Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Mindful Breathing in Patient With Heart Failure:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mindful breathing on symptom status and clinical parameters in patients with heart failure. This randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total 64 patients who randomly allocated to receive 64 HF patients. Stratified block randomization was used for randomization according to New York Heart Association classification heart failure (NYHA Stage II -III). Patients in the intervention group (n=32) performed mindful breathing for 20 minutes daily for 8 weeks. The control group (n=32) received routine treatment. The Heart Failure Symptom Status Scale was administered face-to- face to both groups on 0th day, at 8th and 12th weeks. Routine clinic evaluations included low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels assessed on 0th day, at 8th and 12th weeks. Ejection fraction values were accessed from the hospital data system on 0th day at the 8th week. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23 and JAMOVI software.

Turkish APA5 Validity Reliability

The aim of this research is to contribute to the nursing and medical literature by examining the validity and reliability of the English-language "APA 5 (Acute Pain Assessment Tool)" in Turkish.

Ultrasound-Guided Assessment of Ventrogluteal Intramuscular Injection in Adults With High BMI

This study evaluated the ventrogluteal site for intramuscular injection in adults with a body mass index of 25 kg/m² or higher. Ultrasound was used to measure subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and total tissue thickness at the injection site and the distances from the injection point to anatomical landmarks and the sciatic nerve. During intramuscular injection with a 40 mm needle, real-time ultrasound was used to visualize the needle tip and assess its position within the muscle. The study also evaluated successful intramuscular placement, subcutaneous medication leakage, and injection-related complications. The findings were assessed across three body mass index groups.

The Effect of Gentle Human Touch and Stimulus Reduction on Pain and Comfort During Heel Blood Collection in Premature Newborns

Premature infants frequently experience painful procedures during their admission to neonatal intensive care units; this can lead to acute adverse events, imbalances, and long-term neurodevelopmental implications. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the impact of Gentle Human Touch (GHT) and rate change (eye mask and earplug) on pain and comfort during heel prick blood collection in premature infants (32-36+6 weeks gestational age). A total of 60 infants were randomly assigned to three groups: GHT, rate change, and standard care (pacifier). Pain was assessed using the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R), and comfort was measured before, during, and after the procedure using the COMFORTneo operator. Physiological impact (heart rate, oxygen saturation) and propagation time were recorded. The findings provide evidence for safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions in pain management and their inclusion in developmental care protocols.

Effect of Individualized Nursing Care on Diabetes Self-Management

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of individualized nursing care interventions on self-efficacy, empowerment, and self-management behaviors in individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes requires lifelong management, and standard care approaches often fall short of meeting individual psychosocial and clinical needs. By implementing structured, patient-centered nursing care protocols, this study assesses how personalized education, follow-up, and support mechanisms influence patients' capacity to manage their condition, improve glycemic control, and enhance their overall quality of life.

The Effectiveness of Serious Game-Based Training for Nursing Students in Postpartum Haemorrhage Management

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the incremental effect of adding a web-based serious game to standard theoretical instruction on third-year nursing students' postpartum hemorrhage management knowledge, task-specific self-efficacy, and self-regulated learning. Using census recruitment, all 159 eligible students were invited, and 120 students consented and were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or control group (60 participants per group) using randomly permuted blocks of four. Both groups received the same three 40-minute theoretical sessions. The intervention group additionally completed an individual, self-paced, 30-50-minute browser-based serious game featuring a single branching postpartum hemorrhage scenario, clinical decision-making, and immediate physiological feedback. The control group received no additional educational activity before the immediate posttest assessment. Outcomes were assessed at baseline before randomization and immediately after the intervention or control condition. Outcome data were analyzed by an independent analyst blinded to group coding.Data will be collected using the PPK Management Knowledge and Skills Assessment Form and the PPK Management Self-Confidence Scale.

Port Catheter Training Effectiveness for Nurses

This study is a single-group quasi-experimental study designed to evaluate a structured port catheter training program for nurses. The intervention consists of theoretical instruction and practical demonstration on port catheter care and management. Nurses will participate in the training program and undergo assessments at predefined time points before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in knowledge related to port catheter care.

Effectiveness of a Digital Activity Platform for Informal and Formal Caregivers in Long-Term Care Facilities

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a digital engagement platform can support caregivers working in long-term care facilities. The main question is: Does the use of a digital engagement platform improve person-centred care for older adults living in long-term care facilities? The study includes formal caregivers (such as nursing staff) and informal caregivers (such as volunteers, family members, and civilian service participants) who provide care and support to older adults in long-term care facilities. One group of participants will use the digital engagement platform as part of their daily care activities. A comparison group will continue with usual care without access to the platform. Participants will take part in the study for 12 weeks and complete questionnaires at several time points. In addition, platform usage data will be collected. In addition to person-centred care, the study will examine: * Whether the platform improves caregivers' cultural competence. * Whether the platform supports the collection and documentation of residents' life history information. * How often and how long the platform is used by caregivers. * Caregivers' experiences with and satisfaction with the platform. The findings may help improve digital tools that support caregivers and enhance the quality of care for older adults in long-term care settings.

Self-Efficacy, Surgical Fear and Psychological Well-Being in Abdominal Surgery

Surgical fear is a common psychological response among patients undergoing abdominal surgery and may adversely affect psychological well-being during the perioperative period. Individual psychosocial characteristics, particularly self-efficacy, may influence how patients perceive and cope with surgical fear. This cross-sectional observational study aims to determine the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between surgical fear and psychological well-being in patients undergoing abdominal surgery within the framework of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory. Data will be collected preoperatively using validated questionnaires from 300 adult patients. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of patients at risk for poor psychological outcomes and support the development of individualized nursing interventions.

Frailty and Dependency in Older Adults Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Frailty and dependency are common conditions among older adults undergoing cardiac surgery and may adversely affect postoperative recovery and readiness for hospital discharge. Early identification of these conditions before surgery may facilitate individualized perioperative care and improve postoperative outcomes. This observational study aims to investigate the effects of preoperative frailty and dependency on postoperative recovery and readiness for hospital discharge in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Data will be collected before surgery and at hospital discharge using validated assessment instruments. The findings are expected to support preoperative risk assessment and contribute to individualized nursing care planning for older cardiac surgery patients.

Effects of Cartoons & Interactive Storytelling on Fear and Comfort in 6-9 Year Olds During Nebulizer Treatment

Fear and anxiety experienced by children during inhalation therapy (using a nebulizer or vaporizer) are key factors that make treatment compliance difficult and reduce the quality of care. Young children, in particular, may perceive this process as "threatening" due to mask use, the noise produced by the device, and a sense of loss of control. This situation triggers a significant physiological stress response in the child. Therefore, in pediatric nursing, non-pharmacological methods that increase children's participation in treatment are of great importance. The literature indicates that interventions such as showing cartoons, playing music, and using distracting visual materials both reduce anxiety and improve stress indicators like heart rate. Additionally, therapeutic play has been proven to help children adapt to the hospital environment and soothe their emotional reactions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing intervention-designed to enhance children's physical comfort and manage their fear and anxiety during inhalation therapy-that is breath-synchronized, interactive, and story-based.

Effect of AI-Assisted Respiratory Training on Pain, Fatigue and Respiratory Parameters in Patients After Open Heart Surgery

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted respiratory training on fatigue, pain, and respiratory parameters in patients after open heart surgery.

Application Effect Analysis of Bundle Nursing Intervention

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary collaborative bundle nursing intervention based on targeted surveillance on the incidence of ICU device-associated infections (DAIs). The control group received routine nursing care, while the intervention group implemented a "targeted surveillance-multidisciplinary collaboration-bundle intervention" system. Infection rates, clinical outcomes, and intervention implementation were compared between the two groups.

Investigation of the Attitudes of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Towards Traditional Complementary Medicine Practices

Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease need the help and support of caregivers in issues such as limitations in their physical and social functions, inadequacy, social isolation, dependency, and continuing their daily lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as knowledge, skills, and practices based on beliefs, experiences, and theories used for the prevention, diagnosis, recovery, and treatment of physical and mental disorders. Since traditional medicine varies from culture to culture, it covers different, unique treatments and practices of countries and even regions within countries. In some countries, these practices (CAM) are called 'alternative' and 'complementary'. There has been an increase in the use of complementary medicine in the last 30 years in developed and developing countries. While modern medical practices are used due to the supportive nature of complementary medicine, it is also used for purposes such as relaxing the patient, strengthening their immunity, and improving their psychological state. Patients diagnosed with COPD sometimes resort to alternative treatments. In parallel with the increase in life expectancy, the increase in chronic diseases such as COPD, which are difficult to care for and treat, the inability of healthcare professionals to allocate enough time, the suspicion of modern methods and possible side effects have greatly increased the interest in GETAT methods. The decrease in exercise capacity of COPD patients, frequent infection attacks, muscle weakness, and the accompanying anxiety and depression in these patients can be counted as reasons for increasing GETAT use. In light of this information, it was aimed to examine the attitudes of individuals with COPD towards GETAT use? Research Questions; What is the GETAT use status of individuals with COPD? What are the attitudes of individuals with COPD towards GETAT?

Caregiver Training Regarding Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Feeding and Care

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is used for patients who cannot be fed orally, have a reduced swallowing reflex, or require long-term feeding. PEG care and feeding, which is performed with nursing support in healthcare institutions, becomes the responsibility of the caregiver after discharge. During this process, a lack of information and insufficient mastery of PEG feeding can create stress for caregivers. This situation jeopardizes patient safety. Therefore, healthcare professionals should manage patient-centered care from the moment the PEG indication is established until discharge. In this regard, consistent guidance and healthcare education are needed for caregivers. Aim and hypotheses: This study aims to examine the effects of hands-on PEG feeding and PEG care training, enriched with audiovisual materials (video), on caregivers' knowledge level, skills, and stress levels related to the PEG feeding and care process. H1: The training provided for caregivers increases their knowledge level regarding PEG feeding and care. H2: The training provided for caregivers increases their skill level regarding PEG feeding and care. H3: The training provided for caregivers reduces their stress levels related to PEG feeding and care. Design: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with experimental and control groups. Method: The study population will consist of caregivers of patients receiving inpatient care at a state hospital and undergoing PEG placement for the first time. The sample size was calculated using the G-Power 3.1 program, resulting in a sample size of 54 (n1=27, n2=27), including the dropout rate. Participants will be randomly assigned to groups. The intervention group will receive hands-on training related to PEG feding and care using a low-fidelity model. In addition, caregivers will be provided with video training on PEG feeding and care that they can watch for review when needed. The control group will receive standard institutional training provided by the nutrition nurse of the institution where the study is conducted. Data will be collected face-to-face using a "Personal Information Form", "State Anxiety Inventory", "Skills Checklist", and "PEG Care Konowledge Form". Three measurements will be taken in the study. Test 0: Before the training (Personal Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory), Test 1: After the training (with the PEG Care Knowledge Form and the State Anxiety Inventory). Additionally, the researcher will evaluate the caregiver's feeding and care practices using the Skills Checklist. Test 2: Two weeks after from the Test 1 (State Anxiety Inventory and PEG Care Konowledge Form), also the researcher will also evaluate the caregiver's practices a second time using the Skills Checklist. Data will be analyzed using the SPSS Statistics 27 software package.

Mandala Painting During Chemotherapy

In addition to managing drug side effects that arise during cancer treatment, maintaining the patient's psychosocial well-being is also very important. Therefore, the aim of this project is to examine the effect of mandala painting during chemotherapy on anxiety, nausea, and comfort levels. This project aims to reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, anxiety, and decreased comfort, by distracting the patient's attention through the non-invasive and non-pharmacological practice of mandala coloring in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Mandala painting is a distraction and positive focus practice. A limited number of studies conducted on cancer patients have shown that it reduces distress and improves psychological well-being. However, no study in the literature has comprehensively addressed the symptoms experienced by patients during chemotherapy, such as anxiety, nausea, intense stress, and impaired comfort. The research will be conducted on patients undergoing chemotherapy for the first time, and patients in the experimental group will engage in mandala coloring for at least 30 minutes. Data obtained from assessments conducted before and after chemotherapy will be compared with control group data. This project will provide a more comprehensive assessment of the effect of mandala painting, a non-pharmacological intervention, on the negative symptoms of patients undergoing chemotherapy for the first time. In addition to its scientific contribution, it is believed that effective symptom management can contribute to patients' well-being. Furthermore, if nausea can be controlled, the need for antiemetics during treatment can be reduced. This will also contribute to reducing unwanted drug effects and lowering costs.

Nursing Intervention for Adaptation After Myocardial Revascularization

Introduction: Myocardial revascularization is an essential procedure for patients with cardiovascular disease. Its recovery in the outpatient setting involves significant challenges for both the patient and the caregiver. This recovery phase may generate physical, emotional, and psychological complications that require an effective adaptation process of the patient-caregiver dyad to ensure successful recovery and improved quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of a nursing intervention aimed at improving adaptation in the patient-caregiver dyad during the outpatient postoperative period following myocardial revascularization, compared with usual care, in Bucaramanga during the period 2026-2027. Materials and Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial will be conducted to develop and evaluate a novel nursing intervention aimed at promoting adaptation in patients undergoing outpatient postoperative myocardial revascularization and their caregivers. The intervention will be designed and its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness will be assessed. Data analysis will be performed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, considering the distribution and behavior of the data. Expected Results: The study is expected to assess the preliminary effectiveness of the proposed intervention through the integration of theoretical and empirical components.

Smartphone Use in Healthcare Settings Among Nurses

This study assessed patterns of smartphone use among nurses and evaluated its impact on clinical performance and patient safety in healthcare settings in Egypt, using a convergent mixed-methods design. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2025 and February 2026 across diverse clinical settings at Alexandria University Hospitals, including critical and emergency care, medical-surgical wards, operating theaters, outpatient clinics, home care services, and psychiatric support units. Of 900 nurses invited, 368 completed the online questionnaire via Google Forms (response rate: 40.9%). Quantitative data assessed nurses' patterns of smartphone use and its impact on patient care using an adapted validated scale. Qualitative data were collected through two open-ended narrative questions exploring smartphone-related clinical incidents and recommendations for safe use. A total of 105 clinical incidents attributed to smartphone distraction were identified and categorized into four themes, while 176 respondents provided actionable recommendations categorized into five strategic pillars for safe clinical integration.

VR Learning Program for Sexual-and-gender-diversity Care

The study is designed to create a VR learning program for sexual-and-gender-diversity care and compare the short-term and long-term effects on caring behaviors in nursing students.

The Effect of a Color-Coded System on Pressure Injury Prevention in the Intensive Care Unit

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of using a color-coded classification system that identifies the risks of pressure injuries in the intensive care unit on the development of pressure injuries.

Patient Satisfaction Study at AOU Maggiore Della Carità (SCORE)

The general aim of this study is to assess and analyze the level of patient satisfaction with nursing care among inpatients in the ordinary wards of the AOU Maggiore della Carità in Novara (Italy). Using the validated Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales (NSNS), the study intends to produce reliable and comparable data that reflect patients' perceived quality of care across multiple dimensions, including relationships, emotional support, information, and time devoted by nurses. The study aims to provide an updated overview of patient experiences, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. These results will offer guidance for organizational and educational strategies to promote more personalized, human-centered nursing care aligned with international quality and safety recommendations, without altering routine clinical practice.

Effects of Two Different Eye Care Practices on Eye Complications in Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Patients

This study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled experimental study aiming to compare different approaches to eye care in intensive care patients receiving mechanical ventilation. In this study, patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit will be randomly assigned to four groups using a simple randomization method: 1. Control Group: Standard Eye Care 2. Intervention Group 1: Eye Care with Eye Care Kit 3. Intervention Group 2: Eye Care According to Eye Care Protocol 4. Intervention Group 3: Eye Care with Both Protocol and Eye Care Kit Research Hypotheses H1: Eye care provided using a care protocol is more effective in preventing the development of complications compared to standard eye care. H2: Eye care provided using an eye care kit is more effective in preventing the development of ocular complications compared to standard eye care. H3: The combined use of an eye care kit and a care protocol is more effective in preventing the development of ocular complications compared to using the care protocol alone. H4: The use of an eye care kit is more effective in preventing the development of ocular complications compared to the use of a care protocol.

Comfort Care Bundle

Intensive care units (ICUs) are specialized units where numerous complex treatment and care procedures are applied. In these units, critically ill patients are exposed to stressful conditions and experience significant pain and other discomforts stemming from multiple internal and external factors that can alter their quality of life and trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These discomforts can have various short-term or long-term consequences for patients after discharge from the ICU, such as anxiety and/or depression or PTSD, which can affect their quality of life. Therefore, knowing the negative factors affecting patient comfort in the ICU, as well as measuring patient comfort and eliminating or reducing these factors through comfort care, is crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality rates in patients. It is noteworthy that there is no specific care package in the literature aimed at improving ICU-specific comfort. Accordingly, this study aims to develop a "Comfort Care Package" to improve the comfort level of ICU patients. The research population will consist of all patients aged 18-65 years admitted to the intensive care units of Bursa City Hospital. This study will test the effect of the developed "Comfort Care Package" on the comfort level and physiological parameters of 88 ICU patients (control group=44 and study group=44) who meet the inclusion criteria and whose data were calculated using the G\*Power 3.1 program. The study will begin with the collection of data from the control group. This group will receive routine ICU care. The study group will receive the Comfort Care Package. It is anticipated that the ICU-specific comfort care package developed within the scope of this study will make significant contributions to the creation of nursing care plans aimed at increasing the comfort levels of critically ill individuals. Therefore, in patients with improved comfort, targeted recovery outcomes may increase, mortality rates may decrease, and thus public health may be sustained.

The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses Application on Pain and Anxiety Levels in Colorectal Surgery Patients

This study aims to determine the effect of virtual reality glasses on pain and anxiety levels in colorectal surgery patients. This study is a single-center, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. This study will be conducted with 60 patients who underwent colorectal surgery between August 2025 and December 2025. Participants will be randomized into two groups as the intervention group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). All patients in the experimental and control groups will be asked to fill out the "Informed Consent Form" the day before the surgery, and the patients who agree to participate in the study will be asked to fill out the "Patient Introduction Form" and the "State Anxiety Scale" by the researchers. The "Simulator Illness Questionnaire" used in the Virtual Reality disease field will be applied to the experimental group to determine their physiological conditions before the application. Then, a relaxing music-backgrounded video containing images of nature will be watched with virtual reality glasses for 10-15 minutes the day before the surgery. Then, the "Simulator Illness Questionnaire" and the "State Anxiety Scale" will be filled out again. The "Simulator Illness Questionnaire" will be applied to the patients 2 hours after their transfer from the postoperative care unit to the clinic, which is the most appropriate time after the surgery, when their vital signs have stabilized and clinical compliance has been achieved, and their physiological conditions before the application will be determined. Then, the patients in the experimental group will be asked to watch a relaxing music-backgrounded video containing images of nature for 10-15 minutes with virtual reality glasses. The researcher will perform the video with virtual reality glasses in the patient rooms and beds. Afterwards, the "Simulator Disease Survey" will be repeated. There will be no compelling effect that will negatively affect the health of the patients during the application, and the application will be terminated when the patients feel uncomfortable. A safe environment will be created so that there are no objects around the patients that they can bump into or trip over. A 5-10 minute trial period will be performed at the beginning with the observer and the virtual reality glasses will be applied. The patient will be able to end the study at any time. If the patients use glasses/lenses, compliance will be checked. No intervention will be applied to the control group patients and the routine practices of the clinic will continue. All patients in the experimental and control groups will be assessed for pain with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at the 2nd and 4th hours and the "State Anxiety Scale" will be applied.