Purpose: Preterm birth is increasing, and obstetric nurses should have the competency to provide timely care. Therefore, training is necessary in the maternal nursing practicum. This study aimed to investigate the effects of practice education using a preterm-labor assessment algorithm on preterm labor-related knowledge and clinical practice confidence in senior nursing students.
Methods: A pre-post quasi-experimental design with three groups was used for 61 students. The preterm-labor assessment algorithm was modified into three modules from the preterm-labor assessment algorithm by March of Dimes. We evaluated preterm labor-related knowledge, clinical practice confidence, and educational satisfaction. Data were analyzed with the paired t-test and repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Results: The practice education using a preterm-labor assessment algorithm significantly improved both preterm labor-related knowledge and clinical practice confidence (paired t=-7.17, p<.001; paired t=-5.51, p<.001, respectively). The effects of the practice education using a preterm-labor assessment algorithm on knowledge lasted until 8 weeks but decreased significantly at 11 and 13 weeks after the program, while the clinical practice confidence significantly decreased at 8 weeks post-program.
Conclusion: The practice education using a preterm-labor assessment algorithm was effective in improving preterm labor-related knowledge and clinical practice confidence. The findings suggest that follow-up education should be conducted at 8 weeks, or as soon as possible thereafter, to maintain knowledge and clinical confidence, and the effects should be evaluated.
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of anxiety, depression, social support, and physical health status on the health-related quality of life of Korean pregnant women using Spilker's quality of life model.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a correlational design. The participants included 166 pregnant women who were recruited via convenience sampling at two healthcare centers in South Korea. Questionnaires were collected from April 22 to May 29, 2023, in two cities in South Korea. The EuroQol-5D-3L, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, Perceived Social Support through Others Scale-8, and EuroQol visual analog scale were used to assess the study variables. The t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression tests were conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0.
Results: Statistically significant correlations were identified between the health-related quality of life of pregnant women and anxiety (r=.29, p<.001), depression (r=.31, p<.001), social support (r=-.34, p<.001), and physical health status (r=-.44, p<. 001). Physical health status (β=-.31, p<.001) and social support (β=-.21, p=.003) had the greatest effect on health-related quality of life (F=15.50, p<.001), with an explanatory power of 26.0%.
Conclusion: The health-related quality of life of pregnant women was affected by social support and physical health status. This study demonstrated that physical health and social support promotion can improve the health-related quality of life of pregnant women. Healthcare providers should consider integrating physical health into social support interventions for pregnant women in the post-pandemic era.
Purpose: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of mobile applications (apps) related to pregnancy in South Korea and evaluate their quality.
Methods: We conducted a systematic search for pregnancy-related apps available in Korea in two app stores as of April 29, 2022. The quality of apps was assessed using the Korean translation of the Mobile Application Rating Scale for objective quality with four subdomains (engagement, function, aesthetics, and information) and four items for subjective quality.
Results: In total, 163 apps were selected and reviewed. Both the objective and subjective quality of the apps were found to be desirable, with scores exceeding 3 out of 5 (range, 34-82). All subdomain scores in the objective quality assessment were also desirable. Among the four objective quality subdomains, aesthetics received the highest scores, followed by information, function, and engagement. In terms of subjective quality, the scores for a comprehensive overall evaluation, continuous use, and recommendation exceeded 3 out of 5, with the exception of payment. Only a small number of apps (n=4, 2.9%) were backed by a reliable authority, such as an expert review. Significant differences were observed in the objective quality of apps across different content categories (F=3.86, p=.003).
Conclusion: Most pregnancy-related apps had desirable levels of objective and subjective quality. However, app content experts seldom provide reviews. It is crucial for nurses to recommend apps to expectant mothers that offer dependable content, regularly updated with the latest information.
Purpose: Since technology-based interventions can facilitate convenient access to healthcare for women with breast cancer, it is crucial to understand innovative approaches to maintaining the effectiveness of these interventions. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of technology-based self-management interventions for women with breast cancer in six countries. We analyzed the characteristics of these interventions and examined their diverse health outcomes.
Methods: Six databases were systematically searched to extract research articles using the keywords "breast cancer," "technology," and "self-management." The search was carried out up until June 12, 2023. From the 1,288 studies retrieved from the database search, 10 eligible papers were identified based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two authors independently extracted and compared the data from these articles, resolving any discrepancies through discussion.
Results: Most of the 10 studies utilized web- or mobile-based technology, and one used artificial intelligence-based technology. Among the 12 health-related outcome variables, quality of life and symptom distress were the most frequently mentioned, appearing in six articles. Furthermore, an analysis of the intervention programs revealed a variety of common constructs and the involvement of managers in the self-management intervention.
Conclusion: Incorporating key components such as self-management planning, diary keeping, and communication support in technology-based interventions could significantly improve the self-management process for breast cancer survivors. The practical application of technology has the potential to empower women diagnosed with breast cancer and improve their overall quality of life, by providing timely and sustainable interventions, and by leveraging available resources and tools.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the continuous usage intention of head-mounted display-based virtual reality (HMD-based VR) content among college students. The study also sought to understand how this intention is influenced by factors related to personal cognition, social aspects, VR content, and HMD-related elements.
Methods: This descriptive correlational study used a self-report questionnaire to survey 217 students from two universities in Korea who had prior experience with HMD-based VR content.
Results: The mean score for continuous usage intention of HMD-based VR content was 2.59±0.57 points (range, 1-5 points). Regarding the average frequency of HMD-based VR content usage, 64.5% of participants reported using it 1 to 2 times, while 91.7% indicated a total HMD-based VR usage period of less than 6 months. Factors such as personal cognition, VR content, social aspects, and HMD-related elements had explanatory power of 35.1%, 10.7%, 4.4%, and 2.5%, respectively, for the continuous usage intention of HMD-based VR content. Additionally, engagement (β=.45, p<.001), influential others (β=.37, p<.001), environmental support (β=-.18, p=.030), and cyber sickness (β=-.21, p=.001) were identified as having a significant influence.
Conclusion: When developing HMD-based VR content, strategies to improve users' personal cognition should be included. Additionally, it is necessary to develop strategies that enhance enjoyment and interest in the content, while also facilitating ongoing social support. Furthermore, coping strategies should be devised that take into account cyber sickness, a potential side effect of these devices.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has tremendous potential to change the way we train future health professionals. Although AI can provide improved realism, engagement, and personalization in nursing simulations, it is also important to address any issues associated with the technology, teaching methods, and ethical considerations of AI. In nursing simulation education, AI does not replace the valuable role of nurse educators but can enhance the educational effectiveness of simulation by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, faculty development, and learner self-direction. We should continue to explore, innovate, and adapt our teaching methods to provide nursing students with the best possible education.