Reliability of Moral Distress Scale, Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, and Jefferson Scale of Empathy Among Greek Nurses: A Pilot Study.

Moral distress (MD), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and empathy are of particular interest to the nursing profession. The availability of validated tools for the assessment of these parameters is of high importance. The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the reliability of the Greek version of the MD Scale or the revised version (MDS-R), the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for Health Professionals (JSE-HP), and the STS Scale (STSS) in Greek nurses working in open and psychiatric wards.

The Role of Substance P, Neurokinin A, Neuropeptide Y, and Cortisol in Assessing Neonatal Pain.

Our aim was to investigate biomarkers of neonatal pain and their association with two pain scales. This prospective study included 54 full-term neonates. Levels of substance P (SubP), neurokinin A (NKA), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and cortisol were recorded and two pain scales (Premature Infant Pain Profile [PIPP] and Neonatal Infant Pain Scale [NIPS]) were used.

Attitudes, beliefs and knowledge towards Medical Cannabis of Greek undergraduate and postgraduate university nursing students.

Objectives: To assess attitudes, beliefs and knowledge towards medical cannabis (MC) among Greek nursing students by year of study and undergraduate/postgraduate status.

Methods: 294 (229 undergraduate and 65 postgraduate) students participated in this survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson's chi-squared, t-test) were applied using SPSS.

Effects of the Enhanced Recovery Program on the Recovery and Stress Response in Patients With Cancer Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Aim the study was the comparison of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) versus conventional care (CON) protocols in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy with regard to pain intensity, emotional response (optimism/sadness/stress), and stress biomarker levels (adrenocorticotropopic hormone, cortisol). We conducted a prospective two-group randomized controlled study with repeated measures in 85 patients with cancer pancreatoduodenectomy. In the ERAS group (N = 44), the ERAS protocol was followed, compared with the CON group (N = 41).

Factors Affecting Stress Levels in Hospitalized Patients after Implementation of Fast-Track Protocol in Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery.

Objective: The objective was to explore factors affecting stress levels in hospitalized patients after implementation of fast-track (FT) protocol in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.

Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study, where 90 patients were included. Exploration of environmental postoperative stress levels was conducted by serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels, the Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale, and three self-reported Numeric Analog Scale questions, with regard to emotional/stress level, specifically "How sad do you feel right now?" "How stressed do you feel right now?" and "How optimistic do you feel right now, about the future?" at 3 time points: (T) Before surgery, (T) the day of surgery, and (T) the 3 postoperative day.

Validation of the Greek Version of Comfort-B, FLACC, and BPS Scales in Critically Ill Children and Their Association with Clinical Severity.

Background: A variety of valid pediatric pain assessment tools are used in clinical practice globally; however, none have been validated for use in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Greece. Furthermore, the association between pain behavioral responses and clinical status is unclear.

Aims: To assess the reliability and validity of the Greek version of FLACC, Comfort B, and BPS pain scales in critically ill children and to explore their association with clinical severity (Denver MOF, PMODS) and levels of sedation and analgesia.

A Comparison of 2 Venous Puncture Sites for Peripheral Implanted Ports.

The use of peripheral implanted ports to administer parenteral nutrition in a number of patient cohorts is increasingly seen as a safe alternative to chest ports with equivalence in long-term outcomes. Two insertion sites on the upper arm were compared using the zone insertion method (ZIM), which was developed as an approach to optimize and reduce catheter-related exit site complications. The ZIM divides the medial upper arm into 3 main colors, red, green, and yellow, which are based on musculoskeletal, skin, and vessel characteristics.

Peripherally inserted central catheter ports: A vascular access specialist's systematic approach.

Implanted ports are an important vascular access device for patients with malignancies requiring long-term chemotherapy. Peripherally placed ports are increasing in use as they are a safe, cost-effective alternative to chest-placed ports. Most peripheral ports can be placed bedside by specialist nurses in designated clinical areas rather than costly operating rooms or interventional radiology suites.

Cross-Correlation Among Visual Analog, Observational, and Behavioral Pain Scales of Oncological Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery.

Purpose: To determine the perception of postoperative pain intensity between nurses and oncology patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Design: A prospective cross-correlation study with 173 oncology patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, such as hepatectomy or pancreatectomy.

Methods: Postoperative pain intensity was evaluated by clinical pain assessment tools such as critical-care pain observation tool (CPOT) and behavioral pain scale (BPS) recorded by the researcher, whereas the visual analog scale was completed by patients.

Parallel and serial mediation analysis between pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue and nausea, vomiting and retching within a randomised controlled trial in patients with breast and prostate cancer.

Objective: Cancer treatment is a particularly stressful period for the patient. The reasons vary and include fear of treatment outcome as well as treatment induced side effects. The patient frequently experiences simultaneously various side effects resulting in a diminishing of the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

A Phenomenological Investigation of the Interplay Among Professional Worth Appraisal, Self-Esteem and Self-Perception in Nurses: The Revelation of an Internal and External Criteria System.

Nurses' professional self-concept is strongly associated with professional worth appraisal, which encompasses their feelings and perceptions regarding their task efficacy and value of input to clinical outcomes. Professional self-concept and professional worth appraisal are incorporated in one's overall professional role perception. Data show that the way nurses think and feel about themselves personally and professionally, is associated with their well-being, the quality of provided patient care, their job satisfaction and retention.

Validation of the nursing workload scoring systems "Nursing Activities Score" (NAS), and "Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System for Critically Ill Children" (TISS-C) in a Greek Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Objectives: To assess the reliability and validity of the Greek version of Nursing Activities Score (NAS), and Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System for Critically Ill Children (TISS-C) in a Greek Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Research Methodology: A methodological study was performed in one PICU of the largest Paediatric Hospital in Athens-Greece. The culturally adapted and validated Greek NAS version, enriched according to the Norwegian paediatric one (P-NAS), was used.

Fast-Track Recovery Program After Major Liver Resection: A Randomized Prospective Study.

The objective of this study was to compare fast-track (FT) recovery protocol with the conventional one in patients treated with major liver resection by evaluating perioperative morbidity, length of hospitalization, and readmission rate. Sixty-two patients suffering from malignant liver tumors were surgically treated from May 2012 to April 2014. After randomization, they were prospectively divided into two groups: Group A patients (n = 32) followed FT recovery protocol and Group B patients (n = 30) were treated with the conventional (CON) protocol.

Validation of Greek Versions of the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and Premature Infant Pain Profile in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Background: The Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and the Premature Infant Pain Profile have been used widely in neonatal intensive care units for pain assessment.

Aim: This study reports the evaluation and validation of these scales in full-term newborns who were hospitalized in two Greek neonatal intensive care units. Evaluation and validation of the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and the Premature Infant Pain Profile in full-term newborns who were hospitalized in two Greek neonatal intensive care units.

Comparative Evaluation of Pain, Stress, Neuropeptide Y, ACTH, and Cortisol Levels Between a Conventional Postoperative Care Protocol and a Fast-Track Recovery Program in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery.

Background: Fast-track (FT) postoperative protocol in oncological patients after major abdominal surgery reduces complications and length of postoperative stay compared to the conventional (CON) protocol. However, stress and pain responses have not been compared between the two protocols.

Objectives: To compare stress, pain, and related neuropeptidic responses (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH], cortisol, and neuropeptide Y [NPY]) between FT and CON protocols.

Association between lymphocyte expression of the apoptotic receptor Fas and pain in critically ill patients.

Objective: Lymphocyte apoptosis in critical illness is associated with immunosuppression. We explored for the first time the associations between pain ratings and expression of the apoptotic receptor Fas on B and T cells in critically ill patients and the potential mediating effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and substance P (SP).

Design: This is an exploratory correlational study with repeated measurements (14 days followup) and cross-sectional comparisons.

Perceptions of critical and emergency department nurses regarding changes in their professional role.

Objective Preliminary investigation of the way Greek critical and emergency department nurses conceptualize changes in their professional role. Method A qualitative focus-group methodology was applied. Following purposeful sampling and informed consent of participants.

Anxiety symptoms and quality of interaction among oncology nurses: a correlational, cross-sectional study.

Objective: To explore the severity of Anxiety Symptoms (AS) among Greek oncology nursing personnel, the degree of satisfaction from professional relationships, and potential association between them.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was performed in 2 Greek Oncology Hospitals, in 72 members of nursing personnel. Hamilton Anxiety Scale was used for the assessment of AS severity and the Index of Work Satisfaction subscale "Satisfaction from Interaction" for the degree of satisfaction from professional relationships among nursing personnel (NN) and between nursing personnel and physicians (NP).

Nursing Activities Score: an updated guideline for its application in the Intensive Care Unit.

Objective To describe nursing workload in Intensive Care Units (ICU) in different countries according to the scores obtained with Nursing Activities Score (NAS) and to verify the agreement among countries on the NAS guideline interpretation. Method This cross-sectional study considered 1-day measure of NAS (November 2012) obtained from 758 patients in 19 ICUs of seven countries (Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Egypt, Greece and Brazil). The Delphi technique was used in expertise meetings and consensus.

Measuring professional satisfaction and nursing workload among nursing staff at a Greek Coronary Care Unit.

Objective To explore potential associations between nursing workload and professional satisfaction among nursing personnel (NP) in Greek Coronary Care Units (CCUs). Method A cross-sectional study was performed involving 66 members of the NP employed in 6 randomly selected Greek CCUs. Job satisfaction was assessed by the IWS and nursing workload by NAS, CNIS and TISS-28.

Dysfunctional psychological responses among Intensive Care Unit nurses: a systematic review of the literature.

Objective: To systematically review evidence on dysfunctional psychological responses of Intensive Care Units nurses (ICUNs), with focus on anxiety and depressive symptoms and related factors.

Method: A literature search was performed in CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus databases, from 1999 to present, along with a critical appraisal and synthesis of all relevant data. The following key words, separately and in combination, were used: "mental status" "depressive symptoms" "anxiety" "ICU nurses" "PTSD" "burnout" "compassion fatigue" "psychological distress".

A Randomized Controlled Trial for the Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Guided Imagery as Anxiety Reducing Interventions in Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Objective. To test the effectiveness of guided imagery (GI) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) as stress reducing interventions in patients with prostate and breast cancer who undergo chemotherapy. Methods.