Geriatric nursing
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Mindfulness meditation in older adults with postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized controlled pilot study.
This parallel-group, randomized controlled pilot study examined daily meditation in a diverse sample of older adults with postherpetic neuralgia. Block randomization was used to allocate participants to a treatment group (n = 13) or control group (n = 14). In addition to usual care, the treatment group practiced daily meditation for six weeks. ⋯ Participants recorded daily pain and fatigue levels in a diary, and treatment participants also noted meditation practice. Results at the 0.10 level indicated improvement in neuropathic, affective, and total pain scores for the treatment group, whereas affective pain worsened for the control group. Participants were able to adhere to the daily diary and meditation requirements in this feasibility pilot study.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Examining the feasibility of implementing specific nursing interventions to promote sleep in hospitalized elderly patients.
Sleep deprivation and subsequent effects on health restoration have been documented in the literature. The purpose of this experimental pilot study was to examine the feasibility of implementing specific nursing interventions to promote sleep in hospitalized older adults. The experimental group received a sleep protocol intervention while the control group received usual nighttime care. ⋯ In addition, those taking sleep medications experienced more awakenings and fewer sleep hours. Experimental group patients identified preferences such as personal hygiene, awareness of normal bedtime, receiving a back rub, straightening bed linens, and receiving a bedtime snack. This pilot provides initial support for the feasibility and utility of implementing a sleep protocol in an acute care setting.