OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the conditions and challenges related to the implementation of simulation-based education for regional nurses in university hospitals. METHOD: A questionnaire was administered to deputy directors and high-ranking officials in charge of the education of the nursing staff in 132 university hospitals in Japan. RESULTS: Of the 62 facilities responding, only 16 provided simulation-based education for regional nurses. Respondents recognized that economic factors inhibited the implementation of simulation-based education, and understood the necessity to build a system of collaboration with communities in the region. Factors related to the implementation of simulation-based education included the number of hospital beds, and the lack of understanding of simulation education at their institutions. Challenges included “human resources,” “collaboration systems,” “ideas about simulation-based education,” “understanding of needs,” “material resources” and “economic resources.” CONCLUSION: Not enough university hospitals are implementing simulation-based education for regional nurses. To remedy this situation, university hospitals need to enhance their human, material, and economic resources, and establish a collaborative system with local communities.

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The purpose of this study was to identify the support provided to older people living alone who have alcohol-related problems by nurses working at Community general support centers and the difficulties that nurses face in this process. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses working at Community general support centers using an open-ended, self-administered questionnaire. Responses from 209 nurses were collected and content analysis was performed. Ten categories of support were generated, including “Strategies to reduce alcohol consumption,” and 11 categories of difficulties in support, including “Refusal to accept treatment and support”. The results showed that older people living alone had alcohol-related problems, such as interruption of the use of care services due to alcohol consumption, and that these problems are more likely to become latent due to the fact that they live alone. In conclusion, a harm reduction approach and support during isolation are considered to be crucial for such older people living alone. Alternatively, it is necessary to establish a system that facilitates cooperation among supporters of the older with mental illnesses and specialized institutions for alcohol-related problems.

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The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of comfortable brassieres for lactating women with breast engorgement and their effect on breast swelling based on the drawn distance, the pulled-up distance of the breast, and the feeling of the worn brassieres. Four women with breast engorgement on the third day after delivery wore a wired brassiere (brassiere P or Q) and two non-wired brassieres (brassieres R and S). After each brassiere was worn, the drawing distance and pulling-up distance of the breast were measured, and a questionnaire on the worn feeling was administered, with responses graded on a five-point scale. The women felt that the more their breasts were lifted with brassiere R (r=0.861, p<0.01), the less breast tightness they felt. Brassiere R was non-wired, had good elasticity and breathability, and a wide shoulder strap that alleviated shoulder strain. Lactating women with breast engorgement preferred it because it supported the breast without compressing it. It is important for midwives to understand the characteristics and breast conditions of different brassieres, and support the selection of a proper brassiere, which is an important care product for lactating women.

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This paper examines the factors that affect the access and use of medical and health information by foreign residents in Japan. Thirty-three articles from the entire period of searchable articles in the Igaku-Chuo Zasshi, CINAHL and PubMed were selected for the study. Foreign residents experienced language barriers and lack of adequate information in a culture different from their own. It was found that social support was mainly provided by relatives and the native language community, and that information sources were limited. The results of this study indicate the importance of providing sufficient information in the native language, respect for the native culture, promotion of understanding of different healthcare systems, and community-based social support in order for foreign residents to obtain information and make their own judgments and decisions. However, the factors that influence their access to and use of information differ among foreign residents depending on their nationality and individual living environment.

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The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors influencing psychiatric nurses' attitudes toward utilizing research findings. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire survey was administered to nurses working in psychiatric institutions throughout Japan. The questionnaire was distributed to 4,774 psychiatric nurses from 82 cooperating facilities, resulting in a total of 2,999 participants for analysis. The results of a stepwise method of multiple regression analysis suggested that regardless of job position or educational background, nurses may be positively affected by frequently reviewing relevant literature, having superior psychiatric nursing practice skills, having experience writing and submitting relevant articles, and negatively affected by having long years of psychiatric experience. The results also suggest that the absence of a coercive organizational climate and the development of rational organizational management based on the autonomy of nurses are environmental conditions that enhance attitudes towards the use of research findings. We believe that an organization's support for familiarity with literature and research and the creation of a free and open atmosphere will motivate nurses to improve their practical skills and inspire an improved attitude related to the use of research findings.

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【Purpose】This study aimed to obtain medical suggestions by clarifying the patients' holistic distress in the struggle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 【Method】Using the search function of Rakuten Books, we entered the keywords "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" or "ALS." Then, we used these to search manually for titles from the past three years. Ultimately, three publications were extracted. Next, we organized the contents related to holistic distress in three ALS cases and analyzed these for their common characteristics. 【Results】Six categories of physical, seven categories of mental, two categories of social, and three categories of spiritual pain were extracted as comprising holistic distress. 【Conclusion】This study's results suggest several strategies should be used to reduce ALS patients' overall level of distress. First, the accumulated knowledge drawn from the medical staff's careful involvement in preventing and alleviating physical pain and relieving mental discomfort should be applied using comprehensive medical intervention via multidisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, creating an environment where patients can maintain social relationships to the greatest extent possible is essential.

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