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Introduction: Nursing, being a humanistic profession, includes the promotion of health, the prevention of disease and the holistic care of patients, including those with disabilities and the terminally ill. Nursing education and training in Greece conforms to EU standards, thus providing mutual recognition of qualifications according to European Community directives. Moreover, nursing in Iran is heavily associated with the underlying socio-cultural forces that have affected the country, society and the profession per se in recent decades. Aim: The purpose of this self-reflective commentary is to narrate and describe nursing in two dissimilar countries and health care systems, i.e. Greece and Iran. Methods: This report was based on the lived experiences of an Erasmus+ student who has spent time studying and training as a nurse in both Iran and Greece. The self-narratives were complemented by a comprehensive computer-based search, which was conducted in various databases which revealed 16 relevant articles. Results: a number of similarities and differences are portrayed in this comparative narrative which shows that despite the vast geographical and geopolitical contrasts, nursing in both countries have made a determined and conscious effort to upgrade and improve standards of nursing education and practice. Discussion: Overall, there are distinct similarities and differences between Iranian and Greek nursing in terms of both education and practice. As expected, there are noticeable differences in the priorities in the nursing education of the two countries but moving this into universities has raised the standards of nursing students' clinical and theoretical preparation. Conclusions: Overall political and public policies play a pivotal role in shaping the image of nursing in both societies. Yet, the authors believe increasing motivation among Greek and Iranian nurses, and promoting the socio-cultural climate and the welfare of the profession would result in higher levels of quality of care as well as greater patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Narrative therapy is a technique that was first introduced in the 1970s by an Australian social worker. Yet, its impact has been a major influence in various scientific domains, including: preventive medicine, health psychology and sociology amongst others. Alongside storytelling, the narrative therapist or a trained health professional aids people to create stories about themselves, their identities and their overall situation they face in a way that may be self-healing for them. By 'co-authoring' a new story about one's self, the health professional and the patient are creating therapeutic environment. Aim: The aim of this special article is to elaborate on the context, within which a therapist or a trained health care professional uses narrative techniques or storytelling to assist patients co-author a new narrative about themselves by investigating the background core of their values, independently of their age, health status or healthcare setting. Discussion: Storytelling and narrative therapy techniques can form the basis for therapeutic conversations, which seek to challenge dominant discourses in viewing disease and hardship in destructive ways. The biomedical model sets the framework for a holistic approach and narrative therapy adds an appropriate patient and family centered addition to it. Although narrative work is considered to be part of family therapy, many authors claim that by employing these techniques in any healthcare setting by nurses, can be beneficial for the patients since engage them to cope with their illness-related challenges and assist healthcare professionals to better meet the needs of patients and families. Their implementation in a paediatric setting seems to be beneficial and feasible because not only sets family in the center of the care but also assist children explore support systems, mechanisms and coping strategies helping them build resilience. Conclusions: Storytelling within the context of Narrative Practice is a mode of therapy that seeks to help patients identify their values and skills associated with them. Under this light, nurses need to provide their patients with the knowledge of their ability to live these values so they can effectively deal with the complexities of current or future disease. Narrative techniques and storytelling seem to be useful in all ages, but there is an increased evidence for their implications in the care of children and young adults. Their implication is simple and there is increased evidence that they can be effective and feasible to any health setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Indonesia is widely recognized as a geographically complex nation which is comprised of an estimated 17,000 islands and with its 264 million inhabitants, it faces a unique combination of having to organize and deliver health care services to a diverse population who speak 724 languages or dialects. Aim: The purpose of this critical reflective narrative is to expand on the challenging structure of healthcare in Indonesia and the corresponding environment for nursing. More specifically we elaborated on health care settings, delivery of care and nursing education in the midst of complex targeted healthcare reforms. Methods: For this paper's needs a review and critical analysis was conducted by a systematic search in PubMed and Google Scholar, including papers from within the last two decades. Following critical taxonomy of the original output (i.e. 553 refs), a final 36 references were selected for inclusion. Results and Discussion: Results have been organized under the broad categories of Health Care structure and delivery followed by Nursing Education and are further elaborated via critical narration under five detailed sub-categories, i.e. The health care system in Indonesia (Specialized health centers and hospitals), Community Nursing, School Nursing, Home Care Nurse, Nursing Education in Indonesia Conclusions: Indonesia's wide geographical expanse of islands and population diversity makes health care delivery a complex task. Thus, the country should be praised for tackling these challenges and initiatives such as the creation of the PUSKESMAS network which increased geographic access and national healthcare coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hip fracture in the elderly population is a common global public health problem which may lead to loss of functionality and autonomy in daily life activities. Early mobilization and early onset of walking has been reported to significantly reduce post-operative complications and increase autonomy level. However, the literature does not identify specifically which factors are associated with the reduction of mobility and the recovery of autonomy of patients post-operatively. Objective: The main aim of this study is to identify key factors associated with speedy recovery and functional autonomy of the elderly following hip fractures after 6 weeks in a rehabilitation center. Methodology: This was prospective cohort study. 102 patients over the age of 65 with hip fractures (intertrochanteric or hypocephalic) were recruited at the 'HARMONIA' rehabilitation center, Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. The validified Greek version of Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) tool was used as measurement tool to assess the factors contributing to the recovery of functional autonomy.in its validified Greek version. Results: The average overall scores of functional independence after 6 weeks of hospitalization at the rehabilitation center were 77.26 with an average age of 81.25 years. The lowest averages of the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) were observed in the motor domain i.e. in bathing (self-care) with an average FIM of 3.61, lower body clothing of 3.7, bladder control of 3.7, bath (mobility) of 3.89 and stairs of 3.8. With regards to the cognitive domain, problem solving scored 4.09 and social interaction 4.3. Conclusions: The risk factors associated with the poor recovery in functional autonomy of the elderly with hip fractures are older age and low levels of motor and cognitive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is one of the most important public health problems in both developed and developing countries. The prevalence of obesity is higher among women of childbearing potential. Obesity in pregnancy is a recognized risk factor for many maternal and neonatal adverse effects, including an increase in the rate of Cesarean sections, embryo macrosomy, and pre-eclampsia and gestation diabetes. Purpose: The aim of this systematic literature review is to investigate the effects of obesity in pregnant women. Methodology: A systematic search was employed in electronic databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHIL, BIOMED, and ProQuest, using the following keywords: maternal obesity, effects of pregnancy (pregnancy outcomes), weight gain, prevention and prenatal complications. Results: According to the survey results, the main health problems faced by obese and overweight women during pregnancy were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, risk of epidural hematoma and post-natal hemorrhage. In addition, obese women more frequently experienced oligohydramnios. Discussion: Obesity in pregnancy is one of the most provocative obstetrical problems and is linked to negative outcomes in pregnancy, for both the mother and the child alike. Diet, physical exercise and nutritional behavior of a woman during pregnancy have significant consequences for the outcome of pregnancy. However, several obese women are unaware of the health risks associated with obesity during pregnancy, and thus, may not consider a change in lifestyle during pregnancy. Conclusions: This review indicated there is an urgent need to target obesity prevention programs to women especially those of child-bearing age in order to prevent detrimental effects on the long-term health of the mother and the infant alike. Moreover, social factors should be taken into account, such as tobacco and alcohol use, even small quantities as these are never 'innocent'. Moreover, the mental health status of the pre- and pregnant women should be safeguarded as there are a number of adverse events associated with poor outcomes for both the mother and child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The meaning of euthanasia comes from Greek literature which means ‘good death’ and has deep historical roots. Euthanasia is also known as mercy killing or physician assisted suicide. Aim: To review systematically and compare literature in order to unfold differences and similarities between Turkey and Greece on health care policies, legislation, professional and societal views on euthanasia. Methods: Articles accessed from MEDLINE/PubMed and IATROTEK and some ‘grey literature’ were used as the backbone of this critical account. Results: Euthanasia in Greece: According to Greek law, euthanasia is unlawful. Those who intentionally decide to kill a patient with an incurable disease, on mercy grounds, would be facing punishment. The Christian majority in Greece believes that killing someone intentionally even if terminally-ill, is unethical and legally wrong, even the patient wants to end his/her life. Euthanasia in Turkey: In contemporary Turkey, religion is still one of the most important factors determining society's attitude towards euthanasia despite the sects and tariqas following different manner or creeds in Islam. Thus, human life is regarded as sacred and terminating it, even if requested by the patient or guardian, due to severe deformity or hopelessness of the condition is wrong. Discussion: In both the Muslim faith and Christianity, God creates life and the person has a duty to preserve his/her life. This is also the obligation of health care professionals who are expected to do everything in their power to sustain the patient's life. Also as suicide is considered as a sin in both religions, the concept of assisted euthanasia is thought to be equal to suicide. Due to the above reasons, traditional Christian and Muslim attitudes oppose euthanasia. Conclusions: Both Turkey and Greece do not allow euthanasia, yet it is practiced covertly by some health care personnel. Yet, despite different religions the attitudes towards euthanasia in Greece and Turkey are similar thus, the two neighbours could learn from each other by initiating open discussions on the management of this highly sensitive topic in order to so that covert euthanasia is substituted by clear professional guidelines and much needed updated legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]