Avicenna - Current Issue

Background: Healthcare workers often contend with elevated levels of job stress, impacting their well-being and performance. Aim: This study investigated the short-term effects of listening to nature sounds on job stress and productivity among healthcare workers within a hospital setting. Methods: The research was a pretest-posttest study involving a university hospital's emergency department (ED) staff. A sample size formula was employed to establish inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three questionnaires—assessing job stress (Philip L. Rice), job satisfaction (Herzberg), and productivity (ACHIEVE)—were utilized for data collection. Nature sound was played for an hour at the commencement and conclusion of each work shift for two months. Subsequently, participants completed the three questionnaires. The collected data underwent analysis using SPSS-20 software. Shapiro-Wilk's test assessed variable normality, and the paired t-test compared variables pre and post-intervention, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Introducing nature sounds in the emergency department reduced job stress and increased staff productivity. However, job satisfaction levels did not change significantly. Music therapy notably influenced the three dimensions of job stress, physical conditions, and job interest. Moreover, all productivity dimensions, except one, showed significant changes under the influence of music therapy. Conclusion: Nature sounds exhibit preventive and therapeutic benefits for people's psychological and physical well-being. As a non-invasive and safe treatment modality, it can be employed as a complementary therapy in emergency departments (EDs) and busy medical wards to help uplift people's spirits, particularly during periods of stress or anxiety.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to significantly transform the role of radiology nurses by enhancing their responsibilities and patient care. AI will streamline workflow and decision-making, allowing nurses to focus more on patient care by providing quick access to complex diagnostic information. This shift reduces the focus on administrative tasks, leading to more efficient patient responses. AI tools will also improve the precision of procedures like image-guided biopsies, reducing discomfort and improving outcomes. Nurses will need to develop new technical skills to operate these AI-assisted tools effectively. This letter explores the evolving role of radiology nursing role in the era of AI.

Dear Editor,

The field of radiology is experiencing rapid growth due to advancements in technology and imaging. Minimally invasive percutaneous approaches, assisted by radiologic techniques, are enhancing outcomes while simultaneously decreasing patient discomfort, recovery periods, and hospitalization durations [1]. Image-guided biopsies have become the preferred alternative to costly surgical interventions like exploratory laparotomies, and procedures such as radiofrequency ablations offer a viable treatment choice for individuals with liver cancer who are not eligible for surgery [2].

Radiology or clinical imaging nursing, allows nurses to apply a range of skills in providing care to both adult and pediatric patients. This letter explores the evolving role of radiology nursing role in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

Radiology nurses require extensive knowledge and independence to meet diverse patient needs. Their duties include managing intravenous lines, medication administration, vital sign monitoring, and providing personal care. They communicate patient needs to other medical staff, administer sedation, and monitor patients with advanced equipment. Additionally, they educate patients, families, and healthcare staff, contribute to quality improvement, and develop patient care policies. Their role is crucial in both emergency and routine care settings [2]. Incorporating skills from various nursing specialties, radiology nurses strive to deliver high-quality nursing care to a diverse and transient patient population of all ages. They serve as advocates for patient care and act as educators for other radiology staff members on pertinent patient care issues [2].

Many radiology nurses transition from backgrounds in intensive care units (ICU), emergency departments (ED), or post-anesthesia care units (PACU). Despite being seasoned experts in their previous specialties, adapting to the radiology environment poses a significant learning curve due to factors such as the variety of imaging modalities, the multitude of procedures, the mix of skills within the department, the level of autonomy, and the absence of routine. However, once acclimated, nurses often find the specialty rewarding and are less inclined to leave [2].

The Clinical Imaging setting operates at a high speed, with Clinical Imaging nursing experiencing swift expansion. Clinical Imaging nurses play a vital role in delivering outstanding patient care. This distinct field provides autonomy and chances to cater to diverse patient needs through the utilization of advancing technologies [3].

The AI is set to significantly transform the role of nurses and radiology nurses in particular by enhancing their responsibilities and patient care [4]. AI will streamline workflow and decision-making, allowing nurses to focus more on patient care by providing quick access to complex diagnostic information [5]. This shift reduces the focus on administrative tasks, leading to more efficient patient responses. AI tools will also improve the precision of procedures like image-guided biopsies, reducing discomfort and improving outcomes. Nurses will need to develop new technical skills to operate these AI-assisted tools effectively.

Moreover, the educational responsibilities of radiology nurses will increase, necessitating continuous learning and teaching about evolving AI technologies. AI’s assistance in patient monitoring will enable nurses to provide more personalized care, concentrating on crucial aspects like patient comfort and emergency care. AI will also aid in quality improvement, data analytics, and development of effective patient care strategies. Additionally, AI supports the creation of personalized care plans by analyzing extensive patient data. Radiology nurses must keep up to date with AI advancements for their professional development, ensuring their skills remain relevant.

The Gaza Strip, a small territory home to 2.2 million, faces an escalating healthcare crisis amidst the ongoing conflict and severe socio-economic challenges previously. This review sheds light on the current cardiovascular health situation in Gaza, emphasizing the impact of stress, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy. The dire state of healthcare infrastructure, limited access to medical care, and disruption of essential services, particularly in the northern region, exacerbate the crisis. Stress hormones, which are elevated by chronic conflict, further contribute to cardiovascular risks. The prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease is alarming, with inadequate access to medications and healthcare resources. Urgent international intervention is crucial to address immediate healthcare needs, provide medication, and ensure the well-being of the population of Gaza.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in unfortunate and tragic events. The escalation of the war, along with the massive shortage of essential medications and limited staff members, has worsened the already exhausted healthcare system and significantly impacted healthcare delivery and accessibility. An in-depth look into the current situation raises concerns about an urgent health catastrophe affecting the whole population. Various independent agencies have reported unprecedented increases in women’s, maternal, and children’s mortality and morbidity with the persistence of the conflict. Furthermore, poor sanitation and water accessibility have resulted in increased diarrheal and other infectious illnesses. Additionally, the psychological and mental implications of war are probably underemphasized and unrecognized, which would persist even after the conflict resolution. The academic community has a moral responsibility to conduct inquiries, impart knowledge, and provide training while also advocating for peace and humanitarian aid. Internationally recognized organizations, including the United Nations, have a pivotal role in delivering healthcare and essential humanitarian supplies to stabilize environmental and health consequences in Gaza, alleviate detrimental health issues, and prevent further deterioration.