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Background: The inclusion of nurse practitioners (NPs) specializing in orthopedics shows potential for improving the quality of care for orthopedic patients. A critical aspect of assessing the feasibility and acceptance of introducing NPs into orthopedic settings involves understanding patients' perspectives on this role. This study aims to explore the receptiveness of orthopedic patients to treatment by orthopedic Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Additionally, it investigates potential associations between patients' willingness to engage with NPs, their familiarity with the NPs role, perceptions of nursing, and satisfaction with orthopedic nursing care. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved patients admitted to an orthopedic department in a central Israeli hospital between January and February 2023. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of five sections, validated by content experts. Statistical analyses, performed using SPSS, included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlations, and linear regression. Results: Orthopedic patient participants demonstrated a moderate willingness to undergo treatment by orthopedic NPs, with over two-thirds expressing strong openness. Patients displayed a high willingness for NPs to engage in various clinical tasks, albeit showing lesser enthusiasm for medication management and preoperative evaluation. Positive attitudes towards nurses and familiarity with the NP's role emerged as significant predictors of patient receptiveness to NPs' treatment. Conclusion: Patient acceptance of orthopedic NPs varies across different aspects of care. While there is overall willingness to receive care from NPs, these nuanced preferences should be considered when implementing NPs in orthopedic settings. Awareness and positive perceptions play crucial roles in shaping patients' willingness to receive care from these NPs. Trial registration: The research doesn't report the results of a health care intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? What the paper adds to existing knowledge? What are the implications for practice? Introduction Aim Method Results Discussion Implications for Practice Mental health nursing is generally viewed as the least attractive career choice among nursing students. Studying in the generic nursing program influence higher desire for a career in mental health nursing. Nursing students who have prior experience working in mental health and have provided care to psychiatric patients are more inclined to express a desire to pursue a career in this field Nursing students enrolled in the generic program, who have previous work experience in mental health or experience caring for a person with a mental illness, and who have a lower level of stigmatizing attitudes, may constitute the future workforce in mental health nursing. Mental health nursing is often perceived as an unattractive career choice among nursing students, and it remains unclear whether the type of nursing program influences this view.This cross‐sectional study aimed to explore the association between stigmatizing attitudes in nursing students and their desire for a career in mental health nursing, comparing students in generic and accelerated programs.A total of 220 nursing students from generic and accelerated programs in North‐Center Israel participated in this cross‐sectional study, completing a questionnaire on stigmatizing attitudes and their interest in a mental health nursing career.Nursing students displayed a generally low desire for mental health nursing, influenced by factors such as enrollment in the generic program, previous mental health work experience and stigmatizing attitudes.Students in the generic program, with lower stigmatizing attitudes and prior mental health experience, exhibited a higher inclination towards mental health nursing.Prospective mental health nursing professionals may be identified in the generic program, particularly those with prior mental health experience and lower stigmatizing attitudes. Additional studies are required to confirm and broaden their applicability to other contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Background Methods Results Discussion Conclusion Implications for policy This study examines the impact of nurse uniforms, the coronavirus pandemic, and the image of nurses and the nursing profession on the career choice of young Muslim Arab women in nursing, with a focus on policy implications.The global nursing shortage poses significant challenges, including in Israel. Attracting young Muslim Arab women to nursing careers is vital. Understanding how nurse uniforms, the pandemic, and perceptions of nurses and the nursing profession shape their career decisions can inform policy interventions.A cross‐sectional study utilized digital questionnaires administered to 200 Muslim Arab women aged 20–30 in Israel. The study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist for cross‐sectional studies.Only 29.2% of participants expressed interest in studying nursing. Findings revealed a positive correlation between the pandemic's impact and intention to pursue nursing. A linear regression analysis shows the impact of the white uniform, the image of nurses, and the image of the profession on the choice of a career in nursing.The study emphasizes the significance of nurse uniforms, the image of nurses, and the image of the nursing profession in shaping young Muslim Arab women's career choices in nursing. Policy interventions should raise awareness about nursing roles, expand responsibilities, and highlight nurses' contributions to society.Strategies to attract young Muslim Arab women to nursing careers should address nurse uniforms, the image of nurses, and the image of the nursing profession.Policy interventions should prioritize diversity, promote positive images of nurses and the nursing profession, and raise awareness of nursing roles and contributions among young Muslim Arab women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the challenges facing the obstetric division following a cyberattack and discuss ways of preparing for and overcoming another one. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study conducted in a mid‐sized medical center. Division activities, including the number of deliveries, cesarean sections, emergency room visits, admissions, maternal–fetal medicine department occupancy, and ambulatory encounters, from 2 weeks before the attack to 8 weeks following it (a total of 11 weeks), were compared with the retrospective period in 2019 (pre‐COVID‐19). In addition, we present the challenges and adaptation measures taken at the division and hospital levels leading up to the resumption of full division activity. Results: On the day of the cyberattack, critical decisions were made. The media announced the event, calling on patients not to come to our hospital. Also, all elective activities other than cesarean deliveries were stopped. The number of deliveries, admissions, and both emergency room and ambulatory clinic visits decreased by 5%–10% overall for 11 weeks, reflecting the decrease in division activity. Nevertheless, in all stations, there were sufficient activities and adaptation measures to ensure patient safety, decision‐making, and workflow of patients were accounted for. Conclusions: The risk of ransomware cyberattacks is growing. Healthcare systems at all levels should recognize this threat and have protocols for dealing with them once they occur. Synopsis: We present the challenges and adaptation measures following a cyberattack on our obstetric division for data sharing and future learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines factors associated with screening of female patients for intimate partner violence (IPV) by orthosurgeons in a sample of 100 Israeli orthosurgeons. Findings reveal positive attitudes toward screening female patients but a significant lack of knowledge. Arab orthosurgeons held slightly more negative attitudes toward screening for IPV and had a more prominent lack of knowledge regarding screening for IPV, compared to their Jewish counterparts. Nationality and feeling uncomfortable asking female patients about IPV predicted screening for IPV. The importance of training orthosurgeons on the assessment and treatment of IPV cannot be overemphasized, especially among Arab orthosurgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is unclear whether climate may play a role in the association between hyponatremia on admission and increased mortality risk among hip fracture patients following a hip fracture repair surgery. We aimed (1) to explore if there is any combined effect of seasonality and hyponatremia on the occurrence of hip fractures among older adults and (2) to explore the effect of hyponatremia on admission on mortality rate at latest follow-up among hip fracture patients following a hip fracture repair surgery in the context of the subtropical climate of Israel. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of older patients who underwent a surgery for hip fracture repair in a major 495-bed hospital located in northern-central Israel in 2017–2020. Patients were divided into two groups: hyponatremic (n = 107) and normonatremic (n = 757) patients. Characteristics of the two groups were compared, as well as their survival probability. Results: Hyponatremic patients were most frequently hospitalized during winter season. Such seasonal variation was observed only among hyponatremic patients. Moreover, patients who were hospitalized during winter season were more likely to be hyponatremic on admission. Hyponatremia on admission was found as a significant independent predictor of mortality rate at latest follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.377 [0.26–0.52]), when compared to normonatremia. Conclusion: There is a combined effect of seasonality and hyponatremia on the occurrence of hip fractures among older adults, with hyponatremic patients being at a higher risk of sustaining a hip fracture during winter season than during other seasons. In addition, the association between hyponatremia on admission and mortality rate at latest follow-up among hip fracture patients has been confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Israeli Ministry of Health requires medical and nursing staff in both hospitals and community settings, screen all women for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). This study explored factors associated with the intention of Israeli women to consent to universal IPV screening during their visits to well baby clinics, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Two hundred Jewish women of childbearing age completed a questionnaire based on the TPB. Only 52% of the women reported that they had undergone IPV screening conducted by nurses at well baby clinics in the last year. The TPB was found to predict 44% of the variance in women's intention to consent to universal IPV screening, whereas control beliefs, perceived behavioral control, and normative beliefs with regard to universal screening, were found to be the most significant predictors. These findings may help design interventions aimed at raising women's intentions to consent to universal IPV screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients leaving the emergency department (ED) before treatment completion (LBTC) is a common universal occurrence. We hypothesized that the characteristics of the Israeli health care system, as well as its policy, intended to reduce the burden of nonurgent ED visits, may have an impact on factors associated with LBTC.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with LBTC in the Israeli context.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who visited the ED in a major hospital located in northern-central Israel during 2016-2019. Characteristics of 130 randomly sampled LBTC patients and of 130 non-LBTC patients that constituted the control group, were compared. Odds ratios (OR) are presented.Results: A low-acuity triage score (OR 8.18, p < 0.01) and a longer length of stay (OR 1.15, p < 0.01) were found to be risk factors for LBTC, and female gender (OR 0.40, p < 0.01) was found to be a protective factor. In contrast, age and nationality were not found as risk factors. Significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to the main presenting complaint. However, both groups had similar rates of presentations with a psychiatric condition. Approximately half of the LBTC patients presented at times when primary clinics were active.Conclusions: These findings reflect the strengths of the Israeli health care system. Despite the policy intended to reduce the burden of nonurgent ED visits, there are possible shortcomings in the system that should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Searching for clinical manifestations of elder abuse may help healthcare professionals identify cases of elder abuse. The aim of the present study was to explore characteristics of older patients with fractures that increase the likelihood that the fracture was associated with abuse. This is a retrospective chart review study of 1,000 patients aged 65 and older who presented to an emergency department in northern-central Israel with a fracture during 2019. The chart review included participant characteristics – sociodemographic data, medical data, data regarding the fracture, and data on the presence of forensic markers of elder abuse in individual patients. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used for the analyses. Older age, presence of dementia, and hand and facial fractures were associated with the presence of forensic markers, and were also found to predict having at least one forensic factor. This study provides further support for the creation of clinical guidelines for identification of elder abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Despite the widespread use of the clock‐drawing test (CDT), normative data and information regarding the influence of sociodemographic factors on test performance by adult and elderly Israeli Arabs are lacking. The current study aimed to establish normative data for this population group by exploring the impact of sociodemographic factors such as age, education, and gender on CDT performance. In addition, this study examined the association between CDT performance and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Methods: The sample consisted of 295 community‐dwelling healthy adult and elderly Israeli Arabs, aged 20–86 years, with a MMSE score ≥24. The MMSE and the CDT were administered to participants. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that age had a negative effect on CDT performance, which was most pronounced in the 60–86 age group, but education and occupation (academic vs non‐academic) had a positive effect. Gender and place of residence (urban vs rural) had no effect. CDT performance predicted the MMSE score. Conclusions: The present study provides preliminary normative data on adult and elderly Israeli Arabs. The CDT appears to be applicable to Israeli Arabs, while the normative data might help interpret cognitive function results in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy decreases rates of neural tube defects. However, many women fail to adhere to folic acid supplementation recommendations. This study explored factors associated with women's intention to take folic acid before and during pregnancy, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour, with an emphasis on differences between Israeli‐born women and immigrant women from the Former Soviet Union. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 100 Israeli born‐women and 100 women from the Former Soviet Union of childbearing age completed a questionnaire, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Results: The findings indicated a significant difference in the rates at which Israeli‐born and FSU‐born women took folic acid before and during pregnancy, as well as a significant difference in their intention to take folic acid supplementation in future pregnancies. The theoretical model explained 88.7% of variance in women's intention to take folic acid, with the most influential variable being behavioural attitudes towards taking folic acid. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need to increase knowledge and change attitudes and beliefs about folic acid supplementation among women and their significant others, as well as the importance of cultural, language, and economic barriers when treating Former Soviet Union immigrant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we explored whether the research model based on the Theory of Reasoned Action predicts Israeli Arab Muslim women's willingness to be screened for intimate partner violence at healthcare facilities. Three hundred women completed a questionnaire. Most women (68.4%) expressed willingness to be screened, however, only 16% of them had been screened over the past year. Women's beliefs about screening for intimate partner violence and the support of significant others were found to predict this willingness. The study may constitute an initial foundation for determining national policy with the aim of detecting and eradicating the phenomenon among this unique population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To examine variables affecting nurse willingness to report for work in the event of an earthquake in Israel and whether this can be predicted through the Theory of Self-Efficacy. Background The nursing profession has a major role in preparing for earthquakes. Nurse willingness to report to work in the event of an earthquake has never before been examined. Method Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among a convenience sample of 400 nurses and nursing students in Israel during January-April 2012. Results High willingness to report to work in the event of an earthquake was declared by 57% of respondents. High perceived self-efficacy, level of knowledge and experience predict willingness to report to work in the event of an earthquake. Multidisciplinary collaboration and support was also cited as a meaningful factor. Conclusion Perceived self-efficacy, level of knowledge, experience and the support of a multidisciplinary staff affect nurse willingness to report to work in the event of an earthquake. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers can identify factors that increase nurse willingness to report to work in the event of an earthquake and consequently develop strategies for more efficient management of their nursing workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against women has become a frequent occurrence. In Israel, some 200 000 women are subjected to various types of violence by their intimate partners annually. Routine screening for intimate partner violence is endorsed by the Ministry of Health in Israel; however, screening rates in health-care settings remain problematic. This study aimed to examine whether the model based on the Theory of Reasoned Action ( TRA) succeeds in predicting women's intention to comply with screening for intimate partner violence. A questionnaire based on the literature review and research model was administered to a convenience sample of 200 married women. Although only 4.5% ( n = 9) of respondents were screened for violence at various health-care institutions over the past year, 75% ( n = 150) of women declared that they intend to cooperate with screening. A positive correlation was found between women's marriage duration, beliefs concerning violence, attitudes towards screening, family member support for compliance with screening-and women's intention to comply with screening. The TRA succeeds in partially predicting women's intention to comply with screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the significance of patients' adherence to prescription drug treatments, it is estimated that > 30% of the drugs that are prescribed to older persons are not self-administered in accordance with the instructions. This research examines which factors affect the adherence to prescription drugs of older Israelis and tests whether the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can explain their adherence. In this cross-sectional survey design, a reliable and valid structured questionnaire, based on the TPB, was administered to a convenience sample of 207 independent older persons who were taking prescription drugs. One-fifth of the sample reported that they did not adhere to their medication regime. The older persons' self-reported adherence to treatment was related to the quantity of drugs that they were required to take and to whether or not they received the support of a primary caregiver. The more confidence that the older persons had in their physician's level of professionalism, the greater their self-reported adherence to the prescription drugs. Behavioral beliefs, behavioral attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms were related to the older persons' intention to self-administer medication. We conclude that nurses have an important responsibility in assessing the medication-taking behaviors of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses deliver most of Israel's healthcare services, yet its nurse per population ratio is only 5.9 per 1000, one of the lowest in the developed world. For several years, the managers of the profession have been pushing to upgrade nursing and to move it into the academic sphere. The semiskilled qualification of the practical nurse has been eliminated and training programs for registered nurses are being transformed from diploma training to academic degree programs. A midwifery license is accessible only to registered nurses who take a further 1 year of advanced training and sit the State Midwifery Licensing Examination. Most deliveries in Israel are carried out by midwives. Alongside the Western-standard hospital system there operates both a well-developed community nursing network and a strong mother-and-child clinic system. The acute shortage of nurses in Israel is now coinciding with a rising number of academic job-seekers, which has encouraged the Ministry of Health to offer university graduates a career-change program. Special scholarships are on offer in return for a 4 year commitment to work in nursing after completing an accelerated training curriculum (2.5 years instead of the usual 3 years), plus a starting monthly wage that is higher than the national average wage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to explore ophthalmologists' attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to report child abuse. One-hundred-and-seven ophthalmologists employed in various hospitals in Israel completed an online questionnaire. Less than half the ophthalmologists (44.9%) reported that they had treated children whom they identified or suspected as being victims of child abuse, while only 43.9% of these reported child abuse. Despite generally positive attitudes towards reporting of child abuse among the ophthalmologists, their average level of knowledge was low. Ophthalmologists who had received training on child abuse and residents displayed a higher level of knowledge. In addition, female ophthalmologists tended to agree more that ophthalmologists are obligated to screen for and report child abuse. Moreover, female ophthalmologists expressed higher willingness to report child abuse. The present study reveals that underreporting of child abuse, and more precisely the discrepancy between identification and reporting, is present among ophthalmologists. It seems that lack of knowledge regarding identification and reporting of child abuse is the main barrier to reporting, especially among medical specialists. These findings underscore the importance of training programs on child abuse, both during formal education in medical school, and post-qualification, for all ophthalmologists, irrespective of seniority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore factors associated with the intention of an ethnic minority of Israeli Arabs to undergo faecal occult blood testing using the Health Belief Model. Methods: This was a quantitative correlational study that utilized a questionnaire constructed based on the Health Belief Model. The questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 200 Israeli Arabs aged 50 and over. Data were collected during January to March 2018. Findings The research findings show that respondents had a high intention to undergo faecal occult blood testing in the future, although only 66.5% of the respondents had ever undergone it in the past. Physicians and nurses were the most significant sources of information regarding the faecal occult blood testing. The Health Belief Model explained 46% of variance in the intention to undergo the faecal occult blood testing among Israeli Arabs, with perceived benefits of testing being the most significant predictor of this intention. Conclusion: The Health Belief Model can serve as a basis for planning intervention programmes to be implemented by health care professionals to raise the intention of ethnic minorities to undergo faecal occult blood testing. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Faecal occult blood testing has been shown to reduce the risk of mortality because of colorectal cancer.Utilization rates of screening tests among ethnic minorities are low.There is dearth in research exploring factors associated with adherence to recommendations to undergo faecal occult blood testing among ethnic minorities, using a health behaviour theory.What this paper adds? Despite the suboptimal rates of performing faecal occult blood testing in the past, a majority of respondents expressed a high intention to perform the test.Perceived benefits of testing was the most significant predictor of the intention to undergo faecal occult blood testing among the ethnic minority of Israeli Arabs.Perceived susceptibility and perceived severity were not significant predictors of this intention.The implications of this paper: Interventions aimed at improving utilization rates of faecal occult blood testing among ethnic minorities may be based on the Health Belief Model.Health care professionals should emphasize the benefits of faecal occult blood testing, particularly during encounters with members of specific ethnic minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses working in a long‐term care facility could be at risk of developing compassion fatigue due to the nature of their work. In this descriptive, cross‐sectional survey, we explored the level of compassion fatigue among nurses working in a long‐term care facility, as well as the associated sociodemographic and occupational factors. In total, 103 nurses employed in various departments of a long‐term care facility in central Israel completed the Hebrew version of the Professional Quality of Life Scale R‐IV. Nurses scored moderate–high on the compassion fatigue (mean = 3.6, standard deviation = .5), burnout (mean = 3.5, standard deviation = .5), and compassion satisfaction (mean = 3.8, standard deviation = .5) scales. Older nurses scored lower on compassion fatigue, while nurses with higher qualifications scored higher on compassion satisfaction. In this study, we implicate that it is necessary to raise awareness about compassion fatigue, both in nursing education and training and in long‐term care organizations. It is necessary to improve understanding of this phenomenon in order to help nurses acquire appropriate coping skills to address this critical issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orthopedics is not a popular field of specialization among female medical students. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine factors related to women's choice of orthopedics as their field of specialty, compared to those who chose other fields. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 149 female medical residents from Israel—33 specializing in orthopedics and 116 in other fields—completed a questionnaire. A comparison was held between the two groups. Results: Orthopedic residents were more likely to have received clinical training in this field during their medical studies and were more likely to have expressed a desire to specialize in orthopedics before and at the completion of their studies. In addition, orthopedic residents ascribed greater importance to job security when choosing a field of specialty and, in contrast, ascribed no importance at all to lifestyle. No difference was found between the two groups in their level of dissatisfaction as a result of their residency. However, orthopedic residents were more inclined to perceive gender discrimination in the field of orthopedics but, despite this, had a greater intention to recommend a residency in orthopedics. A negative association was found between the level of dissatisfaction as a result of the residency and intention to recommend a residency in orthopedics. Conclusions: Differences between the two groups point to potential factors that might have been related to women's choice of orthopedics as their field of specialty. The findings may help form strategies for attracting women to specialize in orthopedics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article talks about a survey of registered nurses, nurse specialists, and physicians on their views of nurse prescribing. Topics include the process of assigning medical roles to nurses and the consequences for the nursing and medical profession. Results of the survey show that the said professionals hold generally neutral to moderately positive views on nurse prescribing and its benefits for the nursing profession, but physicians have mild concerns about quality of care and patient safety.

Background: The purpose of our study was to compare the knee implant SIGMA to the ATTUNE knee implant in a cruciate-retaining (CR) fixed-bearing (FB) total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, with no patellar resurfacing. Methods: We examined 40 patients (19 SIGMA; 21 ATTUNE) who underwent a TKR FB CR surgery, without patellar resurfacing, due to osteoarthritis, between August 2013 and July 2017. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. We performed a cross-sectional analytical study based on preoperative patient data and data collected in follow-up sessions. All patients were asked to fill a quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaire, SF-36 translated to the Hebrew language. All patients were clinically evaluated using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and the Knee Function Score (KFS). Results: Patients from the SIGMA cohort reported fewer postoperative physical function limitations in the SF-36 (p = 0.01) and the KFS (p = 0.04). Patients who underwent surgery using the SIGMA implant reported increased vitality when compared to the ATTUNE (p = 0.02). No significant differences were found between the groups in other measures of quality of life, ranges of motion, valgus, and postoperative knee stability. The average follow-up period was significantly longer for the SIGMA (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: Significant differences were found in postoperative physical function and vitality scores between SIGMA and ATTUNE knee implants. SIGMA cohort presented superior results. Presumably, these findings are due to the differences in follow-up times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors affecting influenza vaccine uptake among nurses might vary between different medical facilities. The purpose of the present study was to explore factors that affect the intention of nurses at a facility to receive the influenza vaccine and whether the health belief model predicts this intention. In this cross-sectional quantitative correlational study, a convenience sample of 150 nurses employed at a large facility in central Israel completed a questionnaire based on the health belief model. Data collection took place between January and February of 2016. Forty-two percent of the respondents reported having been vaccinated against influenza in the current year. The health belief model explained 53% of the variance ( p < .01), with perceived (personal) benefits of the vaccine being the most significant factor. The number of times of receiving the influenza vaccine in the past was strongly correlated with the intention to receive the vaccine ( p < .01). To improve nurses' compliance with influenza vaccination at facilities, we find that it is necessary to emphasize the benefits of vaccination and, particularly, the personal benefits. Annual vaccination behavior should be promoted to make it become a routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical tourism is on the rise; however this healthcare trend raises significant issues related to the safety and appropriateness of care. The purpose of this article is to provide healthcare professionals with a better understanding of the phenomenon of medical tourism. The authors will begin by reviewing the history of medical tourism, noting specific medical tourism destinations, and presenting reasons for this increase in medical tourism. Next they will discuss quality and safety issues associated with medical tourism, provide criteria to assess quality of care in other countries, and address ethical and legal consideration inherent in medical tourism. They will conclude with a consideration of the nursing role in medical tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study examined the factors that affect nurse intention to implement creative group activities among psychiatric patients. Design and Methods The study used a cross-sectional design. One hundred psychiatric nurses completed a questionnaire based on the theory of reasoned action. Findings The findings indicate that the theory predicts nurse intention to implement these activities, and the most significant factors for this intention are their previous implementation and the effect of nursing managers. Practice Implications Nursing managers should support nurses to implement creative group activities among psychiatric patients, and provide appropriate training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the proven efficiency of medication for mental illness, research indicates low patient adherence to medication. Nonetheless, only few studies have directly examined the relationship between nurse beliefs and knowledge, and their use of strategies to improve patient adherence to psychiatric medication. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify nurses' views, beliefs about, and knowledge of psychiatric medication affect their inclination to implement various strategies to improve patient adherence. One hundred nurses working at an Israeli psychiatric hospital participated in the study. Self-completed questionnaires were distributed. The research findings showed that nurses' levels of knowledge of psychiatric medication were moderate, but their beliefs of taking psychiatric medication were positive. The findings also showed that the higher the nurses' age and seniority, as well as their positive beliefs about taking medication, the higher their probability of implementing strategies to improve patient adherence to medication. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between positive beliefs about the nursing staff on taking medication and the staff's utilization of strategies to improve patient adherence to medication. The current study shows that nurses' traits and beliefs affect their use of strategies promoting mental health patient adherence to medication and the enhancement of these strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Comparison between the predictions of functional rehabilitation outcomes at a department of geriatric rehabilitation using three cognitive screening tools - Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Methods This study is a prospective study. The study participants were 212 patients aged 65 and older admitted to rehabilitation departments at a geriatric facility in central Israel, from April 2016 to October 2016. The cognitive functioning of each patient was assessed using the MMSE, MoCA, and IQCODE. Upon discharge, rehabilitation outcomes were examined using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), cognitive FIM, delta FIM (Δ FIM), and ADL. Results Cognitive impairment was found to interfere with the rehabilitation process. The MMSE was the best predictor of functional rehabilitation outcomes at discharge, compared to the IQCODE, while the MoCA did not predict these measures. In addition, when distinguishing between patients by ethnicity (Jewish versus Arab), the MMSE and the IQCODE predicted FIM upon discharge among Jewish patients, while only the IQCODE predicted FIM upon discharge among Arab patients. Conclusions The research findings show that cognitive assessment upon admission for rehabilitation - MMSE among Jewish patients and IQCODE among Arab patients - can help predict functional rehabilitation outcomes and make the appropriate adaptations in the rehabilitation program. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2507-2513. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]