Kantaporn Yodchai

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by women with breast cancer undergoing paclitaxel treatment. Thus, symptom relief is essential. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to determine whether the use of Innovative Frozen Rubber Gloves could reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and enhance satisfaction among women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The participants were 29 women with newly diagnosed stage I-II breast cancer who underwent four complete cycles of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide, followed by four cycles of a paclitaxel regimen. The study was conducted at the chemotherapy infusion center of the outpatient department of a university hospital in southern Thailand from March 2022 to April 2023. Each participant served as her own control: one hand was designated as the experimental hand and fitted with an Innovative Frozen Rubber Glove for 90 minutes during each of the four paclitaxel infusions (15 minutes before infusion, 60 minutes during infusion, and 15 minutes after infusion). The other hand served as a control hand without the glove. The data collection instruments included the Quality-of-life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 and the Chemo-Cooling Gloves Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Generalized Linear Mixed Model. The results indicated that the Innovative Frozen Rubber Gloves significantly reduced peripheral neuropathy, particularly during cycle 3 (immediately after completing chemotherapy) and cycle 4 (14 days post-chemotherapy). The women with breast cancer reported the highest overall satisfaction with Innovative Frozen Rubber Gloves. Nurses can use this Innovative Frozen Rubber Gloves as a supportive intervention to alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy associated with the paclitaxel regimen. However, further study in a larger sample size is needed.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a LINE-based insulin injection support program on knowledge, insulin adherence, and capillary blood glucose levels in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Methods: A quasi-experimental, two-group pretest–posttest study was conducted with 60 patients from a diabetes clinic in a tertiary hospital in southern Thailand, recruited via simple random sampling. The control ( n = 30) and the experimental ( n = 30) groups were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher's exact, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests. Results: The study found that, after the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge ( M = 4.90, SD = 1.47) and insulin adherence behaviors ( M = 17.53, SD = 1.70) compared to both their baseline and the control group ( p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant difference in blood glucose levels was observed between the groups ( t = −0.41, p > 0.05). Baseline scores for knowledge, insulin adherence, and blood glucose levels did not differ significantly between the groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: A LINE-based insulin injection support program effectively improves knowledge and insulin adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes. Nurses can use this program to provide education and monitor adherence, promoting sustained behavioral improvements.

Background: The study underscores the crucial yet often neglected issue of sexual dysfunction in haemodialysis patients. Despite nephrology nurses'close relationships with patients, there is a significant communication gap on this topic. In China, limited research highlights the need for further study.Objective: To describe the perspectives of Chinese nephrology nurses on discussing sexual dysfunction with patients receiving haemodialysis.Design: A qualitative descriptive study.Participants: Ten Chinese nephrology nurses from a tertiary public hospital in Guizhou province, China.Approach: Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Qualitative content analysis approach was utilised in analysis.Results: There were five themes described: (1) lack of training in sexual education, as nephrology nurses described never being trained to manage patients' sexual health issues; (2) discomfort when discussing sexual topics, Chinese nephrology nurses found the topic of sexual dysfunction embarrassing and avoided discussing it; (3) sexual dysfunction viewed as a nonurgent topic, nephrology nurses prioritise physical health to aid patient survival; (4) belief in physicians as ultimate care advisors, nephrology nurses believed that doctors should handle discussions on sexually related topics; and (5) lack of a suitable environment for discussing sexual dysfunction, nephrology nurses viewed sex as a private matter, inappropriate for discussion in a public unit.Conclusion: The study identifies barriers to discussing sexual dysfunction in healthcare, including provider knowledge deficits, discomfort and lack of supportive environments. It recommends specialised training and conducive settings to improve communication in renal care. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.

Cryotherapy is widely used in health contexts, including first aid, treating acute musculoskeletal injuries and women undergoing chemotherapy. Studies have shown that frozen gloves can help reduce nail toxicity for women undergoing chemotherapy. Nail toxicity is a common issue among people undergoing chemotherapy, causing disfigurement and pain. Although cooling gloves have been shown to reduce nail toxicity, the range of temperatures used remains unclear, often resulting in discomfort. In this innovative study, we used a quasi-experimental, two group pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of Chemo-Cooling Gloves developed by the researchers to help prevent nail toxicity. We assessed satisfaction with the gloves among 27 Thai women undergoing chemotherapy who were purposively recruited according to the inclusion criteria from a chemotherapy center of a university-affiliated hospital in a southern region of Thailand. Participants underwent a regimen of cyclophosphamide in combination with doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil every 21 days for six cycles. Each participant served as their own control, wearing the cooling glove on the one hand randomly selected, while the other hand remained unprotected and acted as the control. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0, and the Chemo-Cooling Gloves Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and Cochran’s Q test. The results revealed that nail toxicity was significantly lower in the protected hand than in the control hand during cycles 2 to 3 and 2 to 4, but no significant difference between the two hands during cycles 2 to 5 and 2 to 6. Overall satisfaction with the Chemo-Cooling Gloves was at the highest level. The use of frozen gloves aligns with evidence-based practice, as supported by our study. Nurses need to be trained in the proper use and application of the gloves and educate patients on the benefits and correct usage to maximize comfort and efficacy. By incorporating the Chemo-Cooling Gloves into routine practice, nurses can help improve patient adherence to chemotherapy regimens and potentially enhance treatment outcomes.

Objective: The aim of the study was to develop and examine satisfaction in using a notification delivery specimen system for perioperative Thai nurses through the LINE application. Methods: Design and development research was used in the study and 100 perioperative nurses were recruited from the three operating theatres in hospital settings in Thailand. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Results: The overall satisfaction in using a notification delivery specimen system for perioperative Thai nurses through the LINE application was at the high level (M = 4.09, SD = 0.75). The perioperative nurses reported ease of use and safety scored high (M = 4.24, SD = 0.62), followed by sharpness of figures and the coloured light alert (M = 4.15, SD = 0.92), sending messages via LINE notification, and delivering the specimen quickly within the time period (M = 4.10, SD = 0.69). Conclusion: The notification delivery specimen system, designed specifically for perioperative Thai nurses and integrated with the LINE application, yielded exceptionally high levels of satisfaction among users. These promising results suggest the potential for widespread adoption in various hospital settings in the coming years.

SUMMARY: Background: Despite sexual dysfunction (SD) being common among, and affecting quality of life in people with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving dialysis, sexuality is not a subject that patients and nephrology nurses usually discuss.Objective: To explore Thai nephrology nurses’ perceptions about discussing sexual health issues with patients receiving dialysis.Material and Methods: A phenomenological approach was applied and data were collected using semi‐structured individual interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 participants from four Southern regional hospitals in Thailand between April and June 2016. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's method.Findings: Participants were aged between 27 and 53 years: mean 42.95 (±7.62 SD). Nineteen were female and sixteen were married. Five themes emerged: (1) improving knowledge in order to enhance confidence before discussing sexuality with patients; (2) gaining patients’ trust before discussing sexuality; (3) finding an appropriate time to discuss sexuality; (4) organising a suitable setting in which to discuss sexuality and (5) feelings of appreciation for helping patients and their partners overcome their sexual health issues.Conclusion: These findings provide an understanding of Thai nurses’ perceptions about the challenges in communicating with patients experiencing ESKD regarding sexual health problems and concerns. The findings suggest that sexual health education and training would enhance the confidence of Thai nephrology nurses in initiating sexuality‐related discussions with their patients.

Background: People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face various problems including psychological, socioeconomic and physical effects associated with CKD and its treatment. They need to develop strategies to help them cope with CKD and life challenges. Religion and spirituality are important coping strategies, but their role in helping people cope with CKD and haemodialysis (HD) in Thailand is relatively unknown.Aims: To investigate the role of religion and spirituality in coping with CKD and its treatment in Thailand.Design: An exploratory, qualitative approach was undertaken using semistructured individual interviews.Method: Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Face‐to‐face, in‐depth individual interviews using open questions were conducted during January and February 2012. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the framework method of qualitative data analysis.Findings: Twenty people receiving HD participated: age range 23–77 years, mean 53.7 (±16.38 SD). Ten were women. Participants reported use of religious and spiritual practices to cope with CKD and its treatment, including religious and spiritual explanations for developing CKD, karmic disease, making merit, reading Dharma books, praying and chanting to save life and making a vow to Pran‐Boon.Conclusion: Religion and spirituality provide powerful coping strategies that can help Thai people with CKD overcome the associated distress and difficulties. Religion and spirituality cannot be separated in Thai culture because Thai people are both religious and spiritual.

SUMMARY: Background: Pain affects peoples' well‐being and quality of life and is one of the most common symptoms experienced by people receiving haemodialysis (HD).Objectives: To explore how Thai people receiving HD perceive pain, the effect of pain on their lives, and how they cope with and manage pain.Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from two Thai outpatient haemodialysis facilities in Songkhla province. Face‐to‐face, in‐depth individual interviews using open‐ended questions were conducted during January and February 2012. The interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Ritchie and Spencer's Framework method.Findings: Twenty people receiving HD participated in the study: age range 23–77 years; 10 were females. Three main types of pain emerged: physical pain, which occurred when needles were inserted during HD treatment and vascular access operations; psychological pain due to unfulfilled hopes and dreams and changes in family roles; and social pain. Perception of pain was influenced by the general populations' perceptions of chronic kidney disease. Participants used two main coping styles to manage pain: health‐adjustment and health‐behaviour styles. These two coping styles encompassed four specific coping strategies: religion, spirituality, accepting pain associated with HD treatment, and social support. Coping styles and strategies were influenced by Thai culture.Conclusion: The study elicited information that could help nursing staff understand how Thai people manage pain and the importance of cultural beliefs to their pain experience and coping strategies, which in turn can help nurses plan appropriate pain management.