Correlates of treatment satisfaction and well‐being among patients with type II diabetes

Aim

To examine the impact of patient characteristics, anthropometric measurement and patient clinical variables on their appraisal of treatment satisfaction and well‐being.

Background

Treatment satisfaction and well‐being are instrumental in achieving diabetes care goals. Nursing practices and healthcare policies may inform interventions in these areas.

Introduction

The prevalence of diabetes is high in the Middle East. An understanding of relationships between clinical and socio‐demographic variables and well‐being and treatment satisfaction is needed to improve care and patient outcomes.

Methods

A total of 1002 patients completed tools measuring well‐being, treatment satisfaction and socio‐demographic characteristics. A series of bivariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with well‐being and treatment satisfaction.

Results

Males reported better treatment satisfaction and well‐being than females. Older participants, those who were compliant to diet, with controlled diabetes, and no neuropathy reported higher treatment satisfaction scores and well‐being scores. Insulin therapy was associated with better treatment satisfaction.

Discussion

Females, participants who were not prescribed diabetic diets and those with complications were more likely to be negatively impacted by diabetes. Individuals with diabetes who were treated with insulin had higher treatment satisfaction than those who used oral hypoglycaemic agents.

Conclusion and implication for nursing and health policy

These findings are important in assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals in identifying patients with diabetes with low treatment satisfaction who may present a greater risk for poor well‐being. Additionally, they lend support to developing policies for frequent screenings and special therapeutic interventions that are needed to maximize patients’ treatment satisfaction and well‐being in the Middle East and elsewhere.     

Nursing clinical practice changes to improve self‐management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim

To propose nursing clinical practice changes to improve the development of patient self‐management.

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the main causes of chronic morbidity, loss of quality of life and high mortality rates.

Introduction

Control of the disease's progression, the preservation of autonomy in self‐care and maintenance of quality of life are extremely challenging for patients to execute in their daily living. However, there is still little evidence to support nursing clinical practice changes to improve the development of self‐management.

Methods

A participatory action research study was performed in a medicine inpatient department and the outpatient unit of a Portuguese hospital. The sample comprised 52 nurses and 99 patients. For data collection, we used interviews, participant observation and content analysis.

Results

The main elements of nursing clinical practice that were identified as a focus for improvement measures were the healthcare model, the organization of healthcare and the documentation of a support decision‐making process. The specific guidelines, the provision of material to support decision‐making and the optimization of information sharing between professionals positively influenced the change process. This change improved the development of self‐management skills related to the awareness of the need for ‘change’, hope, involvement, knowledge and abilities.

Discussion

The implemented changes have improved health‐related behaviours and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

To support self‐management development skills, an effective nursing clinical practice change is needed. This study has demonstrated the relevance of a portfolio of techniques and tools to help patients adopt healthy behaviours.

Implications for nursing and/or health policy

The involvement and participation of nurses and patients in the conceptualization, implementation and evaluation of policy change are fundamental issues to improve the quality of nursing care and clinical outcomes.     

Potential Usefulness of Early Potassium Supplementation for Preventing Severe Hypokalemia Induced by Liposomal Amphotericin B in Hematologic Patients: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) is an essential antifungal agent for patients with hematologic diseases; however, the drug causes severe hypokalemia at a high frequency. Meanwhile, there is little evidence regarding the risk factors for L-AMB–induced severe hypokalemia, and the prevention protocol has not been established. The goal of this study was to identify the risk factors related to severe hypokalemia induced by L-AMB in hematologic patients.