Spodbujanje pozitivnega vedenja pri otrocih in mladostnikih z vedenjskimi motnjami: Pristop negovanega srca
The purpose of this paper is to present the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA), an evidence-based method designed to support children and adolescents with behavioural disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and oppositional defiant behaviour. At the core of the approach is the principle of systematically directing attention toward positive behavioural patterns and achievements, thereby reinforcing a sense of competence, fostering a stable self-image, and reducing undesirable behaviour. The scope of the NHA extends beyond parental interventions, as it has been successfully implemented in schools, hospital care, judicial contexts, foster care, and mental health services for children and adolescents. The paper outlines the central principles of the approach, examines its theoretical foundations, and emphasizes empirical evidence of effectiveness, demonstrating improvements in social-emotional competencies, the quality of interpersonal relationships, and reductions in behavioural difficulties. The overall aim is to present the NHA as a comprehensive and empirically validated intervention and to highlight its potential applications within pedagogical, clinical, and professional practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Helena Grmek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mapping the Heart Failure Patient Journey to Enhance Navigational Health Literacy: A Qualitative Study in Slovenia
Heart failure is an escalating challenge that requires coordinated care and patient engagement, yet is often impeded by fragmented communication, inconsistent guidelines, and limited support services. The study mapped the care journey of heart failure patients in Slovenia and, through co-creation with diverse stakeholders, developed an integrated care model. A qualitative study was conducted using: (1) a review of official governmental and healthcare websites; (2) in-depth interviews with service users and professionals; (3) interviews with specialized heart failure teams; (4) the patient journey model design; and (5) validation of the proposed pathway. Data was analysed using the reflexive thematic analysis. The participants emphasized the need for standardized pathways, national guidelines, and systematic monitoring. The key priorities included interdisciplinary collaboration, equitable access to rehabilitation, involvement of patient associations, ProBNP testing in primary care, and preventive empowerment programs supporting early diagnosis and self-efficacy. The co-created, stakeholder-validated care pathway can enhance coordination, transparency, and patient-centredness, while reducing informational gaps and strengthening navigational health literacy and patient empowerment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andreja Ljubič, Tamara Štemberger Kolnik, Andreja Hrovat Bukovšek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Self-care ability in people with diabetes
Self-care is the ability of a person to take care of themselves in health and illness. With this research, we wanted to determine what self-care is like for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Croatia, before and after individualized education. To collect data, we used the standardized questionnaire, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA), which we supplemented with demographic data and data from the hospital information system. The study involved 396 patients hospitalized at the Vuk Vrhovac Clinic, who participated in the evaluation of chronic complications of diabetes and the therapeutic approach. Due to the need to improve the level of self-care, we prepared individualized education. The three-day individualized education was designed as a thematically structured education. We found that patients with type 1 diabetes had significantly higher self-care ability scores than patients with type 2 diabetes, that women were more successful than men in foot care and diabetic nutrition, and that men were more successful than women in physical activity. With these research findings, we have proven that individualized education helps independence in self-care when it is tailored to the patients’ personal needs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Snježana Gaćina, Blaž Mlačak, Bojana Filej https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Chronic Pelvic Pain on Women’s Quality of Life
Chronic pelvic pain affects between 5.7% and 26.6% of women and interferes with various aspects of women’s lives. The aim of the systematic literature review is to identify factors that affect the quality of life of women with chronic pelvic pain and to highlight the key areas affected by the pain. We searched the literature in the international databases CINAHL ultimate, ScienceDirect and MEDLINE using the following keywords: chronic pelvic pain AND women, women chronic pelvic pain AND quality of life, chronic pelvic pain AND gynaecology, chronic pelvic pain AND holistic care. The review included 11 scientific articles published after 2018. Based on the thematic analysis, we formed four content groups: factors affecting the quality of life of women with chronic pelvic pain; the impact of chronic pelvic pain on physical health and quality of life; the impact of chronic pelvic pain on mental health and quality of life; the impact of chronic pelvic pain on interpersonal relationships. Our results show that chronic pelvic pain has an impact on women’s quality of life, affecting their physical and mental health as well as their social functioning. Healthcare professionals need to treat chronic pelvic pain as a multidimensional phenomenon and be guided by the biopsychosocial model of health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Urša Bartol https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Interprofessional Collaboration in the Palliative Care Process of a Patient with Intestinal Stoma
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Slovenia. Surgical treatment often results in an intestinal stoma. Caring for patients with incurable disease and an intestinal stoma requires interprofessional collaboration. The aim of the study is to present the importance of interprofessional collaboration in the palliative care process for patients with an intestinal stoma. The study adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing the text analysis method and the unstructured interview technique. We used a non- andomised purposive sampling and included a surgeon, a registered nurse, an enterostomal therapist, a psychologist, a healthcare coordinator, and a community nurse. The participants of the study emphasised the importance of mental and physical preparation of the patient for surgery in the context of palliative care for individuals with an intestinal stoma. They also emphasised the education on intestinal stoma management provided by the enterostomal therapist. The participants highlighted both the benefits and limitations of interprofessional collaboration. The most significant benefit is the provision of high-quality and safe patient care, while the primary limitation is the lack of staff.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ivona Botić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rest in Chronic Low Back Pain – The Gap Between Practice and Guidelines
Chronic non-specific low back pain is common, and represents a public health and economic challenge. The current guidelines recommend maintaining activity, limiting prolonged bed rest, and appropriately adapting work participation. Misconceptions about rest can influence physiotherapists’ recommendations and patient recovery. In a cross-sectional study, 104 physiotherapists from primary care in Slovenia completed the HC-PAIRS, Back-PAQ, and clinical case questions (activity, work, rest) via an online questionnaire. The highest adherence to guidelines was observed for physical activity (54%), while recommendations regarding work (non-adherent in 89%) and rest (non-adherent in 64%) were largely inconsistent with the current guidelines. Most physiotherapists still recommended restrictions on bed rest, despite evidence of the harmful effects of prolonged rest. The results highlight the need for improved professional education to promote an active approach and guideline adherence, which may enhance patient outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alenka Groboljšek, Maja Frangež https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Managerial Competencies Among Healthcare Leaders – An Exploratory Study in Selected Healthcare Organizations
This study examined how senior healthcare managers assess the importance of managerial competences, their own skills, and the alignment between the two. We also explored the influence of prior training and the willingness to pursue further development. Six key competency areas were identified — communication, staff leadership, planning, financial management, problem-solving, and organisational management — and a questionnaire tailored to the Slovenian context was developed. The study included 134 respondents from 15 healthcare institutions, yielding a response rate of 31.46%. The average ratings of competency importance ranged from 4.6 to 4.7 on a five-point scale, indicating a high perceived value, while self-assessments of competences were lower, ranging from 3.5 to 3.9. The highest alignment was observed in staff leadership, and the greatest discrepancy in financial management. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the perceived importance and self-assessment (p <0.001), as well as between the respondents with and without prior training experience. The findings indicate a high level of awareness of the importance of managerial competences and highlight the need for targeted training programmes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Saša Terseglav, Boštjan Kušar, Brigita Skela Savič https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Management as a Key Factor of Quality Services in Healthcare
In recent decades, healthcare systems around the world have experienced significant changes, driven by factors such as globalisation, ageing populations, staff turnover, climate change, and changing societal values and expectations of health. The aim of the research was to examine the link between management and the quality of patient care in an international environment through a systematic review of the scientific literature. To obtain relevant data, we conducted a thorough literature review with the following inclusion criteria: time limit of the last five years, free access to full texts and content relevance to the research objective. After the selection and analysis of sources, 18 scientific articles were included in the final analysis. The results of the content analysis confirm the key role of management in ensuring quality healthcare at all levels of healthcare. The findings highlight the importance of strategic development of all healthcare professions and the necessity of active support from management in public healthcare institutions. A strengthened role of management can significantly contribute to improving the quality of patient care, increasing employee satisfaction and a higher level of satisfaction among healthcare users. Based on the findings, we recommend increased investment in the development of management competencies of employees in the public healthcare sector.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alja Mikec, Milena Kramar Zupan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Physiotherapy Treatment of Low Back Pain in Runners – A Literature Review
Low back pain is a common condition that limits runners' ability to run. Physiotherapy based on conservative treatment helps to eliminate the problem in the short and long term. The aim of article was to investigate the causes of low back pain in runners and to explore effective physiotherapy procedures. We used a review of peer-reviewed and scientific literature published in the Pedro, COBISS, ProQuest and Pubmed databases. We limited the hits by the following inclusion criteria: relevant articles, published in full text over a period of 10 years in English and Slovenian. Out of 978 hits, we used 15 articles for the final analysis. We created 47 codes, which we divided into 3 content categories. Physiotherapy rehabilitation includes a combination of various exercises (trunk activation, stretching, balance, coordination and strength), manual therapy (mobilisation and soft tissue techniques) and instrumental therapy (ultrasound, thermal therapy and electrotherapy), which are the most effective conservative treatments for reducing low back pain.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ema Hegler, Monika Zadnikar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Burnout Syndrome at Work Among Perioperative Nurses in Operating Rooms in the Republic of Croatia
Burnout syndrome in the workplace is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion caused by job stress. The medical staff working in operating rooms are at a risk of the burnout syndrome. The purpose of the study was to determine the link between chronic stress and the burnout syndrome among perioperative nurses working in operating rooms in Croatia. In total, 427 perioperative nurses participated in the research. The Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress was used to assess chronic stress. The experience of the burnout syndrome was examined using a single question from the Questionnaire on the Association Between Stress Incidence Levels and Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases by Kadirić. A total of 40.3% of the surveyed perioperative nurses confirmed that they have experienced the burnout syndrome at work. A statistically significant positive correlation between the degree of assessed and experienced burnout syndrome at work was obtained, placing the Score on the Chronic Stress Screening Scale (r=0.45), as well as the results on all scales of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress. Burnout syndrome at work showed the highest correlation with the score on the Chronic Worry scale (r=0.42) and the lowest correlation with the score on the Social Overload scale (r=0.30). The introduction of psychoeducation as part of a preventive program in a therapeutic context would have a positive effect on recognizing and preventing the burnout syndrome as well as reducing chronic stress.
Copyright (c) 2025 Enesa Kadirić, Marjana Merkač Skok, Danica Železnik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Opinion of Nursing Professionals on Euthanasia
Euthanasia, which triggers discussion and controversy worldwide, is an issue that has many opponents and supporters. First and foremost, healthcare professionals are involved in the treatment of patients requesting euthanasia, so their opinion on euthanasia and its legalization is important. The aim of the research was to find out the opinions and views of nurses on euthanasia. The study was based on a qualitative research approach and a descriptive working method. We included 12 care providers in the study who work in different areas of healthcare. We found that the majority of care providers have a positive attitude toward euthanasia and would like to legalize it in Slovenia. They expressed concern about the abuse, which should be prevented by clear legislation and strict conditions for performing euthanasia. The survey shows a positive preference for euthanasia, which is also evident in other similar surveys. The most common reasons for its legalization are the autonomy of the individual in relation to their treatment and the prohibition of torture. The most common reason given by the opponents of euthanasia was religion, which disapproves of the taking of life because it is sacred.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kristina Rakuša Krašovec https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Where Are We and Where Are We Going: Experts on Cultural Competence in the Slovenian Healthcare System
The Slovenian society is becoming increasingly diverse, necessitating the development of cultural competence within the healthcare system. Cultural competence is essential for ensuring equitable and high-quality care for all individuals. The first step in fostering cultural competence involves assessing the current state in this domain, which constituted the primary objective of our research. The study was based on qualitative methodology, specifically eight semi-structured interviews with experts in the examined field. Through directed content analysis, the collected data were categorized according to Cross's six-stage continuum of responses to diversity. No evidence of cultural destructiveness was identified. However, elements of cultural incapacity (fear, prejudice) and cultural blindness (universal approaches without adaptation, lack of cultural sensitivity) were observed. The majority of the findings indicated a cultural pre-competence within the healthcare system, characterized by a growing awareness of diversity, initial educational initiatives, and projects focused on cultural competence, yet lacking systemic solutions. We conclude that the healthcare system is moving towards cultural competence, although significant progress remains to be made. Social changes and political discourse can swiftly lead to regression.
Copyright (c) 2025 Helena Kristina Halbwachs, Helena Blažun Vošner, Marija Ovsenik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing the Safety of Older Adults' Home Environments with the HOME FAST Assessment Tool
In an ageing society, addressing the challenges of older adults is critical to ensuring their safety and quality of life. Falls in the home environment are one of the greatest risks for older adults and often lead to loss of independence. As part of an interdisciplinary research project, students from different disciplines used the Home FAST assessment tool to identify risk factors in the home environment of older adults. 26 homes of people aged 65 and over were assessed. The results showed that the most common hazards for falls were slippery surfaces (69%), loose carpets (50%), lack of grab bars in the bathroom (65%), and hazards when using stairs (42%) and kitchen appliances (65% cannot reach them). Many homes lacked adequate lighting (15%) or marked stair nosings (80%), further increasing the risk of falls. The results show how important it is to adapt the living environment and take preventative measures. To support older adults and their relatives, an information booklet was produced with practical instructions on how to create a safe living environment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jan Strajnar, Žak Kreča, Filip Pretnar, Sara Drevenšek, Eva Logar, Dolores Sodja, Katarina Hekić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Challenges of Integrating Volunteering into the Long-Term Care System for Older Adults
The shortage of workforce in long-term care is an increasing challenge, leading many European countries to systematically integrate volunteers as a supplementary resource for older adult care. This study, based on focus groups with 53 participants, analyzes key barriers and systemic measures to enhance volunteer engagement. Findings indicate that volunteer participation is hindered by insufficient coordination, unclear roles, and low societal recognition. Young volunteers face psychological and logistical challenges, while the lack of formal incentives, such as tax benefits and certification, further limits engagement. The study highlights the need for regulatory reforms, integration of volunteering into the education system, and professionalization of volunteer coordination. Innovative models, such as time-banking systems and media campaigns, could strengthen the social legitimacy of volunteering, enhance intergenerational solidarity, and improve the quality of older adult care.
Copyright (c) 2025 Karmen Erjavec https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Quality Management in Healthcare Through the Application of High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) During ERCP Procedures
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive procedure associated with a high risk of respiratory complications, such as hypoxemia and hypercapnia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) compared to conventional nasal cannula (CNC) in maintaining oxygenation and ventilation during ERCP. This prospective, randomized pilot study included 20 patients divided into two groups (HFNC n=10; CNC n=10). Oxygen saturation (SaO₂) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (paCO₂) were measured before and after the procedure. Data were analyzed using Levene’s test and an independent samples t-test. The HFNC group achieved significantly higher oxygen saturation (98.28 ± 3.15) compared to the CNC group (93.00 ± 5.96; p=0.024). Furthermore, paCO₂ was significantly lower in the HFNC group (5.36 ± 0.70) compared to the CNC group (6.34 ± 0.62; p<0.01). The HFNC group also had fewer episodes of desaturation and required fewer airway interventions. The results demonstrate that the use of HFNC during ERCP improves oxygenation, reduces CO₂ retention, and enhances patient safety, especially among those with higher respiratory risk. Despite the limitations of a small sample size, the findings are consistent with the existing literature and support further implementation of HFNC in gastroenterological endoscopy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Valentina Ješić, Vesna Zupančić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Special HumanUP neck massage for people with cervical syndrome
Retraction headaches account for about 60% of chronic headaches caused by changes in the cervical spine. A possible cause of these headaches is the tensional pressure of the neck muscles on the vertebral attachments, especially the atlas. HumanUP is a method whereby vibratory pressure is applied in an attempt to reverse the deprivation and minimal dislocation of the vertebrae by massaging the attachments of the vertebral muscles with a massager. We tested 90 patients and included 72 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Pain was tested with standardised questionnaires, VAS, MSQ, MIDAS and HIT-6, and with linear joint mobility measurements of the cervical spine. The study lasted 6 months. In 87.5% of patients, pain intensity decreased by 42% after the first treatment, by 53% after the second treatment and by 77% after the third treatment. Measurements of antiflexion, retroflexion and internal rotation showed an improvement in mobility of at least 26% after the first treatment, 45% after the second treatment and 55% after the third treatment. The presented HumanUP cervical massage is a new form of physiotherapy that makes us think about the causes of neck pain and cervical headaches. We will continue our research and analyse the causes of pressure headaches and neck syndromes.
Copyright (c) 2024 Damnjan Damnjanović, Zmago Turk https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TheraSuit in children with cerebral palsy - opinions of physiotherapists on the effectiveness of the method
The TheraSuit method is an intensive therapeutic program that promotes functional progress and helps children learn correct movement patterns, while providing training in functional skills. The aim of the study is to gain insight into the experiences and opinions of physiotherapists regarding the effectiveness of the TheraSuit method in treating children with cerebral palsy. The research is empirical and qualitative. A semi-structured interview was used. Six TheraSuit therapists participated in the study. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using coding. Two categories and ten subcategories were formed. The breadth of experiences and opinions of the practitioners was found. In terms of experience, the importance of past practice, individual decision-making about the appropriateness and procedure of therapy implementation is highlighted. TheraSuit therapists set goals together with children and parents. The effects were divided into effects at the level of impairment-function, activity, and participation. Respondents acknowledge the transfer of skills to the home and school environment. The research provides a view of therapists' perspective on the TheraSuit method and contributes to further research in this field.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ana Knavs, Monika Zadnikar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Organizational Culture as a Key Factor in the Success of Change Implementation
Organizational culture in healthcare is dynamic and presents both challenges and opportunities, as it influences employee behavior and organizational outcomes. However, changing it is challenging, especially without well-informed and prepared employees. A supportive workplace culture can facilitate transitions during changes and help employees adapt to and actively participate in them more effectively. The study at General Hospital Novo mesto explored employees' readiness for change, their understanding of roles and responsibilities in the change process, and their level of engagement in implementing changes. The results showed that employees, on average, rated their readiness for change highly (M = 4,05; SD = 0,68), with the highest ratings for openness to new methods and understanding change as an opportunity to improve work quality. Similarly, employees expressed strong awareness of their role and responsibility in the success of change, particularly regarding the impact of their work on achieving goals (M = 4,04; SD = 0,71). However, there was noticeable diversity in responses, indicating the need for targeted actions to increase readiness among less open groups. The study also revealed that the prevailing organisational culture in the hospital is organizational culture of a clan, followed by the culture of market.
Copyright (c) 2024 Milena Kramar Zupan, Andreja Gradišek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Websites as an information resource in community-based mental health care for marginalized adults: A quality assessment
Websites are used as a resource for community-based mental health care for marginalized adults. The use of new technologies is becoming more commonplace for marginalized adults, with most of them not experiencing stigma online and the reasons for non-use being attributed to their socioeconomic circumstances, culture and lifestyle. The aim of the research was to assess the quality of mental health websites and identify examples of good/bad practice. A qualitative research approach was used. 25 websites were included in the analysis and quality assessment, which were collected via the search engine "google" with the initial keyword "mental health". The criteria used for the evaluation were readability, quality of information, user-friendliness and visual design. The "Program Mira" website and other National Institute of Public Health websites were found to be an example of good practice. Sponsored websites of lower quality were also included in the group of 25 hits. Regulatory, organizational, educational and media restrictions in Slovenia affect both the content and the ranking of individual websites. With a continuous cross-sectoral approach, it must be ensured in an integrated way that the highest quality mental health websites are automatically placed in the top ten hits, as in most cases adults only look at the first ten hits of websites
Copyright (c) 2024 Vesna Zupančič https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Life Roles After a Spinal Cord Injury - Qualitative Phenomenological Research
A spinal cord injury damages the nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, potentially resulting in permanent impairment of bodily functions below the injury site and significantly impacting an individual's daily life. Occupational therapists are integral to the process of coping with the unexpected changes. This study aimed to explore how people with spinal cord injury experience changes in their life roles. A qualitative study was conducted with a sample of six individuals with paraplegia using in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis identified four main themes and nine subthemes. The findings reveal that participation in life roles is crucial for people with spinal cord injury as they strive to remain equal members of society. This process of accepting change takes time and social support is of great importance, while the most common obstacle is an inaccessible built environment. Various adaptations to the physical and occupational environment enable people with spinal cord injury to maintain their role and identity, achieve personal goals, and lead a fulfilling life. Understanding life roles can help occupational therapists design client-centered therapy, empowering individuals and facilitating their reintegration into their home environment.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ema Maier, Zorana Sicherl https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Vloga ekoterapije v sodobni preventivni in kurativni medicini
Nature-based healing or ecotherapy can be seen as one of the ecosystem services provided by nature, but it can also be seen as an important complementary method within an integrative medical approach. The concept of ecotherapy is not new in the global context, but not much has been written about it in Slovenia, and the integration of various ecotherapeutic methods into our healthcare system is still in its infancy. A review of the scientific literature on ecotherapy for the treatment of some common physical and mental health disorders was carried out in the PubMed online database. The references cited in the selected articles were also reviewed and additional articles relevant to the topic were selected. Thus, a total of 58 articles were included in the analysis. The selected articles were reviewed and organised according to the hierarchy of evidence and analysed according to the health component or clinical indication considered. The collected evidence shows the effectiveness and applicability of ecotherapeutic approaches in different patient groups, although there are still many gaps in the understanding of the underlying physiological mechanisms that take place in the human body during different ecotherapeutic interventions.
Copyright (c) 2024 Luka Kristanc, Nevenka Kregar Velikonja https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identified nursing diagnoses and nursing interventions in older adults in family and community nursing care
Developing a nursing care plan for older adults, using nursing diagnoses and planning nursing interventions based on these, contributes to the development of a continuum of patient-centred care. The study explores the incidence of nursing diagnoses and interventions in older adults in community nursing care and whether they differ according to living environment, education, and gender. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches was used to analyse the archival data collected in the CoNSENSo project. A retrograde review of documents was carried out, with which we wanted to review a selection of nursing diagnoses and nursing interventions collected on a sample of 732 older adults. The classification according to the NANDA model was used to determine the agreed diagnoses. In the identification of nursing diagnoses, there are statistically significant differences between the incidence of nursing diagnoses according to the level of education, gender and living environment (urban/rural). The obtained data significantly contribute to and confirm the importance of using nursing diagnoses and nursing intervention planning for effective management of patient treatment in the home environment.
Copyright (c) 2024 Tamara Štemberger Kolnik, Jolanda Lamot, Andreja Ljubič, Boštjan Žvanut https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identifying the needs of producers—obstacles and development opportunities and selecting the herbs with the greatest market potential
Herb cultivation plays an important role in the European economy. The fact that most of the dried plant material is grown in nature and/or imported from outside the EU shows that there is an opportunity to strengthen the sustainable production and processing of herbs in Europe and in Slovenia. Since there is no information on the demand, the possibilities of collaboration and purchase, and the most environmentally and market-friendly herbs for cultivation in Slovenia, the aim of the study is to present the results of an analysis of the needs of producers and buyers by conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders (N = 18). The results show that the demand for herbs in Slovenia is growing and that there is also a great need for organized purchasing of herbs. They see the biggest obstacles to production in low purchase prices, insufficient production, lack of collaboration between producers, and the lack of a cooperative that would enable the collaboration of stakeholders in the market. The interviewees see the solution in receiving help from the Ministry of Agriculture, the establishment of a research institution for professional support in the field of herbalism, and the inclusion of herbs in the tourist, culinary and therapeutic offer, whereby the key lies in recognizing the importance of local raw materials.
Copyright (c) 2024 Nevenka Kregar Velikonja, Sabina Krsnik, Karmen Erjavec https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Empowering patients with antiphospholipid syndrome to self-control and self-administration of anticoagulant therapy
Empowerment is fundamental for patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, for their understanding of the disease and for safe and effective anticoagulation treatment. Structured education can improve patient empowerment and empower patients to self-monitor and self-manage anticoagulation treatment in the home environment. The aim of the study was to determine the level of empowerment of patients about anticoagulation treatment based on the knowledge they have acquired in the process of health education at the primary and secondary level. We included 192 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome managed in anticoagulation clinics. Data were obtained by means of a questionnaire. Patients were assessed for their level of empowerment and divided into four categories. We found that the distribution of patients in the categories was quite comparable between primary and secondary levels of care. The study has confirmed that patients at both primary and secondary levels show a high level of empowerment and interest in being empowered to perform selfmonitoring and self-management of anticoagulation treatment.
Copyright (c) 2024 Andreja Hrovat Bukovšek, Bojana Filej https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Stress and emotional well-being of physiotherapists in the Republic of Croatia: defining key predictors of burnout syndrome
Research on the lives of physiotherapists in the Republic of Croatia examines demographic characteristics, work experience, job satisfaction, stress perception, and self-assessment of happiness. The study involved 501 participants, average age of 36.95 years, mainly employed in the public sector. Most participants are married or in a domestic partnership (65.9%), of which 45.3% live with a partner and children. Work organization and interpersonal relationships are key sources of stress. Participants are generally satisfied and happy, emphasizing the positive aspect of emotional well-being. Awareness of job stress predicts burnout syndrome, with significant influence from gender, level of education, and job position (p<0.05). Research conclusions underscore the need for balance between professional development and caring for emotional well-being to achieve optimal work outcomes. They advocate for promoting work environments that foster emotional well-being and adjusting working conditions to the needs of healthcare professionals for long-term improvement in work efficiency and employee satisfaction in physiotherapy.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ana Banić, Lovorka Bilajac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Musculoskeletal Disorders among Employees Working with Computers
Complaints of arm, neck and/or shoulder are the most common result of prolonged computer work. In addition to physical factors at work, their prevalence is linked to psychosocial and personal risk factors. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of hand, neck and/or shoulder disorders in office workers in a selected Slovenian company. We looked for associations between these diseases and risk factors. A total of 65 subjects, mostly women (86.2%), aged between 28 and 59 years, were included in the quantitative data processing. The online version of the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire was sent via e-mail to employees, who work mainly at a computer. The observational method was used to study workplace factors. Neck disorders were the most commonly reported with a prevalence of 0.48. Exploratory factor analysis extracted twelve factors, several of which showed associations with neck and upper limb disorders. The most common workplace anomalies observed were chair back and the positioning of the screen. The prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in the subjects is comparable to two Slovenian studies and to studies in other countries of the developed world. The findings on the association with risk factors and diseases in our study differ slightly from those of other studies.
Copyright (c) 2023 Alenka Plemelj Mohorič, Katarina Kacjan Žgajnar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Parents' Opinion on the Processing of Sensory Inputs in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have problems performing various occupations that are under the scope of occupational therapy treatment. One potential obstacle to performing occupations can also be difficulties in processing sensory inputs. In the study, we used the Questionnaire on Children's Processing of Sensory Input for School-Aged Children to determine whether sensory input processing and behavioral responses to it differ in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and neurotypical children. A total of 62 parents of neurotypical children and 42 parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder aged 6–9 years were included in the study. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups on the total scale and most subscales (Ideas and Movement Planning; Touch; Body Awareness; Hearing; and Smell and Taste). The mentioned research findings align with the findings of other similar studies, in which parents were the primary source of data.
Copyright (c) 2023 Aleks Anton Turel, Nevenka Gričar, Tanja Černe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Hospital Admissions Due to Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Diseases in Slovenia in the Period 2016–2022
Due to its high incidence, the large group of 150 musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases represents a public health problem in Slovenia. Such diseases limit mobility and dexterity, which leads to absence from work, early retirement, lower level of well-being, and reduced ability to participate in society. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the condition of patients with such diseases. With the present retrospective observational study, we analyzed all hospital admissions for musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases in Slovenia in the period between 2016 and 2022. The results of the analysis showed that between 2016 and 2019, the average annual rate of hospital admissions was 10.8 per 1,000 inhabitants, with a sharp decline observed in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, the rate was 8.3, and in 2021, it was 7.9 per 1,000 inhabitants. Osteoarthritis of the hip and arthrosis of the knee were the most common causes of hospitalization due to musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases during the observed period. The decline in the number of hospital admissions is very likely the result of various restrictive measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Copyright (c) 2023 Sandra Simonović, Sabina Sedlak, Marjetka Jelenc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Use of Socially Assistive Robots in the Care of Patients with Dementia in the Home Environment
With the aging population, an increase in the incidence of dementia is expected. Integrating robots into the nursing care of individuals with dementia can have a positive impact, as various robots could reduce the workload of nurses, thus improving the quality and safety of patient care. A review of scientific literature in English was conducted using keywords such as dementia, Alzheimer‘s, cognitive impairment, memory loss, nursing robot, and robotics. The literature search took place between October and December 2021 in the CINAHL and PubMed databases. Care for patients with dementia already involves social robots, capable of assisting patients in promoting cognitive abilities and meeting psychosocial needs. This can be achieved by involving robots in providing support for increased engagement and communication, along with activities to prevent or reduce depression, stress, anxiety, and loneliness. The results of the literature review indicate the need for more in-depth research into the factors contributing to the successful integration of robots into the care of patients with dementia. It is essential to define the tasks of these robots and the mode of integration into patient care.
Copyright (c) 2023 Jana Knez, Rok Drnovšek, Marija Milavec Kapun https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Occupational Therapist's Role in Interventions for Mothers with Mental Health Disorders
Occupational therapists can significantly help improve the lives of mothers with mental health disorders. The purpose of the study was to examine occupational therapists' experiences with and roles in interventions for mothers with mental health disorders. We have conducted qualitative research on a sample of five occupational therapists, using semi -structured interviews. Transcripts were analyzed on the principles of qualitative data analysis. Knowledge sources for occupational therapists were mainly co-workers' experiences and their own parental experiences. Most interventions were carried out to establish children's and mothers' daily routines; to participate in the activities of daily living; to increase social participation; and to increase mothers' performance autonomy. As a challenge, occupational therapists indicated their role in a multidisciplinary team and the necessity to gain more knowledge related to mental health. For future practice, we suggest more educational content for occupational therapists, so that they can provide the best support to mothers with mental health disorders
Copyright (c) 2023 Amadeja Kangler, Špela Mihevc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0