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Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease of childhood. Non-adherence to medical treatment is correlated with inadequacy of the information parents receive from health professionals, parental corticophobia and a poor prognosis. A key point for enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment is the provision of organized and evidence-based education by a specialist nurse. Aim: To illustrate the contribution of educational intervention provided by a specialist nurse to children with atopic dermatitis and their parents. Method: A systematic review was made of published articles through PubMed database for the period 2000 to 2010, using the key words 'quality of life of children with atopic eczema', 'nurse education for atopic dermatitis', 'compliance for atopic eczema', 'nurse educational intervention to atopic eczema', 'nurse specialist for atopic dermatitis'. The inclusion criteria for this review were: (a) Papers published in the English language, (b) date of publication between 2000 and 2010, (c) papers referring to children with atopic dermatitis and their parents, (d) articles referring to organized nurse educationalintervention and its results. Through a search of articles published in English referring to atopic dermatitis (730), 69 results were found relevant to the study aims, of which 12 qualified for further analysis. Results: Educational intervention by a nurse practitioner significantly decreases the severity of the disease and improves the quality of life of both the children and their parents. In addition the degree of satisfaction of the patients is positively associated with awareness brought by a nurse specialist based on a patient-centered approach according to the age of the children, with the severity of the disease, and with the time given for conducting counseling meetings. Conclusions: The degree to which atopic dermatitis affects children depends on their compliance with treatment, regular monitoring and continuous guidance by a nurse educator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The writing of a text, and in particular a scientific text, is not a simple task and it requires talent, patience and systematic effort. In the health sciences, the writing and publication of articles is a daily challenge, and the circulation of thousands scientific journals provides even the least experienced with the opportunity of writing papers. Many health scientists avoid writing articles, considering that their limited knowledge and experience with regard to publication in scientific journals may substantially decrease their chances of success. Aim: The training targets of this article are: (a) To give health scientists the opportunity to improve their texts and to increase their chances of publication. (b) To help health scientists to understand the basic types of publication in health sciences journals. (c) To clarify the differences between the different types of scientificpublication. (d) To make clear and relevant the basic principles of writing scientific texts. Types of publication: The main types of publication in health sciences journals are research articles, reviews and case reports. Basic writing principles: The writing and publication of scientific papers is a difficult and time consuming process which requires the observance of strictly determined standards. Inability to write an article in the scientifically acceptable format can delay considerably or even preclude publication. The admittedly difficult process of writing can be facilitated considerably by following some simple basic rules, and notably by using clarity, brevity, simplicity, accuracy and consistency. The application of these basic principles renders writing easier and improves the quality of the texts. In addition, a decisive contribution is made by the appropriate use of the active and passive voices, adequate knowledge of the English language and correct typing of the texts, following the guidelines of the scientific journals. In these ways the quality and clarity of the texts is improved and the probability of publication is increased.Conclusions: Good scientific writing is difficult but not impossible and it requires patience and systematic effort. Following basic writing principles, the quality of texts can be improved and the likelihood of publication increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease of childhood. Non-adherence to medical treatment is correlated with inadequacy of the information parents receive from health professionals, parental corticophobia and a poor prognosis. A key point for enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment is the provision of organized and evidence-based education by a specialist nurse. Aim: To illustrate the contribution of educational intervention provided by a specialist nurse to children with atopic dermatitis and their parents. Method: A systematic review was made of published articles through PubMed database for the period 2000 to 2010, using the key words "quality of life of children with atopic eczema", "nurse education for atopic dermatitis", "compliance for atopic eczema", "nurse educational intervention to atopic eczema", "nurse specialist for atopic dermatitis". The inclusion criteria for this review were: (a) Papers published in the English language, (b) date of publication between 2000 and 2010, (c) papers referring to children with atopic dermatitis and their parents, (d) articles referring to organized nurse educationalintervention and its results. Through a search of articles published in English referring to atopic dermatitis (730), 69 results were found relevant to the study aims, of which 12 qualified for further analysis. Results: Educational intervention by a nurse practitioner significantly decreases the severity of the disease and improves the quality of life of both the children and their parents. In addition the degree of satisfaction of the patients is positively associated with awareness brought by a nurse specialist based on a patient-centered approach according to the age of the children, with the severity of the disease, and with the time given for conducting counseling meetings. Conclusions: The degree to which atopic dermatitis affects children depends on their compliance with treatment, regular monitoring and continuous guidance by a nurse educator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The writing of a text, and in particular a scientific text, is not a simple task and it requires talent, patience and systematic effort. In the health sciences, the writing and publication of articles is a daily challenge, and the circulation of thousands scientific journals provides even the least experienced with the opportunity of writing papers. Many health scientists avoid writing articles, considering that their limited knowledge and experience with regard to publication in scientific journals may substantially decrease their chances of success. Aim: The training targets of this article are: (a) To give health scientists the opportunity to improve their texts and to increase their chances of publication. (b) To help health scientists to understand the basic types of publication in health sciences journals. (c) To clarify the differences between the different types of scientificpublication. (d) To make clear and relevant the basic principles of writing scientific texts. Types of publication: The main types of publication in health sciences journals are research articles, reviews and case reports. Basic writing principles: The writing and publication of scientific papers is a difficult and time consuming process which requires the observance of strictly determined standards. Inability to write an article in the scientifically acceptable format can delay considerably or even preclude publication. The admittedly difficult process of writing can be facilitated considerably by following some simple basic rules, and notably by using clarity, brevity, simplicity, accuracy and consistency. The application of these basic principles renders writing easier and improves the quality of the texts. In addition, a decisive contribution is made by the appropriate use of the active and passive voices, adequate knowledge of the English language and correct typing of the texts, following the guidelines of the scientific journals. In these ways the quality and clarity of the texts is improved and the probability of publication is increased.Conclusions: Good scientific writing is difficult but not impossible and it requires patience and systematic effort. Following basic writing principles, the quality of texts can be improved and the likelihood of publication increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The use of oral contraceptives (OCs) is very popular and widespread, as at least 100 million women worldwide use them, not only for birth control, but also for many other purposes. The safety of OCs has been thoroughly examined, and a great number of studies have been conducted to investigate the correlation between OC use and breast cancer, but with conflicting conclusions. Aim: Review of the correlation found between OC intake and the risk of breast cancer in a wide age range of women who took the pill either during the observation time or before. Method: Search of the electronic databases Cochrane library, PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar, using the key words: "contraceptives", "oral", "cancer", "breast", "risk", "hormones", revealed 69 relevant primary studies. The inclusion criteria for this review were: (a) Papers published in the English language, (b) papers that refer solely to the specific breast cancer type and the specific kind of hormone treatment, (c)exclusion of studies that included cancer induction risk factors, such as the genetic factor BRCA 1,2, and (d) papers published between 1990 and 2010. Only 30 studies ultimately met the inclusion criteria. Results: A linear correlation between duration of OK intake and breast cancer incidence was identified by a small number of studies. The age of first OC use was found to be slightly correlated with breast cancer incidence in some studies, but others showed opposite results. Concerning correlation between the OC dose or type of hormones used and breast cancer incidence, it has been shown that women aged 20-44 years that used OCs containing >35 μg of ethinyl oestradiol had an approximate risk 50% higher than that of non-users (RR=1.99, RR= 1.27, respectively). OCs containing high-dose progestin were related to a higher breast cancer incidence among women aged under 35 years, with RR 8.11. Second generation OCs showed an overall higher risk for breast cancer than the absence of use of OCs. Conclusions: The dosage and type of OC, the age of the woman at first use and the duration of the use all play a role in breast cancer incidence, according to a number of studies, while others failed to demonstrate statistically significantdifferences between users and non-users. On balance, the results derived from the studies were inconclusive with regard to obtaining a firm connection between OCs and breast cancer incidence. The need for further monitoring is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Psychiatric Reform aims to provide psychiatric patients' treatment within the community. In that way, patients will succeed in living with a functional ordinary everyday activity. Harsh socio-economic conditions in the era of crisis though pose serious obstacles towards the implementation of this reform. Aim: The current review aims to investigate the literature created in the recent years in order to depict causes and circumstances which downgraded the level of Mental Health services provided in the era of financial crisis. Method: There was conducted literature review through multifaceted search within research studies, review papers and reports published in print and digital form in both Greek and English languages. There were also investigated information sources in Pubmed and there was also analyzed the legal and institutional framework on which the mental health services were based upon. Results: Certain parts of population with low income have lost of 24,2% of their income in years between 2009-2012. A 10% of the most destitute part of population lost a 56,5% of their income. The use of antidepressant medication was increased by 34,8% in years between 2006--2011 and suicidal ideas amongst individuals under treatment were increased from 4,5% in 2009 up to 22,7% in 2011. A 40-50% of inpatients in public institutions derives from public prosecutor's order for involuntary hospitalization which in turn results in asphyxiating conditions within those institutions. Conclusions: The increasing shortage of institutional hospices, the increasing number of involuntary hospitalization, the understaffness along with forced restriction of patients as an immediate and safe solution for treatment, accompanied with inadequate coordination of health and general justice services tend to the restrict altogether the judicial and civil rights of inpatients. The inefficient coverage of basic needs in certain parts of population, (youth unemployed, children and their families) requires a more adequate cooperation between health and social welfare professionals and ministry of justice officers in order to wear off the general feeling that "since we serve in an era of low expectations, then we will have low demands as well". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cyprus lacks a National Health System with total population coverage and instead has a mixture of public and private health care providers. The typology and special features of the Cyprus healthcare system have been largely influenced by socioeconomic and political factors. This paper provides a descriptive analysis of the Cyprus healthcare system based on the main state provision theories for identifying the fundamental principles that run through it. These theories are not extensively analyzed in the paper, but the theoretical elements which are related to the healthcare system are discussed, along with the degree to which these elements are applied in daily practice. By exploring whether the Cyprus healthcare system meets its aims on the basis of the fundamental principles of state provision, it becomes apparent that the system is characterized by special features and many problems and weaknesses which inhibit its efficiency and effectiveness. The Cyprus healthcare system is a mixture of various subsystems and models. The first subsystem (Beveridge type), includes the healthcare services provided by the public sector, based on the fundamental principles of the social state provision, while the second subsystem includes the services that are provided by the private sector, based on the neo-liberal "market model". These two extreme approaches can create severe problems in relation to the organization and operation of health care provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The impact of cancer in the mental realm is an issue of huge interest, which has been studied for decades by health care scientists and psychologists. The review of medical literature reveals that approximately one in two patients with cancer manifest psychiatric disorders due to the illness. In the case of breast cancer, patients often experience anxiety and depression problems involving also their families, either as a side effect of therapeutic approaches that are followed, or as an effect of the disease itself. So, an in-depth analysis and understanding of these problems is extremely important, aiming to tackle them. Aim: The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of breast cancer in the psychological world of the patient and her family, regarding the generation of feelings of anxiety and depression. Method: A comprehensive search in the bibliographic databases “Medline” and “ScienceDirect” has been conducted, along with a search over HEAL-Link. The keywords used included “breast cancer”, “family” and “psychological implications”. The search referred to articles from 1995 to 2012, whereas purely medical articles on breast cancer were excluded. Results: The paper identified extensive international research on the subject of stress and depression that breast cancer incurs to patients. The psychological morbidity causes are summarized in the cancer itself, as well as in the therapeutic approaches followed by the patient. Its implications lie in the patient and the quality of her mental life, in her family, in the social environment and in the disease itself, exacerbating its effects. Conclusions: There are consequences to both the quality of life of the patient and the disease itself. For this reason, a careful behavior towards the patient is needed, as well as patience on behalf of the patient herself. In addition, there are several internationally proposed ways of therapeutic approach to depression and anxiety that causes the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific evidences are about the results of studies that are conducted in health sciences and are used in everyday clinical practice in combination with clinical experience and patients' values. For this reason, health scientists must rely on the results that come from reliable and valid studies. Today, articles are searched and found relatively easily and immediately via the internet, using the various databases with regards to health sciences. Finding of appropriate evidence in databases requires common sense, knowledge, experience and patience. During the time, adaptation to the databases is increased continuously and literature search becomes easier and leads to more valid results. Successful search and recovery of the appropriate articles in databases are determined to a large extent from key-words or, differently, from search terms that are used by the investigators. Substantially, the key-words are those that determine the validity of recovery of appropriate articles. Moreover, it is very important to determine with clarity the research question that is to be investigated. The most important databases via the internet with regards to health sciences are the following: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Collaboration, CINAHL, ISI Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, COS Conference Papers Index, Scirus, ClinicalTrials.gov and IATROTEK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: It is current practice for biotechnological companies that conduct innovative genetic research to develop patents, in order to safeguard their research results and inventions. Aim: Review of the ethical, theological and legal questions that arise from the application of patents in human genetics. Method: A literature review was conducted on review papers and original research articles from Medline, Scopus and IATPOTEK databases, covering the period 1978-2008 and using as key-words: "Bioethics", "patents on human genes", "legislation", "Orthodox ethics". Results: The main ethical arguments expressed against patents in human genetics are the following: (a) Genes are present in nature and consequently genetic research constitutes not invention but discovery, and (b) "patents" on human genetic material will have negative consequences for both health care and health research. On the other hand, the biotechnological companies support their argument that genetic patents provide them with protection, which is important because they undertake the risk of investing enormous funds in genetic research with a view to introducing into the market new and useful products that will be of eventual benefit to society. The Orthodox church, applying anthropological teaching, is against the commercialization of health, considering that all persons should have equal access to medical services, independent of their economic situation or social origin. Finally, the documented legal approach to the issue of genetic patents is that human genes are an integral part of the human body and therefore genetic patenting follows the same principles that define the legal protection of individuals. When, however, the genetic material has undergone sufficient treatment and transformation, it is possible to get a patent. Conclusions: The welfare state should take the appropriate measures to protect human dignity, but also to promote scientific research. Whenever innovative genetic research leads to concrete biotechnological applications, it should be protected with authorization of a patent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Recent studies carried out in various different countries have shown extremely high rates of stress and burnout in medicine, nursing and the other health professions compared to the general working population. Aim: The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the health consequences of work stress in Greek health professionals and to demonstrate the need for a biopsychosocial model as the theoretical basis for the better understanding and handling of work stressors associated with personal and social factors. Method: Search was made in the Medline/PubMed, PsycINFO and PsychLit from 1975-2009 using key words such as "stress", "work stress", "health professions", "biopsychosocial model". Results: The literature review confirmed the hypothesis that ill health can result from work stress, with the addition of the emotional and sociological components of stress pathology. The biopsychosocial model of health behaviour clearly states that mental health is based on biological, psychological and social determinants. This model can thus help in the early detection and prevention of stress-related illnesses at work in the health care setting. Conclusions: Based on the evidence showing that work stress plays a crucial role in the presentation, development and aggravation of a variety of diseases, the work stress phenomenon deserves more attention. There is a need for health professionals to be trained at the personal and the group level in order to improve their communication skills and to be able to confront daily emotional hassles successfully and to develop positive and constructive care-giving relationships with their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The measurement of the nursing workload (NWL) and its association with patient mortality contributes to the understanding of nursing practices and to the decision making process in the delivery of safe, high quality and effective care. Aim: ?o study the association between NWL and the mortality of patients in intensive care units (ICU). Method: Documentation was researched using the electronic databases Medline and Cinahl, and a narrative review was conducted. ?he following key-words were used: mortality, in-hospital mortality, 30 days mortality, nurse staffing, nurse manpower, workload, intensive care units. Papers published in English and Greek during the period 1990-2009 were used as the source material to investigate the association between NWL and mortality of adult ICU patients. Results: Patient mortality is the parameter most commonly studied in the context of the quality and safety of nursing care. Adequate ICU nurse staffing, which avoids patient exposure to a high NWL, appears to be associated with high quality care characterized by decreased mortality, although several researchers found no association between NWL and patient mortality. Conclusions: The necessity of cost-effective intensive care demands the measurement of NWL and its correlation with health care outcomes. The multiplicity of different methods employed for estimating NWL and studying its association with mortality, along with the heterogeneity of the study populations and the severity of ICU patients make comparisons difficult and indicate the need for further research in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Shift working is an inevitable feature of the nursing profession, as health care services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Continuity, rotation and programming are the main characteristics of shift work systems. Aim: The aim of this special article was the presentation of the effects of shift working on the nursing personnel, and discussion of solutions that could be adopted in the design of shift systems in order to diminish the negative effects. Method: Studies reviewed in the paper were located by searching the electronic databases Pubmed, Cochrane and Scopus, using the key words: "shift work", "shift work organization", "shift work system", "nursing personnel". Results: The main negative effects of nursing shift working are reported to be subjective physical and psychological health problems, and disruption of social and family life. None of the shift work systems that have been proposed is optimal for the health worker, although attempts have been made to design them in such a way as to disrupt the level of somatic and psychosocial health of the nurses as little as possible. Conclusions: It is important for health care services to adopt all the necessary measures for organizing the schedules of nursing shifts in a manner that diminishes the negative effects on the health and well being of the staff, in order to promote job satisfaction and to improve the quality of the care provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Children with diabetes mellitus (DM) experience feelings of fear, sadness, denial, guilt, low self-esteem and inadequacy. Long term experience of these feelings can lead to poor glycaemic control and subsequently to chronic physical and mental complications. Aim: The purpose of this study was to review the current research evidence on the factors which affect the psychoemotional state of children and adolescents with DM. Method: A literature review was conducted in the relevant databases (PubMed, CINAL, Medline, American Diabetes Association), and critical analysis was made of the articles of the recent years (2000-2007).The key-words used in the literature search were "diabetes mellitus", "children", "emotion", "disorder, organic, mental". Results: The papers reviewed provided documentation of the factors which influence the personal and social life of children with DM, and the effectiveness of their treatment, which include: the experiences in the diagnosis period, sex of the child, social relations with others in the environment, especially with the peer group, participation in activities, self management of the disease, and the participation and support of the family. Conclusions: ?he aim of the scientific team providing care to children with DM and their families must be the preparation for self-care of the disease, which will contribute to the reduction of physical and mental disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vasovagal reaction is the most common complication that can occur in whole blood donors, with a frequency of up to 1% of the total number of blood donors. Although the vasovagal reaction itself is not very dangerous, the fall that follows the loss of consciousness may lead to serious injuries. It is widely recognized that this reaction may occur either before or during the blood donation, but it can also appear many hours after the blood donation. All members of the staff of blood donation centres must take serious measures in order to minimize the frequency of this reaction and to make sure that the blood donors are completely safe. They must also be prepared for the prompt treatment of such episodes. In this paper the vasovagal reaction and the factors causing it, are briefly reviewed. The appropriate preventive measures and the management of this type of reaction are fully described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During the last twenty years, there has been a trend for novel techniques, such as the continuous renal replacement treatment (CRRT) method to replace the classic intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) method in the treatment of seriously ill patients suffering from acute renal failure hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). The purpose of this paper is, via a brief review of the special features of CRRT to provide a comparison of the criteria of IHD and CRRT, in order to enable selection of the most appropriate method for the ICU setting. Both the special characteristics of CRRT and their comparison with those of IHD suggest that the replacement of IHD by CRRT is justified in the treatment of seriously ill patients, and CRRT should be the method of choice, wherever possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of their work, nurses care for patients before they are born, after they have died and during the lifetime in between. For the appropriate execution of certain tasks it is necessary to use certain procedure manuals containing detailed instructions on specific nursing procedures, which provide documentation of appropriate nursing practice. Such a procedure manual directs nursing practices related to the death of a patient, and the laying out of the body in preparation for the funeral director or coroner, ensuring that these practices are carried out in a legally and culturally safe way. Unfortunately, many Greek hospitals and health care agencies do not have such a procedure manual at their disposal, and if a manual is available, it is usually either out of date or not documented or disregarded, remaining on the shelf until nurses are confronted with the unfamiliar. This paper explores: (a) the nursing care of the terminally ill patient, (b) the important role of the nurse in recognizing the spiritual and religious needs of the terminally ill patient, and (c) a documented protocol for post- mortem care, taking into account specific cases such as infants and children, criminal involvement in death, high risk infectious diseases and patients whose religion is other than Christianity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the international literature the term evidence-based practice in nursing is synonymous with professional, rational thinking that enables transparent, responsible, rationally articulated and legally defensible nursing actions. However, the questions of what constitutes evidence, who decides on the validity of the various types of evidence and how evidence-based practice can be integrated into Greek nursing are highly controversial. The aims of this paper are to transpose the term evidencebased practice into the Greek setting and to provide a historical review and analysis of the term, with the overall objective of integrating its core concepts into Greek nursing practice. A literature search was made in the CINAHL search engine and articles and books on the relevant topic were hand-selected and analysed. The historical overview and analysis of the term evidencebased practice reveals the construction of two different schools of thought, based on; a) evidence emerging from randomized controlled trials, and b) evidence emerging from reflective analysis of specific clinical cases. The aims and objectives of Greek nursing would be best served by adoption of the second school of thought, related to the concept of evidence based on clinical experience. Greek nurses should be educated adequately and facilitated appropriately in the clinical setting so as to be able to practice their profession using reflective techniques. This will enable nursing practitioners to make a critical assessment of the range of evidence and its uniqueness for each patient, in order to plan their clinical practice using the evidence that is most relevant for that particular patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]