratio (WHR); waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF); abdominal strength, flexibility; leptin; interleukin 6; interleukin 10; and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Mixed-analysis of variance and generalized estimation equations were used for statistical analysis. There was an interaction effect between groups and time on %Fat (p = 0.002), WC (p = 0.023), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p = 0.035), CRF (p = 0.050), and leptin (p = 0.026). Adolescents were classified as 82.4% responders for %Fat, 70.6% for WC, 88.2% for WHR, and 70.6% for CRF. Further, there was an association between changes in %Fat (p = 0.033), WC (p = 0.032), and WHR (p = 0.033) between responders and non-responders with CRF in the IG. There was a positive effect on body composition, physical fitness, and leptin. In addition, reductions in body composition parameters were explained by CRF improvements.

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Assessing the impact of the European resilience curriculum in preschool, early and late primary school children

School Psychology International ◽

10.1177/01430343211025075 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 014303432110250

Author(s):

Celeste Simões ◽

Anabela C. Santos ◽

Paula Lebre ◽

João R. Daniel ◽

Cátia Branquinho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Control Group ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Mental Health Difficulties ◽

Prosocial Behaviours ◽

The Impact

Resilience is an individual’s ability to adapt successfully to and persevere during and after significant challenges. Resilience programmes based on a socioemotional learning approach have been associated with an increase in protextive factors (e.g., prosocial competencies), improvements in physical and mental health, and a decrease in internalised and externalised symptoms. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the RESCUR curriculum implemented in Portuguese schools on students’ academic, behavioural, and socioemotional outcomes, based on child and teacher reports. Participants included 1,084 children (53.2% male) aged 3-15 ( M = 7.24, SD = 2.31). A quasi-experimental study compared outcomes for an experimental intervention group (AIG) with a waiting list control group (WG). The results showed the RESCUR programme decreased mental health difficulties while increasing both prosocial behaviours and well-being. In addition, academic performance increased for those in preschool after implementation. Both teachers and children consistently reported positive behavioural changes in resilience-related competencies after implementing RESCUR. Our findings contribute to the recent research on the potential of RESCUR to address key socioemotional competencies and improve relevant protextive factors. Study limitations and future recommendations are addressed.

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Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an optimized process of providing assistive technology for impaired upper extremity function: Protocol of a prospective, quasi-experimental non-randomized study (OMARM)

Technology and Disability ◽

10.3233/tad-210335 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Uta Roentgen ◽

Loek van der Heide ◽

Ingrid E.H. Kremer ◽

Huub Creemers ◽

Merel A. Brehm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Assistive Technology ◽

Upper Extremity ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Full Potential ◽

Extremity Function ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Upper Extremity Function

BACKGROUND: Impaired upper extremity function due to muscle paresis or paralysis has a major impact on independent living and quality of life (QoL). Assistive technology (AT) for upper extremity function (i.e. dynamic arm supports and robotic arms) can increase a client’s independence. Previous studies revealed that clients often use AT not to their full potential, due to suboptimal provision of these devices in usual care. OBJECTIVE: To optimize the process of providing AT for impaired upper extremity function and to evaluate its (cost-) effectiveness compared with care as usual. METHODS: Development of a protocol to guide the AT provision process in an optimized way according to generic Dutch guidelines; a quasi-experimental study with non-randomized, consecutive inclusion of a control group (n= 48) receiving care as usual and of an intervention group (optimized provision process) (n= 48); and a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis from societal perspective will be performed. The primary outcome is clients’ satisfaction with the AT and related services, measured with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT (Dutch version; D-QUEST). Secondary outcomes comprise complaints of the upper extremity, restrictions in activities, QoL, medical consumption and societal cost. Measurements are taken at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 months follow-up.

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Methylprednisolone or dexamethasone, which one is superior corticosteroid in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a triple-blinded randomized controlled trial

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-06045-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Keivan Ranjbar ◽

Mohsen Moghadami ◽

Alireza Mirahmadizadeh ◽

Mohammad Javad Fallahi ◽

Vahid Khaloo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Clinical Status ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Ordinal Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Group Data ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Although almost a year has passed since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and promising reports of vaccines have been presented, we still have a long way until these measures are available for all. Furthermore, the most appropriate corticosteroid and dose in the treatment of COVID-19 have remained uncertain. We conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of methylprednisolone treatment versus dexamethasone for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods In this prospective triple-blinded randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 86 hospitalized COVID-19 patients from August to November 2020, in Shiraz, Iran. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg/day; intervention group) or dexamethasone (6 mg/kg/day; control group). Data were assessed based on a 9-point WHO ordinal scale extending from uninfected (point 0) to death (point 8). Results There were no significant differences between the groups on admission. However, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better clinical status compared to the control group at day 5 (4.02 vs. 5.21, p = 0.002) and day 10 (2.90 vs. 4.71, p = 0.001) of admission. There was also a significant difference in the overall mean score between the intervention group and the control group, (3.909 vs. 4.873 respectively, p = 0.004). The mean length of hospital stay was 7.43 ± 3.64 and 10.52 ± 5.47 days in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p = 0.015). The need for a ventilator was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (18.2% vs 38.1% p = 0.040). Conclusion In hospitalized hypoxic COVID-19 patients, methylprednisolone demonstrated better results compared to dexamethasone. Trial registration The trial was registered with IRCT.IR (08/04/2020-No. IRCT20200204046369N1).

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Walking for Better Outcomes and Recovery: The Effect of WALK-FOR in Preventing Hospital-Associated Functional Decline Among Older Adults

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glz025 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 74 (10) ◽

pp. 1664-1670 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Yaniv Cohen ◽

Anna Zisberg ◽

Yehudit Chayat ◽

Nurit Gur-Yaish ◽

Efrat Gil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Community Mobility ◽

Steps Per Day ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Activity Survey

Abstract Background In-hospital immobility of older adults is associated with hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD). This study examined the WALK-FOR program’s effects on HAFD prevention. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post two-group (intervention group [IG] n = 188, control group [CG] n = 189) design was applied in two hospital internal medical units. On admission, patients reported pre-hospitalization functional status, which was assessed again at discharge and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome was decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL), using the Modified Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes were decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s IADL scale) and community mobility (Yale Physical Activity Survey). All participants (75.1 ± 7 years old) were cognitively intact and ambulatory at admission. The WALK-FOR included a unit-tailored mobility program utilizing patient-and-staff education with a specific mobility goal (900 steps per day), measured by accelerometer. Results Decline in BADL occurred among 33% of the CG versus 23% of the IG (p = .02) at discharge, and among 43% of the CG versus 30% in the IG (p = .01) at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, 26% of the CG versus 15% of the IG declined in community mobility at 1-month follow-up (p = .01). Adjusted for major covariates, the intervention reduced the odds of decline in BADL by 41% (p = .05) at discharge and by 49% at 1-month follow-up (p = .01), and in community mobility by 63% (p = .02). There was no significant effect of the intervention on IADL decline (p = .19). Conclusions The WALK-FOR intervention is effective in reducing HAFD.

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Effectiveness of “Hand Hygiene Fun Month” for Kindergarten Children: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17197264 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (19) ◽

pp. 7264

Author(s):

Lorna Kwai Ping Suen ◽

Janet Pui Lee Cheung

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

School Health ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Kindergarten Children ◽

School Level ◽

Control Group ◽

Hygiene Practices ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Experimental Group

Early childhood is a formative period during which healthy habits are developed, including proper hand hygiene practices. The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effectiveness of a 4-week series of educational sessions that consider the cognitive developmental stage of children on increasing their knowledge and promoting hand hygiene practices. The intervention group (n = 33) observed the hand hygiene program, whereas another group served as the waitlist control (n = 20). Creative activities were planned for the illustration of hand hygiene concepts in terms of “right moments”, “right steps”, and “right duration”. Hand sanitizer coverage was evaluated using a hand scanner. After the intervention, the experimental group had higher knowledge level toward hand hygiene than the control group (p < 0.001). Significant improvements in hand hygiene performance at the left palm and dorsum (p < 0.05), right palm (p < 0.05), and overall hand coverage (p < 0.05) were observed in the experimental group. The study demonstrated that the knowledge and proper hand hygiene (HH) practice of children can be positively influenced by the use of an age-appropriate education program. The results of this study have implications for school health educators and parents for promoting HH practices among children at home and at the school level.

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Perioperative Gabapentin Does Not Reduce Postoperative Delirium in Older Surgical Patients

Anesthesiology ◽

10.1097/aln.0000000000001804 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 127 (4) ◽

pp. 633-644 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Pain ◽

Postoperative Delirium ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Group Versus ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Treated Group ◽

Assessment Method ◽

Hospital Length Of Stay ◽

Control Group ◽

Opioid Use

Abstract Background Postoperative pain and opioid use are associated with postoperative delirium. We designed a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, double-blinded trial to determine whether perioperative administration of gabapentin reduced postoperative delirium after noncardiac surgery. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo (N = 347) or gabapentin 900 mg (N = 350) administered preoperatively and for the first 3 postoperative days. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium as measured by the Confusion Assessment Method. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, opioid use, and length of hospital stay. Results Data for 697 patients were included, with a mean ± SD age of 72 ± 6 yr. The overall incidence of postoperative delirium in any of the first 3 days was 22.4% (24.0% in the gabapentin and 20.8% in the placebo groups; the difference was 3.20%; 95% CI, 3.22% to 9.72%; P = 0.30). The incidence of delirium did not differ between the two groups when stratified by surgery type, anesthesia type, or preoperative risk status. Gabapentin was shown to be opioid sparing, with lower doses for the intervention group versus the control group. For example, the morphine equivalents for the gabapentin-treated group, median 6.7 mg (25th, 75th quartiles: 1.3, 20.0 mg), versus control group, median 6.7 mg (25th, 75th quartiles: 2.7, 24.8 mg), differed on the first postoperative day (P = 0.04). Conclusions Although postoperative opioid use was reduced, perioperative administration of gabapentin did not result in a reduction of postoperative delirium or hospital length of stay.

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