Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing

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Publications

Nursing Care in Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC): Protocol of a Best Practice Implementation Project

Publication . Catarino, Fernando; Lourenço, Cristina; Correia, Célia; Dória, João; Dixe, Maria; Santos, Cátia; Sousa, Joana; Mendonça, Susana; Cardoso, Daniela; Costeira, Cristina R.

Background: The use of a peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) is a common invasive practice in healthcare settings. It is estimated that about 70% of people with PIVCs will develop associated complications, such as infections. It is the consensus that best practices could reduce the appearance of such complications and reduce the length of stay in hospital. Methods: A project will be applied to implement the best approach in peripheral venous catheterization, provided by clinical nurses from an inland hospital in Portugal. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology will be used on evidence implementation projects, which will be developed in three phases. First, a baseline audit will be performed. The second phase implements corrective measures, and the third phase is a follow-up audit. Conclusions: This project will improve the practice of the nursing team on peripheral venous catheterization nursing cares, positively influencing the quality of nursing care and patient safety. The implementation and dissemination of this project could boost its replication in other centres.

2022-07-13Journal article

Open access

Quality of life of women with urinary incontinence in the postpartum period: an integrative literature review

Publication . Lopes, Filipa Daniela; Henriques, Carolina; Lopes, Maria da Saudade; Mendes, Isabel Margarida

Urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and after childbirth can negatively impact women's lifestyles, health, and well-being. It is a common problem that is often normalized by both healthcare professionals and women. This integrative review examines the influence of UI on women's quality of life (QoL) during the postpartum period and identifies the main affected domains. It will also contribute to the discussion of the results of a primary study. Fourteen studies were included in this review, mainly from Brazil and Spain, with most using quantitative methods. The findings indicate that UI negatively affects the QoL of women during the postpartum period, with mixed UI causing greater discomfort despite stress UI being more frequent. The main affected domains are general health perception, physical functioning, daily life activities, psychological/emotional/mental and social aspects, and sexuality. Effective interventions should promote women's self-care and enhance their awareness and recognition of the problem. These interventions should go beyond physical aspects to address emotional and psychological dimensions, such as low self-esteem and self-image, secrecy, embarrassment, and reluctance to seek help. Nurse midwives have specialized skills and can work within multidisciplinary teams to improve the QoL of women with UI at a time of increased vulnerability.

2025-05-01Review article

Open access