Validation of the Turkish version of the Neurological Fatigue Index for Stroke

INTRODUCTION

Post-stroke fatigue is an often overlooked problem that hinders recovery. Therefore, stroke patients should be evaluated for fatigue during the recovery period. This study aimed to adapt the Neurological Fatigue Index for Stroke (NFI-Stroke) into the Turkish language.

METHODS

This methodological study was carried out on 110 stroke patients admitted to a university hospital in Istanbul. In addition to the NFI-Stroke, Functional Independence Measure, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified-Rankin Scale, Fatigue Severity-Scale, and Stroke Self Efficacy Questionnaire were used to collect data.

RESULTS

Since the linguistic validity study of the scale has already been carried out, only psychometric properties were evaluated. The items in the scale were grouped under two factors. The Cronbach`s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.96 for the physical sub-dimension and 0.84 for the cognitive sub-dimension. Item-total correlation coefficients were found between 0.74-0.91 for the physical sub-dimension, and 0.82-0.91 for the cognitive sub-dimension. The test-retest evaluation confirmed the consistency of the responses to the scale against time. The scale was correlated with other scales used in the study as expected.

CONCLUSIONS

The NFI-Stroke will be useful in clinical practice in assessment of fatigue, which may affect the adaptation of patients to rehabilitation.

Examining Knowledge, Skill, Stress, Satisfaction, and Self-Confidence Levels of Nursing Students in Three Different Simulation Modalities

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different simulation modalities on knowledge, skill, stress, satisfaction, and self-confidence levels of students receiving undergraduate education in three nursing schools.

METHOD

This was an experimental study. Students applied the scenario of "Respiratory Sounds Assessment" which was prepared according to three different simulation modalities. In the study, the standardized patient, high-fidelity simulation, and partial task trainer were used as simulation modalities.

RESULTS

An increase was observed in postpractice knowledge levels of the three groups which had similar knowledge levels before the practice. Virtual Analog Scale stress levels of the students in the standardized patient group were higher than those of others. The students' mean scores of satisfaction in learning were higher in the standardized patient group. The students in the partial task trainer group had lower scores of self-confidence in learning. Skill scores of the students were lower in the standardized patient practice than those in others.

CONCLUSION

Simulation-based experiences give students the opportunity of experiencing situations they may experience in the actual practice beforehand. Therefore, this may increase their performance in real practices, as reality increases in the standardized patient group.