The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between low back pain (LBP) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients on chronic hemodialysis with locomotive syndrome (LS). Ninety-four hemodialysis patients (54 men and 40 women, aged 72.8 ± 10.2 years) with LS by " Loco-Check " , which was established by the Japanese Orthopedic Association, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The relationship between LBP and HRQOL by EuroQOL-5D (EQ-5D) was evaluated. Thirty-eight patients (40.4%) had LBP. EQ-5D scores were significantly lower in patients with LBP than in those without LBP even after adjustments for confounding factors. A multiple regression analysis identified LBP, age, and history of diabetic mellitus as factors influencing EQ-5D scores in patients on chronic hemodialysis with LS. These results suggest that preventing and attenuating LBP may improve HRQOL in patients on chronic hemodialysis with LS.

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Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) reduce the quality of life of dementia patients and their families. BPSDs are classified as " overactivity syndrome, " with excited state, and " low activity syndrome, " with depressive state. Low activity BPSDs can remain unidentified by dementia care providers because of inconspicuous patient behaviors. In this study, existing literature was reviewed using reports on nursing practice for patients with low activity BPSDs to examine the current situation and issues in Japan. From extracting and analyzing descriptions from the literature, " Assisting eating that respects patients, " " Improving life rhythm, " and " Intentional touching care " were the main suggested practices identified. No literature was found describing nursing practices related to grief concerning low activity symptoms. However, literature describing nursing practices concerning low activity symptoms (often overlooked) was found. This study can serve as a basis for clarifying nurses' observation perspectives and clinical judgments.

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One method of developing clinical scholars in nursing who then become leaders is through effective mentorship relationships. The purpose of this paper is to define scholarship according to Boyer's Model, using as an example the roles of faculty and students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in the United States. The expected competencies of graduates from this clinical doctoral nursing program are modifiable and can be applied to nurses at all levels of educational preparation. Productivity through clinical scholarship empowers nurses with the skills and confidence they need to become leaders who will engage in change based on scientific evidence to improve patient care and health care outcomes. Facilitating clinical scholarship is the responsibility of all nursing faculty, administrators, practicing nurses, and organizations in which nurses are employed. The culture within an organization is important in encouraging and providing opportunities for scholarship and mentorship. Research findings are used to define mentorship, and strategies are discussed to implement mentorship programs on different levels in various settings, from individual to institutional. Every nurse has the potential to be a mentor. Clinical scholars are leaders by the nature of the way they approach the work they do. Nurses can make a difference in practice, education, research, and policy if given the necessary tools and support.

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[in Japanese]

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