Biomedical subjects

Y K Scherer

Publications and source records attributed to Y K Scherer.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on self-efficacy, perception of dyspnea, and physical endurance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of attendance at an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (OPR) program on changes in self-efficacy, perception of dyspnea, and exercise endurance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Single-group, pretest and posttest design. SETTING: A moderate sized, urban private hospital in western New York. PATIENTS: Sixty patients with a diagnosis of COPD. Their ages ranged from 35 to 82 years (mean +/- SD = 65 +/- 0.75 years). OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores on the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) and the Dyspnea Scale and distance walked (feet) on the 12-minute walking-distance test (12 MD). INTERVENTION: The OPR consisted of an educational component and exercise training. Methods to increase self-efficacy were integrated into the rehabilitation program. Preprogram and postprogram measurements were obtained on the CSES, the Dyspnea Scale, and the 12 MD. RESULTS: Paired t tests were used to examine the differences in mean scores between preprogram and postprogram results on the CSES, the Dyspnea Scale, and the 12 MD. There was a significant difference between preprogram and postprogram scores on the CSES (p < 0.01), the Dyspnea Scale (p = 0.01), and the 12 MD (p = 0.04). Pearson product moment correlations showed a significant negative correlation between scores on the CSES and scores on the Dyspnea Scale (r = -0.5566, p = 0.01) and a positive correlation between scores on the CSES and the 12 MD (r = 0.4293, p = 0.05). These results indicated that higher self-efficacy scores on the CSES were correlated with lowered perception of dyspnea and greater distances walked in 12 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: An OPR can improve self-efficacy or confidence in participants' ability to manage or avoid breathing difficulty. Improvement in self-efficacy also may be a factor in decreased perception of dyspnea and increased exercise endurance. Methods to increase self-efficacy expectations with education and exercise training provide an approach to assist persons with COPD to manage their breathing difficulty more effectively. Further studies using a randomized experimental, control design are needed to provide more conclusive direction with regard to effective methods in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy and compliance with medical regimen, number of emergency department visits, and hospitalizations in adults with asthma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy and compliance with prescribed medical regimen, number of emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations in adults with asthma. METHOD: The sample consisted of 29 adults with a diagnosis of asthma. The relationship among knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and compliance with medical regimen was explored through use of a survey design. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire and the Asthma Management Questionnaire that measured compliance were mailed to subjects' homes. Once completed, questionnaires were returned, and demographic data and number of ED visits and hospitalizations were obtained through a retrospective chart review. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes and knowledge and self-efficacy. The more positive persons' attitudes toward their asthma, the higher their knowledge and self-efficacy scores. There were significant correlations between select demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Women scored higher on attitudes, persons with a college education scored higher on knowledge and attitudes, and persons with mild asthma scored highest on the self-efficacy scale. Compliance with use of peak-flow meters correlated with higher scores on the attitude and self-efficacy scales. The higher total compliance score group had significantly higher self-efficacy scores. In addition, higher self-efficacy scores correlated with lower numbers of hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Attitudes and self-efficacy rather than knowledge had the most significant impact on compliance and number of ED visits and hospitalizations. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire provides a means for nurses to assess patients' knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding their asthma. Patients with low scores could be channeled into programs that would help them improve their ability to manage their asthma.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nurses' knowledge about AIDS in Erie County, New York: a research brief.

This study describes knowledge about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among a random sample of 581 registered nurses in Erie County, New York. Data were gathered by mailed questionnaires that included items about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, transmission, and treatment of AIDS. Substantial deficiencies in knowledge were observed. The mean score on an index of knowledge was slightly less than 70%. Respondents were most knowledgeable about the transmission of AIDS and least knowledgeable about issues pertaining to treatment and care. Nurses who had cared for patients with AIDS scored significantly higher overall than those without experience. These data document the need to provide continuing education programs for nurses to prepare them to meet the needs of the increasing AIDS crisis.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pulmonary rehabilitation: is it cost effective?

The purpose of the study was to evaluate number of hospitalizations, length of stay, exercise routine, and patient satisfaction following attendance at a pulmonary rehabilitative program. A retrospective chart review and survey conducted on 72 subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed a significant decrease in number of hospitalizations and length of stay following attendance at the program. In addition, 72% of the subjects continued to carry out an exercise routine and 99% indicated that the rehabilitation program had met their expectations. This study suggests that the pulmonary rehabilitative program was cost-effective.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Acute/critical care nurses' knowledge of physical restraints--implications for staff development.

The use of physical restraints in acute care facilities has become a routine practice. Although nursing home settings have been federally mandated to reduce reliance on restraints, there has been no indication of a reduction in hospital settings. Staff development educators can provide guidance in the proper use of restraints. A total of 235 acute/critical care nurses from 17 states were asked to complete an 18-item knowledge questionnaire about the proper use and application of restraints. A majority (n = 142; 60.4%) had 13 of the 18 questions correct. The results suggest variability in knowledge about restraints due most likely from lack of information rather than misinformation. One hundred fifty-four nurses (65.6%) stated they were unsure about caring for a restrained patient. The authors describe implications of the study findings for nursing staff development and offer an outline for an inservice program on restraint use.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Restrained patients: an important issue for critical care nursing.

OBJECTIVE: To determine practice and attitudes of acute-critical care nurses toward the use of physical restraints. DESIGN: Survey with a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. SUBJECTS: A self-selected sample of 235 acute-critical care nurses from 17 states who were enrolled in critical care review classes. MEASUREMENTS: Data were gathered by use of a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire was designed to elicit information regarding demographic and professional characteristics, nursing practice, and attitudes toward the use of restraints. Nurses responded to the practice items on a three-point Likert Scale as to whether they "always," "sometimes," or "never" carried out the procedure. To obtain information on attitudes, nurses were asked to respond on a three-point Likert Scale as to whether they "agreed," were "undecided," or "disagreed" with the statement. RESULTS: Responses indicated 78% of the sample "always" try alternative nursing measures before restraining the patient. However, when units were believed to be understaffed there was more reliance on restraints. Thirty-eight percent of the sample would "always" rather sedate patients than physically restrain them. The overall score on the attitude component of the questionnaire reflected positive or acceptable attitudes toward the use of restraints. Most (62%) "agreed" that a patient suffers a loss of dignity when placed in restraints. Significant relationships did exist between select demographic and professional characteristics and practice and attitudes regarding the use of restraints. The longer the respondents had worked in critical care the more appropriate (positive) their attitudes toward the use of restraints (r = -.211, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In general, nursing practice and attitudes regarding the use of physical restraints indicated that respondents were using restraints in accordance with accepted practice. There is a need for additional research in this area, especially regarding the use of alternative measures to physical restraints.

Adult↗