Pub Date : 2025-07-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.07.001
Prabha Shrestha MNS,MA , Robin Man Karmacharya MBBS, MS (CTVS) , Brajesh Shrestha MSc. (Ecology)
<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic arterial occlusive disease. It increases mortality risk by three to fivefolds and reduces health-related quality of life (HQoL). However, research on this topic in low-income settings is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the HQoL of patients with PAD and the factors influencing it in adults residing in Nepal.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study included patients being reviewed at the Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Outpatient Department (CTVS OPD) or admitted to the surgical ward of Dhulikhel Hospital with the diagnosis of PAD. Patients were admitted for peripheral angiogram with or without angioplasty. Participants were selected with convenience sampling. We interviewed participants using socio demographic and SF 36 questionnaires to collect required information with their informed consent. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analysis was conducted to identify the predicting factors of health-related quality of life among the participants with PAD.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 96 participants with the diagnosis of PAD were interviewed for the study. The mean age of the participants was 56.19 (11.54) years. After adjusting for socio-demographic variables, presence of comorbidity, and smoking history, the study found significant associations between health conditions and various domains of health-related quality of life. Individuals with comorbidities had significantly lower physical function scores compared to those without comorbidities (mean difference = -9.9; p = 0.01; 95 % CI: -18.2 to -1.7). Participants with lower limb involvement had an 18.8-unit lower physical function score than those with an upper limb affected (p < 0.01; 95 % CI: -27.6 to -10.02). Role limitation due to physical health was 13.4 units higher among females compared to males (p = 0.009; 95 % CI: 3.4 to 23.5), and 21.7 units higher among those with secondary education or above compared to illiterate participants (p = 0.01; 95 % CI: 8.6 to 34.8). General health scores were significantly lower among those with comorbidities (mean difference = -5.3; p = 0.03; 95 % CI: -10.4 to -0.35). Compared to individuals with a single upper limb affected, those with upper limb involvement exhibited a 7.9-unit reduction in energy/fatigue scores (p = 0.01; 95 % CI: -14.2 to -1.6). Female participants experienced greater emotional role limitations than males, with a 10.4-unit decrease in score (p = 0.02; 95 % CI: -19.8 to -1.1). Additionally, individuals with comorbidities had significantly lower emotional wellbeing scores compared to those without, with an 8.3-unit reduction (p = 0.02; 95 % CI: -15.4 to -1.2).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, the study highlights the substantial impact of comorbidities, gender, educational level, and the location of limb involvem
{"title":"Determinants of poor health-related quality of life in people with peripheral arterial disease in Nepal","authors":"Prabha Shrestha MNS,MA , Robin Man Karmacharya MBBS, MS (CTVS) , Brajesh Shrestha MSc. (Ecology)","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic arterial occlusive disease. It increases mortality risk by three to fivefolds and reduces health-related quality of life (HQoL). However, research on this topic in low-income settings is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the HQoL of patients with PAD and the factors influencing it in adults residing in Nepal.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study included patients being reviewed at the Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Outpatient Department (CTVS OPD) or admitted to the surgical ward of Dhulikhel Hospital with the diagnosis of PAD. Patients were admitted for peripheral angiogram with or without angioplasty. Participants were selected with convenience sampling. We interviewed participants using socio demographic and SF 36 questionnaires to collect required information with their informed consent. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analysis was conducted to identify the predicting factors of health-related quality of life among the participants with PAD.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 96 participants with the diagnosis of PAD were interviewed for the study. The mean age of the participants was 56.19 (11.54) years. After adjusting for socio-demographic variables, presence of comorbidity, and smoking history, the study found significant associations between health conditions and various domains of health-related quality of life. Individuals with comorbidities had significantly lower physical function scores compared to those without comorbidities (mean difference = -9.9; p = 0.01; 95 % CI: -18.2 to -1.7). Participants with lower limb involvement had an 18.8-unit lower physical function score than those with an upper limb affected (p < 0.01; 95 % CI: -27.6 to -10.02). Role limitation due to physical health was 13.4 units higher among females compared to males (p = 0.009; 95 % CI: 3.4 to 23.5), and 21.7 units higher among those with secondary education or above compared to illiterate participants (p = 0.01; 95 % CI: 8.6 to 34.8). General health scores were significantly lower among those with comorbidities (mean difference = -5.3; p = 0.03; 95 % CI: -10.4 to -0.35). Compared to individuals with a single upper limb affected, those with upper limb involvement exhibited a 7.9-unit reduction in energy/fatigue scores (p = 0.01; 95 % CI: -14.2 to -1.6). Female participants experienced greater emotional role limitations than males, with a 10.4-unit decrease in score (p = 0.02; 95 % CI: -19.8 to -1.1). Additionally, individuals with comorbidities had significantly lower emotional wellbeing scores compared to those without, with an 8.3-unit reduction (p = 0.02; 95 % CI: -15.4 to -1.2).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, the study highlights the substantial impact of comorbidities, gender, educational level, and the location of limb involvem","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 3","pages":"Pages 136-141"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144864769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.004
Gamze Aydin , Nesih Kanan
Purpose
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation of respiratory function and functional exercise capacity with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in patients with PAD.
Method
The study adopted a cross-sectional design. The respiratory function was measured using a spirometer through respiratory function tests. The following values measured: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, 25 % Flow of Forced Vital Capacity (FEF25), 75 % Flow of Forced Vital Capacity (FEF75), and the average flow between 25 % and 75 % of Forced Vital Capacity (FEF25–75). Functional exercise capacity was assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and ABI was measured.
Results
The study included 95 patients with PAD (mean age: 52.0 ± 8.3 years). The mean ABI value was 0.86 ± 0.17. The participants walked an average of 374.59 ± 82.16 m in the 6MWT. There were positive correlation between ABI and FEV1, FVC, PEF, 6 MWT (rs:0.56, p < 0.001; rs:0.39, p < 0.001; rs:0.34, p:0.001; rs:0.64, p < 0.001, respectively). The other respiratory function outcomes also demonstrated significant positive relations with ABI (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that increases in ABI values were associated with improvements in respiratory function and functional exercise capacity in patients with PAD. Evaluation of respiratory parameters in patients with PAD and the implementation of rehabilitation approaches aimed at improving respiratory function may positively contribute to the management of the disease.
目的外周动脉病变（PAD）是动脉粥样硬化的常见临床表现。本研究旨在探讨PAD患者呼吸功能和功能性运动能力与踝肱指数（踝肱指数，ABI）的关系。方法采用横断面设计。通过呼吸功能测试，使用肺活量计测量呼吸功能。测量以下值：1秒内用力呼气量（FEV1）、用力肺活量（FVC）、FEV1/FVC比值、25%用力肺活量流量（FEF25）、75%用力肺活量流量（FEF75）、25% ~ 75%用力肺活量平均流量（FEF25 - 75）。采用6分钟步行测试（6MWT）评估功能性运动能力，并测量ABI。结果纳入PAD患者95例，平均年龄52.0±8.3岁。平均ABI值为0.86±0.17。参与者在6小时内平均步行374.59±82.16米。ABI与FEV1、FVC、PEF、6 MWT呈正相关（rs:0.56, p < 0.001; rs:0.39, p < 0.001; rs:0.34, p < 0.001; rs:0.64, p < 0.001）。其他呼吸功能指标也与ABI呈显著正相关（p < 0.05）。结论本研究表明ABI值的升高与PAD患者呼吸功能和功能性运动能力的改善有关。PAD患者的呼吸参数评估和旨在改善呼吸功能的康复方法的实施可能对疾病的管理有积极的贡献。踝肱指数，功能容量，外周动脉疾病，呼吸功能测试。
{"title":"The relationship between respiratory function, functional exercise capacity, and the ankle-brachial index in patients with peripheral arterial disease","authors":"Gamze Aydin , Nesih Kanan","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation of respiratory function and functional exercise capacity with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in patients with PAD.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The study adopted a cross-sectional design. The respiratory function was measured using a spirometer through respiratory function tests. The following values measured: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV<sub>1</sub>), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV<sub>1</sub>/FVC ratio, 25 % Flow of Forced Vital Capacity (FEF<sub>25</sub>), 75 % Flow of Forced Vital Capacity (FEF<sub>75</sub>), and the average flow between 25 % and 75 % of Forced Vital Capacity (FEF<sub>25–75</sub>). Functional exercise capacity was assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and ABI was measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study included 95 patients with PAD (mean age: 52.0 ± 8.3 years). The mean ABI value was 0.86 ± 0.17. The participants walked an average of 374.59 ± 82.16 m in the 6MWT. There were positive correlation between ABI and FEV<sub>1</sub>, FVC, PEF, 6 MWT (r<sub>s</sub>:0.56, <em>p</em> < 0.001; r<sub>s</sub>:0.39, <em>p</em> < 0.001; r<sub>s</sub>:0.34, p:0.001; r<sub>s</sub>:0.64, <em>p</em> < 0.001, respectively). The other respiratory function outcomes also demonstrated significant positive relations with ABI (<em>p</em> < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that increases in ABI values were associated with improvements in respiratory function and functional exercise capacity in patients with PAD. Evaluation of respiratory parameters in patients with PAD and the implementation of rehabilitation approaches aimed at improving respiratory function may positively contribute to the management of the disease.</div></div><div><h3>Anahtar Kelimeler</h3><div>Ankle brachial index, functional capacity, peripheral arterial disease, respiratory function test.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 3","pages":"Pages 131-135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-30DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.05.001
T. Swanson , J. Rice , A. Foster , S. Monaro , M. Freeman , S. Basjarahil , D. Smith , K. Coleman , C. Champion
This report details a face-to-face educational event hosted by the Urgo Foundation, which brought clinicians together to learn from wound care experts in addressing the challenges faced when discussing, recommending, and applying therapeutic graduated compression. Education and networking opportunities sought to increase both confidence and capability.
{"title":"Upskilling clinicians in compression therapy for leg ulcers – “Planet Compression Day” initiative","authors":"T. Swanson , J. Rice , A. Foster , S. Monaro , M. Freeman , S. Basjarahil , D. Smith , K. Coleman , C. Champion","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This report details a face-to-face educational event hosted by the Urgo Foundation, which brought clinicians together to learn from wound care experts in addressing the challenges faced when discussing, recommending, and applying therapeutic graduated compression. Education and networking opportunities sought to increase both confidence and capability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 3","pages":"Pages 101-105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144864994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.003
Terrell Christian , Maraya Camazine MD , Chase Schlesselman MPH , Todd R. Vogel MD, MPH
Objective
Hospital discharge is complex and requires care coordination of multiple disciplines. We evaluated perspectives and priorities of individual stakeholders involved in the vascular discharge process. This study aimed to identify barriers to an informed and cohesive discharge process based on individual stakeholders (physicians, advanced practitioners nurses, ancillary staff, patients, and families) perceptions.
Methods
Single center, qualitative analysis using a semi-structured focus group interview guide based on the validated hospital-based Reengineered Discharge (RED) process. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed into text files, independently coded, and analyzed with Dedoose qualitative software using a directed content analysis approach. Thematic concepts were created and comparisons between groups was performed.
Results
Eight focus groups with 38 participants were convened. Participants included physics / advanced practice providers (n=12), nursing / ancillary staff (n=19), and patients / caregivers (N=6) Key themes affecting. Discharge for vascular surgery patients varied by group. Physicians cited low health literacy, poor understanding of discharge instructions, social determinants of health, and medical complexity as major barriers. Staff identified time constraints, medication access, and inter team communication as primary challenges. Patients highlighted complex discharge instructions, COVID-19’s impact on support systems, and technology barriers.
Conclusions
Healthcare providers and patients identified very different priorities regarding an optimized discharge. Physicians were most concerned with low patient understanding of impeding discharge. Nursing staff identified obtaining medications, inter-team communication, and time constraints as their greatest obstacles. Patients found the impact of COVID-19, lack of support systems, and accessing technology as the most difficult. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions to improve the discharge process which account for individual stakeholders’ priorities to develop a national standardized “patient-centered” discharge process for patients with vascular disease.
{"title":"Insights identifying priorities from providers and patients to optimize a vascular surgery hospital discharge: A qualitative study","authors":"Terrell Christian , Maraya Camazine MD , Chase Schlesselman MPH , Todd R. Vogel MD, MPH","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Hospital discharge is complex and requires care coordination of multiple disciplines. We evaluated perspectives and priorities of individual stakeholders involved in the vascular discharge process. This study aimed to identify barriers to an informed and cohesive discharge process based on individual stakeholders (physicians, advanced practitioners nurses, ancillary staff, patients, and families) perceptions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Single center, qualitative analysis using a semi-structured focus group interview guide based on the validated hospital-based Reengineered Discharge (RED) process. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed into text files, independently coded, and analyzed with Dedoose qualitative software using a directed content analysis approach. Thematic concepts were created and comparisons between groups was performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eight focus groups with 38 participants were convened. Participants included physics / advanced practice providers (n=12), nursing / ancillary staff (n=19), and patients / caregivers (N=6) Key themes affecting. Discharge for vascular surgery patients varied by group. Physicians cited low health literacy, poor understanding of discharge instructions, social determinants of health, and medical complexity as major barriers. Staff identified time constraints, medication access, and inter team communication as primary challenges. Patients highlighted complex discharge instructions, COVID-19’s impact on support systems, and technology barriers.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Healthcare providers and patients identified very different priorities regarding an optimized discharge. Physicians were most concerned with low patient understanding of impeding discharge. Nursing staff identified obtaining medications, inter-team communication, and time constraints as their greatest obstacles. Patients found the impact of COVID-19, lack of support systems, and accessing technology as the most difficult. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions to improve the discharge process which account for individual stakeholders’ priorities to develop a national standardized “patient-centered” discharge process for patients with vascular disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 3","pages":"Pages 142-147"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144864770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-26DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.002
Seher Asilbay Msc, RN , Hakime Aslan PhD, RN
Background
Pressure injury is a risk for all hospitalised patients, but it is an even more important issue for those undergoing surgery and close monitoring of patients is essential.
Aim
This study was conducted to evaluate the risk of pressure injuries in surgical patients and nurses' attitudes towards the prevention of pressure injuries development.
Methods
The cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2021 and February 2023 at Elazığ Fırat University Hospital in eastern Türkiye. The samples consisted of patients who underwent surgery in the same hospital within a one-year period and nurses working in the surgical clinics of this hospital, and the sample consisted of 147 patients and 190 nurses determined by power analysis. “Patient-nurse information forms, ‘3S Intraoperative Risk Assessment Scale of Pressure Ulcer (3S-RAS)’ and ‘Attitude Towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument (APuP)’ were used to collect the data.
Results
The patients scored of 15.73±3.55 on the 3S-RAS and had a low risk of developing pressure injuries. Age, BMI, current disease, additional chronic disease, duration of surgery and pressure injuries development status were found to be effective on the risk of pressure injuries development. It was determined that the nurses received a total score of 42.98±9.21 points from the APuP and their attitudes towards the prevention of pressure injuries were positive. In addition, a positive-weakly significant relationship between the risk of pressure injuries development in surgical patients (3S-RAS) and nurses' attitudes towards preventing pressure injuries (APuP) development.
Conclusion
The patients had a low risk of developing pressure injuries and the nurses working in surgical clinics had positive attitudes towards preventing pressure injuries.
{"title":"The risk of pressure injuries in surgical patients and nurses' attitudes towards preventing pressure injuries","authors":"Seher Asilbay Msc, RN , Hakime Aslan PhD, RN","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pressure injury is a risk for all hospitalised patients, but it is an even more important issue for those undergoing surgery and close monitoring of patients is essential.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study was conducted to evaluate the risk of pressure injuries in surgical patients and nurses' attitudes towards the prevention of pressure injuries development.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2021 and February 2023 at Elazığ Fırat University Hospital in eastern Türkiye. The samples consisted of patients who underwent surgery in the same hospital within a one-year period and nurses working in the surgical clinics of this hospital, and the sample consisted of 147 patients and 190 nurses determined by power analysis. “Patient-nurse information forms, ‘3S Intraoperative Risk Assessment Scale of Pressure Ulcer (3S-RAS)’ and ‘Attitude Towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument (APuP)’ were used to collect the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The patients <strong>scored</strong> of 15.73±3.55 on the 3S-RAS and had a low risk of developing pressure injuries. Age, BMI, current disease, additional chronic disease, duration of surgery and pressure injuries development status were found to be effective on the risk of pressure injuries development. It was determined that the nurses received a total score of 42.98±9.21 points from the APuP and their attitudes towards the prevention of pressure injuries were positive. In addition, a positive-weakly significant relationship between the risk of pressure injuries development in surgical patients (3S-RAS) and nurses' attitudes towards preventing pressure injuries (APuP) development.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The patients had a low risk of developing pressure injuries and the nurses working in surgical clinics had positive attitudes towards preventing pressure injuries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 3","pages":"Pages 121-130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-24DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.001
Tim M.N. van Helden MSc, Sarah L. Versnel Dr. MD, Marc A.M. Mureau Prof. Dr. MD, Johan W. van Neck Dr.
Objective
Pressure injuries (PIs) are a burden because they cause pain, prolong hospital stays, and increase mortality. Especially for individuals who are bedridden, the support surface is one of the main factors influencing the PI risk. Therefore, we quantitatively assessed the interface pressures of four hospital mattresses aiming to reduce the risk of PI of our patients by an optimized mattress selection.
Methods
We assessed the pressure distribution and median peak pressure on the sacrum and trochanter in supine, semi-fowler and lateral position with a pressure-measuring mat on four different mattresses using eight healthy subjects.
Results
The observed pressure distribution varied significantly between mattresses. Despite a subject and body position dependent peak pressure, the relative performance of the mattresses was consistent across subjects. In the Semi-fowler position, median peak pressure was lowest on the Powered_FIS mattress (25.7 mmHg), followed by Non-powered_foam (35.6 mmHg), Powered_air (43.5 mmHg) in continuous mode, and highest on the Non-powered_hybrid mattress (55.5 mmHg).
Conclusion
Pressure measurements can be used as an objective tool that can assist the process of selecting a mattress. Extra attention should be focused on assessing hybrid mattresses as the pressure distribution can be considerably worse in the reactive state when compared to a dedicated reactive mattress.
{"title":"Assessment of the pressure distribution of powered and non-powered hospital mattresses to reduce pressure injury risk","authors":"Tim M.N. van Helden MSc, Sarah L. Versnel Dr. MD, Marc A.M. Mureau Prof. Dr. MD, Johan W. van Neck Dr.","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Pressure injuries (PIs) are a burden because they cause pain, prolong hospital stays, and increase mortality. Especially for individuals who are bedridden, the support surface is one of the main factors influencing the PI risk. Therefore, we quantitatively assessed the interface pressures of four hospital mattresses aiming to reduce the risk of PI of our patients by an optimized mattress selection.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We assessed the pressure distribution and median peak pressure on the sacrum and trochanter in supine, semi-fowler and lateral position with a pressure-measuring mat on four different mattresses using eight healthy subjects.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The observed pressure distribution varied significantly between mattresses. Despite a subject and body position dependent peak pressure, the relative performance of the mattresses was consistent across subjects. In the Semi-fowler position, median peak pressure was lowest on the Powered_FIS mattress (25.7 mmHg), followed by Non-powered_foam (35.6 mmHg), Powered_air (43.5 mmHg) in continuous mode, and highest on the Non-powered_hybrid mattress (55.5 mmHg).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Pressure measurements can be used as an objective tool that can assist the process of selecting a mattress. Extra attention should be focused on assessing hybrid mattresses as the pressure distribution can be considerably worse in the reactive state when compared to a dedicated reactive mattress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 3","pages":"Pages 114-120"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Strokes are a significant contributor to disability and mortality globally, affecting millions of people annually. The transitional phase from hospital to home presents various challenges for stroke survivors, affecting their physical, psychological, and social well-being.
Objective
To evaluate the lived experiences of stroke survivors during their return home, understanding their needs, challenges, and the resources required for a smooth transition.
Methods
A qualitative phenomenological approach was used, combining descriptive and interpretative methodologies. Nineteen stroke survivors were recruited in Tuscany, Italy, from July 1 to August 31, 2023 and interviewed within 30 days of hospital discharge. Interviews were conducted, focusing on experiences during discharge, difficulties encountered upon returning home, support needed, and preparation for returning home. Data analysis involved rigorous transcription, independent immersion in the data by researchers, and thematic extraction.
Results
Four main themes emerged from the analysis: 1) The Homeward Odyssey; 2) A New Dawn: perspectives on Rehabilitation Continuity; 3) Isolated at Home: the solitary journey of stroke survivors; 4) The Shades of Life.
Conclusions
The study offers valuable information on the experiences of stroke survivors during the transition from hospital to home, who face multiple challenges, including physical impairment, psychological distress, and social isolation. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive transitional care and support services to address the complex needs of stroke survivors, including specialized care, rehabilitation continuity, and psychosocial support. Nurses play a crucial role in assessing and addressing the needs of stroke survivors, highlighting the importance of practical support skills and access to expert staff. More research and interventions are needed to improve the quality of care and support for stroke survivors during the transition period.
{"title":"Insights into the home transition: A qualitative study on stroke survivors' experiential journey","authors":"Cristiana Rago RN, MSN, PhD student , Michele Virgolesi RN, PhD , Felice Curcio RN, PhD , Ercole Vellone PhD, FESC, FAAN , Rosaria Alvaro FESC, FAAN , Mayra Veronese RN, MSN, PhD student , Gianluca Pucciarelli PhD, FAHA","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Strokes are a significant contributor to disability and mortality globally, affecting millions of people annually. The transitional phase from hospital to home presents various challenges for stroke survivors, affecting their physical, psychological, and social well-being.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the lived experiences of stroke survivors during their return home, understanding their needs, challenges, and the resources required for a smooth transition.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative phenomenological approach was used, combining descriptive and interpretative methodologies. Nineteen stroke survivors were recruited in Tuscany, Italy, from July 1 to August 31, 2023 and interviewed within 30 days of hospital discharge. Interviews were conducted, focusing on experiences during discharge, difficulties encountered upon returning home, support needed, and preparation for returning home. Data analysis involved rigorous transcription, independent immersion in the data by researchers, and thematic extraction.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four main themes emerged from the analysis: 1) The Homeward Odyssey; 2) A New Dawn: perspectives on Rehabilitation Continuity; 3) Isolated at Home: the solitary journey of stroke survivors; 4) The Shades of Life.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study offers valuable information on the experiences of stroke survivors during the transition from hospital to home, who face multiple challenges, including physical impairment, psychological distress, and social isolation. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive transitional care and support services to address the complex needs of stroke survivors, including specialized care, rehabilitation continuity, and psychosocial support. Nurses play a crucial role in assessing and addressing the needs of stroke survivors, highlighting the importance of practical support skills and access to expert staff. More research and interventions are needed to improve the quality of care and support for stroke survivors during the transition period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 3","pages":"Pages 106-113"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.04.001
Mary O. Whipple PhD, RN
{"title":"Review of Article: Wu JY, Tu WL, Yu T, Liao KM, Lin YM. Tirzepatide and major adverse limb events: Insights from a multicenter real-world analysis in PAD and diabetes patients. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2025;222:112,083","authors":"Mary O. Whipple PhD, RN","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 2","pages":"Pages 99-100"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144229652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/S1062-0303(25)00040-8
{"title":"Information for readers","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1062-0303(25)00040-8","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1062-0303(25)00040-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 2","pages":"Page A3"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144230272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Deep vein thrombosis may lead to a high mortality rate in critically ill, elderly, or bedridden patients, but it could be prevented by using non-invasive methods. This study aimed to determine the effects of an electronic foot massage (EFM) device and an Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) device on femoral venous blood flow velocity and user satisfaction with each device.
Methods
A cross-over quasi-experimental design was conducted with thirty-two healthy adults who were randomly assigned to 30 min of using the EFM device and 30 min of using the IPC device. Each participant served as both the experimental (EFM) and control (IPC) group. Femoral venous blood flow velocity was measured by ultrasound at pretest, immediately after 30 min of applying each device, and again at 120 min following the end of each application. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests.
Results
Femoral blood flow velocity in participants using the EFM device was significantly higher than in those using the IPC device (p = 0.008) immediately after 30 min of application. However, participants’ satisfaction scores were lower with the EFM device compared to the IPC device (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The EFM device could potentially be applied as an innovative approach in clinical practice by integrating it with nursing therapeutics. Future studies are recommended to further examine the use of acupressure for promoting femoral venous blood flow velocity and to enhance the design for supporting the foot sole to improve user satisfaction.
{"title":"Effects of an electronic foot massage device on venous blood flow velocity in healthy adults","authors":"Praneed Songwathana , Osaree Akaraborworn , Wipa Sae-Sia , Chidchanok Choksuchart","doi":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvn.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Deep vein thrombosis may lead to a high mortality rate in critically ill, elderly, or bedridden patients, but it could be prevented by using non-invasive methods. This study aimed to determine the effects of an electronic foot massage (EFM) device and an Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) device on femoral venous blood flow velocity and user satisfaction with each device.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-over quasi-experimental design was conducted with thirty-two healthy adults who were randomly assigned to 30 min of using the EFM device and 30 min of using the IPC device. Each participant served as both the experimental (EFM) and control (IPC) group. Femoral venous blood flow velocity was measured by ultrasound at pretest, immediately after 30 min of applying each device, and again at 120 min following the end of each application. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and paired <em>t</em>-tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Femoral blood flow velocity in participants using the EFM device was significantly higher than in those using the IPC device (<em>p</em> = 0.008) immediately after 30 min of application. However, participants’ satisfaction scores were lower with the EFM device compared to the IPC device (<em>p</em> < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The EFM device could potentially be applied as an innovative approach in clinical practice by integrating it with nursing therapeutics. Future studies are recommended to further examine the use of acupressure for promoting femoral venous blood flow velocity and to enhance the design for supporting the foot sole to improve user satisfaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vascular Nursing","volume":"43 2","pages":"Pages 80-85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144230275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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