Slovenian Nursing Review

Assessment of sleep quality in patients during hospitalisation

Jožefa Tomažič, Amadeus Lešnik, Mojca Dobnik — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: During illness, quality sleep is crucial as it has a positive effect on metabolism, hormone regulation, and immune system maintenance. The aim of this study was to assess the sleep quality of hospitalised patients and identify the factors affecting it.
Methods: A non-experimental quantitative research method was used. The survey instrument consisted of the Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire and an additional 13 questions based on a literature review. The study sample consisted of 100 patients: 56 (56%) women and 44 (44%) men. Respondents' ages ranged from 19 to 89 years (x = 65.37, s = 15.676). The mean length of stay was 13.6 days (x = 13.68, s = 12.178).
Results: Sleep quality during hospitalisation was rated as poor (26.0%) and very poor (12.5%) by a total of 38.5% of patients. Women were statistically significantly more likely than men to report shallow sleep ( x = 60.80, s = 28.88) (U = 865.500, p = 0.011). Length of hospitalisation was not associated with sleep quality (r = –0.154, p = 0.127). Nighttime corridor noise outside the patient's room at night was reported as disturbing by 5.0% of patients. Noise from nurses attending to other patients in the same room was rated as disturbing by 8.0% of the patients.
Discussion and conclusion: Less than half of patients rated their sleep quality during hospitalisation as poor or very poor. Strategies to improve sleep quality should be a key component of quality care for hospitalised patients.

Tattoos among nursing staff

Jasmina Hadžić, Mateja Bahun — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Personal grooming and appearance are extremely important in terms of the impression healthcare professionals make on patients. Although tattoos have become increasingly popular, research shows they remain stigmatised in society. The aim of our study was therefore to examine healthcare workers' opinions and attitudes towards tattoos.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive quantitative study. Data were collected in May 2023 using a purpose-designed online questionnaire with high reliability (α = 0.913). We used a purposive sample consisting of 193 healthcare workers in the Gorenjska region. We conducted univariate and bivariate statistical analyses.
Results: Of our respondents, 37.8% had tattoos, and 71.2% of these had tattoos in a visible location. On average, respondents disagreed with negative statements about tattoos (x = 1.16–1.83). However, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between age (p = 0.001–0.011, r = 0.183–0.237), work experience (p = 0.001–0.028, r = 0.158–0.277), and, for some statements, education level (p = 0.001–0.048).
Discussion and conclusion: Increasing prevalence of tattoos in modern society calls for greater acceptance of diversity. As perceptions of professionalism are also influenced by appearance, efforts should focus on both strengthening professional image and developing policies that promote tolerance and acceptance.

Cultural diversity in health teams

Matic Petrovič, Tamara Milić, Valentina Masten, Sabina Ličen, Mirko Prosen — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Cultural diversity in healthcare teams is important for ensuring quality care. Diversity has a positive impact on understanding patients' needs and improving team dynamics. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of different cultures in healthcare teams and healthcare professionals' attitudes towards cultural diversity.
Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which included demographic data and open-ended questions about health professionals' experiences with cultural diversity in healthcare teams. The purposive sample comprised 28 health professionals from different healthcare disciplines. The interviews were analysed using content analysis.
Results: Four main thematic categories were identified: (1) the role of expertise and a professional approach to providing quality care, (2) the importance of effective communication and adaptability, (3) the importance of team dynamics and support in healthcare teams, and (4) cultural diversity and health professionals' perspectives. Most respondents expressed the belief that cultural diversity enriches their experiences and contributes to empathy.
Discussion and conclusion: Respondents highlighted both the benefits and drawbacks of cultural diversity. Results show that different skills, experiences and perspectives can be successfully integrated into healthcare teams provided that respectful relationships are established and clearly defined professional guidelines support the quality of care in culturally diverse teams.

Nurse interventions to improve medication adherence in older adults living at home

Melita Peršolja, Helena Skočir, Ester Benko — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: The aging population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases have led to increased medication use; however, limited research has been conducted on medication adherence among older adults living at home. This study aims to identify the factors influencing medication adherence and examine the role of nurses in preventing and reducing medication non-adherence in home care settings.
Methods: A literature review was conducted using the Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Wiley, and ProQuest databases. Search terms included 'aged', 'home health care', 'medication adherence', and 'nurse'. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025 were included in the analysis. A total of 21 studies were assessed for quality (using STROBE and COREQ standards) and subjected to thematic content analysis.
Results: The analysis identified several key areas addressed by nurses in managing medication non-adherence: patient education, motivation, use of assistive devices, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
Discussion and conclusion: Nurses play a pivotal role in recognising and addressing medication non-adherence among older adults in home care settings. Nursing interventions should be individualised to patient needs and therapeutic requirements, while being grounded in professional competencies. Given the inconsistent findings and limited evidence regarding intervention effectiveness, further research is needed to develop optimal, evidence-based nursing care approaches.

Suicidal ideation in cancer patients

Sabina Medjedović — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Cancer patients have a higher risk of suicidal ideation and suicidality than the general population, so understanding emotional distress and recognising suicidal ideation in cancer patients is of paramount importance. The aim of this literature review is to examine the current state of research on suicidal ideation in cancer patients.
Methods: The literature review process is illustrated in the PRISMA diagram. Nine studies were included in the review. The research method comprised content pooling and comparison of the results of the studies included in the literature review.
Results: Our results indicate that suicidal ideation is present in 11% to 26% of oncology patients and that screening tools are available for identifying this problem. However, these screening tools are not routinely used in clinical practice. The most commonly used screening instruments are the Distress Thermometer and the PHQ-9 Health Questionnaire. The presence of suicidal ideation is recognised more quickly in facilities where health care professionals use screening instruments.
Discussion and conclusion: The results show that suicidal ideation is present in oncology patients and that various screening tools are available for its detection. Regular use of screening tools is needed, along with recognition of emotional distress as the sixth vital sign. Healthcare professionals require motivation and training through workshops on the importance and strategies for effective management of emotional distress in cancer patients.

From historical efforts to current void

Anita Prelec — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000