| 1. |
- Al-Azawy, Mawahib, et al.
(author)
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Premedication and preoperative information reduces pain intensity and increases satisfaction in patients undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation : A randomised controlled study
- 2015
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In: Applied Nursing Research. - : Elsevier. - 0897-1897 .- 1532-8201. ; 28:4, s. 268-273
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundPain and discomfort are common during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation.AimsTo compare and evaluate the effect of premedication, standardised preoperative information and preoperative anxiety on pain intensity, drug consumption and patients’ satisfaction.MethodsPreoperative anxiety at baseline, pain intensity during RFA, and patient satisfaction after the procedure were measured in 3 random groups. Group A (n = 20) received standard pain management, group B (n = 20) received premedication and group C (n = 20) received premedication and standardised preoperative information.ResultsPatients in groups B and C experienced less pain intensity (p < 0.001) and needed fewer anxiolytics (p = 0.023) and analgesics (p = 0.031) compared to group A. Patient satisfaction was higher in group C (p = 0.005) compared to group A. Increased preoperative anxiety is related to elevated drug demand (p < 0.05).ConclusionPremedication alone or combined with preoperative information reduces and higher preoperative anxiety increases pain intensity and drug consumption during RFA. Preoperative information improves patient satisfaction.
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| 2. |
- Algurén, Beatrix, et al.
(author)
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A Multidisciplinary Cross-Cultural Measurement of Functioning After Stroke : Rasch Analysis of the Brief ICF Core Set for Stroke
- 2011
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In: Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1074-9357 .- 1945-5119. ; 18:6, s. 573-586
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To investigate the possibility of constructing a multiprofessional cross-cultural measure of functioning after stroke across categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Method: Data on 757 stroke survivors from China, Germany, Italy, and Sweden, including ratings of 15 categories from the Brief ICF Core Set for stroke, were analyzed using the Rasch model. Unidimensionality, reliability, fit of the ICF categories to the model, ordering of response options of the ICF qualifier, and presence of differential item functioning (DIF) were studied. Results: Of the 15 ICF categories, response options for 7 categories were collapsed, 5 categories were deleted due to misfit, and 4 ICF categories showed DIF for country and were accordingly split into country-specific categories. The proposed final clinical measure consists of 20 ICF categories (6 categories were country-common) with an overall fit statistic of χ2180 = 184.87, P = .386, and a person separation index of r = 0.72, which indicates good reliability. Based on an individual's functioning after stroke, the ratings across the different ICF categories can be summed on an interval scale ranging from 0 to 100. Conclusion: A construction of a cross-cultural clinical measure after stroke based on ICF categories across body functions, structures, and activities and participation was possible. With this kind of clinical measure, stroke survivors' functional levels can be compared even across countries. Despite the promising results, further studies are necessary to develop definitive measures based on ICF categories.
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| 3. |
- Algurén, Beatrix, et al.
(author)
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A scoping review and mapping exercise comparing the content of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) across heart disease-specific scales
- 2020
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In: Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes. - : Springer. - 2509-8020. ; 4:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, the importance of person-centered care has led to increased interest in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). In cardiovascular care, selecting an appropriate PROM for clinical use or research is challenging because multimorbidity is often common in patients. The aim was therefore to provide an overview of heart-disease specific PROMs and to compare the content of those outcomes using a bio-psycho-social framework of health.METHODS: A scoping review of heart disease-specific PROMs, including arrhythmia/atrial fibrillation, congenital heart disease, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and valve diseases was conducted in PubMed (January 2018). All items contained in the disease-specific PROMs were mapped to WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) according to standardized linking rules.RESULTS: A total of 34 PROMs (heart diseases in general n = 5; cardiac arrhythmia n = 6; heart failure n = 14; ischemic heart disease n = 9) and 147 ICF categories were identified. ICF categories covered Body functions (n = 61), Activities & Participation (n = 69), and Environmental factors (n = 17). Most items were about experienced problems of Body functions and less often about patients' daily activities, and most PROMs were specifically developed for heart failure and no PROM were identified for valve disease or congenital heart disease.CONCLUSIONS: Our results motivate and provide information to develop comprehensive PROMs that consider activity and participation by patients with various types of heart disease.
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| 4. |
- Algurén, Beatrix, et al.
(author)
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Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life After Stroke: A 1-Year Prospective Cohort Study.
- 2012
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In: Neurorehabilitation and neural repair. - : SAGE Publications. - 1552-6844 .- 1545-9683. ; 26:3, s. 266-274
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In line with patient-centered health care, it is necessary to understand patients' perceptions of health. How stroke survivors perceive their health at different time points after stroke and which factors are associated with these feelings provide important information about relevant rehabilitation targets. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the independent factors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) from a biopsychosocial perspective using the methods of multivariate regression at 3 different time points poststroke. METHODS: Included in the study were 99 patients from stroke units with diagnosed first-ever stroke. At admission and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year poststroke, HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQoL-5D Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D VAS). Consequences in Body Functions and Activities and Participation, and Environmental Factors were documented using 155 categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Stroke. RESULTS: For a period of 1 year, problems with recreation and leisure, personality functions, energy and drive functions, and gait pattern functions were repeatedly associated with worse HRQoL. Whereas Body Functions and Activities and Participation explained more than three-fourths of the variances of HRQoL at 6 weeks and 3 months (R (2) = 0.80-0.93), the variation at 1 year was best explained by either Body Functions or Environmental Factors (R (2) = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the importance of Body Functions and Activities and Participation (mainly personality functions and recreation and leisure) on HRQoL within 3 months poststroke, but increased impact of Environmental Factors on HRQoL at 1 year.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Almerud, Sofia, et al.
(author)
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Acute coronary syndrome : social support and coping ability on admittance
- 2008
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In: British Journal of Nursing. - London : Mark Allen. - 0966-0461 .- 2052-2819. ; 17:8, s. 527-531
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To compare social support and coping ability in acute coronary syndrome patients at the time of the cardiac event with a healthy community-based sample, with regard to age, sex, education and marital status.Method: The study comprised 241 patients and 316 healthy controls. The participants answered a self-administered questionnaire that included three well-established scales. Multiple logistic regression was used in the analysis to compare the health situation between the patients and controls.Results: Persons suffering from acute coronary syndrome rated emotional support significantly lower than the healthy controls. However, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of socio-demographic variables.Conclusion: This study indicates that social support may be a predictor of acute coronary syndrome.
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| 7. |
- Almerud, Sofia, et al.
(author)
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Beleaguered by technology : care in technologically intense environments.
- 2008
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In: Nursing Philosophy. - : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.. - 1466-7681 .- 1466-769X. ; 9:1, s. 55-61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Modern technology has enabled the use of new forms of information in the care of critically ill patients. In intensive care units (ICUs), technology can simultaneously reduce the lived experience of illness and magnify the objective dimensions of patient care. The aim of this study, based upon two empirical studies, is to find from a philosophical point of view a more comprehensive understanding for the dominance of technology within intensive care. Along with caring for critically ill patients, technology is part of the ICU staff's everyday life. Both technology and caring relationships are of indispensable value. Tools are useful, but technology can never replace the closeness and empathy of the human touch. It is a question of harmonizing the demands of subjectivity with objective signs. The challenge for caregivers in ICU is to know when to heighten the importance of the objective and measurable dimensions provided by technology and when to magnify the patients' lived experiences, and to live and deal with the ambiguity of the technical dimension of care and the human side of nursing.
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| 8. |
- Almerud, S, et al.
(author)
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Caught in an artificial split : a phenomenological study of being a caregiver in the technologically intense environment.
- 2008
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In: Intensive & Critical Care Nursing. - 0964-3397 .- 1532-4036. ; 24:2, s. 130-136
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A symbiotic relationship exists between technology and caring, however, technologically advanced environments challenge caregivers. The aim of this study is to uncover the meaning of being a caregiver in the technologically intense environment. Ten open-ended interviews with intensive care personnel comprise the data. A phenomenological analysis shows that ambiguity abounds in the setting. The act of responsibly reading and regulating instruments easily melds the patient and the machinery into one clinical picture. The fusion skews the balance between objective distance and interpersonal closeness. The exciting captivating lure of technological gadgets seduces the caregivers and lulls them into a fictive sense of security and safety. It is mind-boggling and heart-rending to juggle 'moments' of slavish mastery and security menaced by insecurity in the act of monitoring a machine while caring for a patient. Whenever the beleaguered caregiver splits technique from human touch, ambiguity decays into ambivalence. Caring and technology become polarized. Everyone loses. Caregiver competence wanes; patients suffer. The intensive care unit should be technologically sophisticated, but also build-in a disclosive space where solace, trust, and reassurance naturally happen. Caring professionals need to balance state-of-the-art technology with integrated and comprehensive care and harmonize the demands of subjectivity with objective signs
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Almerud Österberg, S, et al.
(author)
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Knowledge of heart disease risk in patients declining rehabilitation
- 2010
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In: British Journal of Nursing. ; 19:5, s. 288-293
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes (CRPs) allows patients to increase their knowledge of the importance of established risk factors to help them maintain healthy lifestyle changes after coronary heart disease (CHD).Aim: To explore perceived importance and knowledge of known risk factors for CHD among non-attendees in CRPs.Method: Consecutive non-attendees in CRPs (n=106) answered a questionnaire focusing on patients' attitudes towards risk factors and cardiac rehabilitation.Results: The non-attendees lacked knowledge of non-physical characteristics such as depression and social isolation. They also had poor knowledge about biological causes and hereditary factors. However, those who said they knew enough about CHD to prevent recurrent illness did have sufficient knowledge about the established risk factors.Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge about social isolation and depression and their importance in the development of CHD among the non-attendees. They show greater knowledge about biological risk factors than the importance of companionship, joy and happiness. CHD and loneliness are intimately correlated, so creating a sense of belonging must not be underestimated as a measure to prevent CHD.
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