Informatics Publishing Limited

Samira Maroof ¹, Melba Sheila D'Souza ², Ramesh Venkatesaperumal ², Subrahmanya Nairy Karkada ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Community Mental Health, Higher College of Technology, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, OM
2 Department of Adult Health Critical Care, Higher College of Technology, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, OM
3 Department of Business and Financial Studies, Higher College of Technology, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, OM

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore smoking behaviours and habits among students at a public University in Oman. An exploratory cross sectional research design was used. 840 students were randomly selected in clusters drawn across nine colleges in the University. A Modified World Health Organization Smoking Behaviours Self-administered Questionnaire was used in 2012. 10.01% of the students smoked, of which 8.69% of the students lived more than 5 years outside homes and had leisure time (8.33%). 14.2% of the students had history of smoking, of which 10.71% have an intention to smoke. There is significant difference in smoking behaviours among male and female, fathers or a family member. Results provide baseline data to develop pro-interventions for smoking awareness and counseling for university students and encourage policy makers to strengthen the policies to curb tobacco products.

Keywords

Smoking Prevalence, Habits, Perceptions, Behaviours, University Students, Reported Smoking, Oman

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Chandrani Isac , Ramesh Venkatesaperumal , Melba Sheila D'Souza ¹

Affiliations
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Adult Health and Critical Care, College of Nursing, Sultan QaboosUniversity, Muscat

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disease caused by an abnormal type of haemoglobin. It is one of the most common genetic blood disorders in the Gulf region, including Oman. The disease progresses through remissions and exacerbations and its intensity ranges from intense pain episodes to multi-system failure requiring admissions in the intensive care units (ICU). Many of these patients require frequent contact with the healthcare system and often find it difficult, or even impossible, to coordinate with all the required supportive services (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietician, etc) without assistance. Nurses are uniquely qualified to assume the responsibility of patient care coordination. The needs of SCD patients are diverse and comprises of pain management, transfusion&chelation therapy compliance, preventive of primary care issues and education. A Nurse-led information desk will serve as a useful vehicle in disseminating and modulating these issues. This store house of information aims at improving the Quality of Life among the SCD patients and also envisions at reducing the incidence of SCD in Oman. This paper conceptualizes the Nurse-led information and highlights the significance of such a structure in helping patients and their families manage the daily needs of living with a chronic disease. The conclusion emphasizes on the urgent establishment of this information desk to provide education and coordination services for the quantitative and qualitative improvement in the life-expectancy of patients with SCD in Oman. The empowering of the SCD patients and their communities will reflect in decreased re-hospitalizations and cost containment for the health care industry, which are the essence of quality care management.

Keywords

Nurse-led Information Desk, Clinical Nursing Practice, Sickle Cell Disease, Quality Care, Oman

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Ramesh Venkatesaperumal , Melba Sheila D'Souza , Shreedevi Balachandran ¹, Jayanthi Radhakrishnan

Affiliations
1 Clinical Instructor, Department of Adult Health and Critical Care, College of Nursing, POB 66, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has proven to be effective in acute respiratory illness of various etiologies in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and general ward/Unit settings. It is viewed as complementary to invasive ventilation and primarily a means of preventing some patients from deteriorating to the point at which intubation is needed. Benefits include the avoidance of endotracheal-tube-associated infections, reduction of morbidity and mortality, improvement in patient outcomes and a gross reduction in health care costs. Nurse staffing levels will continue to vary in ICUs, high dependency units or general wards but the intensity of nursing input will be much lower in the general wards than on the ICU, particularly at night. In developing countries with scarce technology and less ICU beds, NIV will be an asset in general wards for nurses who have adequate experience in caring for acutely ill patients. The most important ingredient for an acute NIV nurse led service is a welltrained enthusiastic ward team. This article highlights the factors that should be considered in providing an acute NIV nurse led service in general or acute care settings. Utilizing the Roper, Logan and Tierney nursing model, which focuses on patients as individuals, recommendations are made for best nursing practices based on 12 activities of living, promoting independence with quality of life and essential functions of living.

Keywords

Non-invasive Ventilation, Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation, Holistic Nursing Practice, Nurse's Role, Roper, Logan and Tierney Model, Evidence Based Practice

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Jayanthi Radhakrishnan , Shreedevi Balachandran , Ramesh Venkatesaperumal , Melba Sheila D'Souza ¹

Affiliations
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Adult Health and Critical Care, College of Nursing, POB 66, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman, OM

Abstract

Nursing education has been constantly striving to keep in pace with the exponential growth in health care and greater emphasize on patient safety. Shortage of clinical placements, increased acuity of illness of patients and awareness of consumer rights have led nurse educators chose simulation lab as an alternative to clinical setting., The emergence and expansion of technology has given rise to the development of human simulators that foster features for depicting scenarios of various levels of intensity. Simulation enhances student learning in a stress free environment with reduced risks for safety actual patients. This paper presents a brief literature review related to simulation in nursing education, Types of simulators and its application, implementation of simulation scenario and role of simulation in enhancing student learning.

Keywords

Simulation, Scenario, Teaching Strategy, Critical Thinking, Debriefing, Nursing Education, Safe Practice

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