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  • Brief report on double-chamber syringes patents and implications for infusion therapy safety and efficiency
    Publication . Sousa, Liliana B.; Santos-Costa, Paulo; Marques, Inês A.; Cruz, Arménio; Salgueiro-Oliveira, Anabela; Parreira, Pedro
    This review aimed to map the existing patents of double-chamber syringes that can be used for intravenous drug administration and catheter flush. A search was conducted in the Google patents database for records published prior to 28 October 2020, using several search terms related to double-chamber syringes (DCS). Study eligibility and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Of the initial 26,110 patents found, 24 were included in this review. The 24 DCS that were found display two or more independent chambers that allow for the administration of multiple solutions. While some of the DCS have designated one of the chambers as the flushing chamber, most patents only allow for the sequential use of the flushing chamber after intravenous drug administration. Most DCS were developed for drug reconstitution, usually with a freeze-dried drug in one chamber. Some patents were designed for safety purposes, with a parallel post-injection safety sheath chamber for enclosing a sharpened needle tip. None of the DCS found allow for a preand post-intravenous drug administration flush. Given the current standards of care in infusion therapy, future devices must allow for the sequential use of the flushing chamber to promote a pre-administration patency assessment and a post-administration device flush.
  • Hand hygiene management among nurses: collective health challenges
    Publication . Graveto, João; Santos, Cristina; Costa, Paulo Santos; Fernandes, Elisabete; Alarico, Susana; Osório, Nádia; Albano, Helena; Oliveira, Vânia
    Objective: To describe the determining factors in hand hygiene management among nurses and identify associated collective health challenges. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was applied in four internal medicine units of a hospital of reference in Portugal. Results: The sample was composed of 50 nurses aged 26 to 55 years (mean age of 34.88 years); 80% were women, 58% had a Bachelor’s degree, and had 5-30 years of nursing practice (X̄ =11.94;±5.92). The vast majority of nurses (90%) reported complying with the existing recommendations on hand hygiene in pre-established moments. However, none of the nurses were able to identify all the moments for hand hygiene using water and soap or alcohol-based handrub. Conclusion: This study shows that continuous training, adequate materials/structures in the units, and redesigned administration/supervision practices are determining factors to achieve higher levels of adherence to hand hygiene among nurses, as well as increased quality and safety in care delivery, which is a current collective health challenge. Descriptors: Health Services Administration; Hand Hygiene; Nurses; Infection Control; Public Health Nursing
  • Peripheral venipuncture in elderly patients: is near-infrared light technology an option to avoid vein depletion?
    Publication . Santos-Costa, Paulo; Sousa, Liliana B.; Serambeque, Beatriz; Bernardes, Rafael; Parreira, Pedro; Salgueiro-Oliveira, Anabela; Vieira, Margarida; Graveto, João
    Background: Peripheral venipuncture is the minimal invasive procedure most commonly performed in acute settings. However, several publications report that health professionals perform multiple puncture attempts until a successful catheterization or blood draw is achieved. Among the patients most affected by this reality are the elderly patients, who often display a number of factors that increase difficulty. In recent years, several recent technological aids, such as the Near-Infrared Light, have emerged in the medical devices market as potential facilitators of vein selection and puncture. However, while Near-Infrared Light devices are widely studied in pediatric settings, there are no known reviews of its use and applicability with elderly patients. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute method. Study relevance, data extraction, and synthesis were performed by two independent reviewers. Results: Three studies were included in this review. The use of NIR technology may improve the number of peripheral veins located in elderly patients, as well as reduce hematoma development and patient anxiety before, during and after the procedure. Moreover, one study briefly explored health professionals’ usability and technology acceptance related outcomes. Conclusions: While peripheral venipuncture of elderly patients assisted by NIR devices is still an understudied area, the studies found indicated results favorable to its clinical application. However, such results should be carefully analyzed, since potential bias and lack of larger study samples may prevent the generalization of the results.
  • Studies carried out in Portugal in the area of peripheral venous catheterization: scoping review protocol
    Publication . Santos-Costa, Paulo Jorge dos; Sousa, Liliana Baptista; Marques, Inês Alexandra Figueira; Salgueiro-Oliveira, Anabela de Sousa; Parreira, Pedro Miguel Dinis; Vieira, Margarida Maria da Silva; Graveto, João Manuel Garcia do Nascimento
    Background: Despite its ubiquitous nature, the practice of peripheral venous catheterization is not homogeneous among international clinical contexts. In Portugal, the information regarding the practice of peripheral venous catheterization is scattered in the literature, hindering efforts of a comprehensive analysis of its nature and implications. Objective: To map the studies developed in Portugal in the field of peripheral venous catheterization. Review method: Scoping review methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. An adequate protocol was established for each base/repository to identify studies that meet the criteria outlined. The analysis of data relevance, extraction, and synthesis will be performed by independent reviewers. Presentation and interpretation of results: The mapping of the studies carried out in Portugal in this area will contribute to the identification of the main structure, process, and outcome indicators described in national studies. Conclusion: It is expected that this review will support the development of future interventions and systematic reviews that enhance the efficacy/safety of the care provided to patients with a peripheral catheter.
  • Translation and validation of the modified A-DIVA scale to european portuguese: dicult intravenous access scale for adult patients
    Publication . Santos-Costa, Paulo; Sousa, Liliana B.; Loon, Fredericus H.J. van; Salgueiro-Oliveira, Anabela; Parreira, Pedro; Vieira, Margarida; Graveto, João
    Abstract: (1) Background: In Portugal, no accurate and reliable predictive instruments are known that could assist healthcare professionals in recognizing patients with diffcult venous access. Thus, this study aimed to translate and validate the Modified A-DIVA scale to European Portuguese. (2) Methods: A methodological and cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases: translation of the Modified A-DIVA scale to European Portuguese following six stages proposed by Beaton and collaborators, and assessment of its psychometric properties in a non-probability sample of 100 patients who required peripheral intravenous catheterization in a Portuguese hospital. (3) Results: The European version of the Modified A-DIVA scale (A-DM scale) showed excellent inter-rater accordance scores, k = 0.593 (95% CI, 0.847 to 0.970), p < 0.0005. The A-DM scale’s criterion and construct validity was assessed through predictive, convergent, and correlational analysis with variables identified in the literature as associated with diffcult peripheral intravenous access, with moderate to large magnitudes and statistical significance. (4) Conclusions: The A-DM scale is a reliable and valid instrument that can support healthcare professionals and researchers in the early identification of patients at risk of diffcult peripheral intravenous access. Future validation studies are needed to test the A-DM scale’s applicability across clinical settings and in different patient cohorts.
  • Use of innovative technologies in group-based reminiscence interventions in older adults’ with dementia: a scoping review
    Publication . Gil, Isabel; Santos-Costa, Paulo; Bobrowicz-Campos, Elzbieta; Santos, Eduardo; Silva, Rosa Carla; Sousa, Liliana B.; Almeida, Maria de Lurdes; Apóstolo, João
    Background: Reminiscence therapy (RT) emerges in the literature as a non-pharmacological intervention commonly implemented in groups of older adults with dementia, and which has significant positive results in outcomes such as cognition and depressive symptomatology. Simultaneously, we witness the gradual addition of innovative technologies in non-pharmacological interventions in this population segment. However, no studies have synthesized the main contributions of the use of technology in group-based RT sessions. Aim: To map the available evidence on group-based RT sessions/activities aided by technological innovations, and critically discussed the potentialities and weaknesses of its use. Methods: Scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Two independent reviewers analyzed the relevance of the studies, extracted and synthesized data. Results: Seven studies were included. Overall, the use of technological aids potentiates the interaction and communication between older adults with dementia, staff, and relatives. Nevertheless, issues related to ergonomics, connectivity, and intention of use emerge as recurrent pitfalls. Conclusion: While technological aids can foster a more personalized and dynamic group-based RT session, the development of such innovations must follow an user-centered approach that involves older adults with different stages of dementia in order to create solutions with significance and applicability to its end-users.