Repository of the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies
Not a member yet
2119 research outputs found
Sort by
From Rehab to Routine: Ensuring Lasting Lifestyle Changes After Cardiac Rehabilitation – First Experiences from the “Love Your Heart” Program
No full textObjective. The study assesses how well patients follow secondary prevention measures after completing an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. Materials and Methods. This research involves 63 patients who completed an outpatient CR pro-gram between 2018 and 2020 at the Istrian Health Center in Pula, Croatia. Socio-demographic characteristics, levels of physical activity, adherence to a Mediterranean diet, and compliance with medical recommendations were assessed in a survey to gather data. Results. Out of the 63 patients surveyed, 51 responded (34 males, 17 females, average age 68.25 years). After completing a cardiac rehabilitation program, 78.4% maintained appropriate levels of physical activity but showed low adherence to a Medi-terranean diet, with an average score of only 3.94 out of 9. Only a small percentage (2%) effectively followed medical recom-mendations. Conclusion. Despite the fact that patients maintain physical activity, there are still challenges regarding adherence to nutritional recommendations and medical advice. Long-term adherence can be improved by utilizing technology, involving family members, and offering education. Future research should focus on identifying obstacles to adherence and developing approaches to achieve lasting behavioral change
MEDIA AND SELF-PERCEPTION OF PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
No full textUvod i cilj istraživanja: cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati utjecaj medija na samoprocjenu fizičkog izgleda kod različitih dobnih skupina. Istraživanje se temelji na sociokulturnom modelu percepcije tijela i ispituje odnos između izloženosti medijskim sadržajima, percepcije tjelesne slike i samopouzdanja.
Materijali i metode: u istraživanju je sudjelovalo 222 ispitanika podijeljenih u tri dobne skupine (18-29, 30-39 i 40+ godina). Podaci su prikupljeni online anketnim upitnikom koji je sadržavao sociodemografske varijable, Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) te posebno kreiran upitnik o percepciji fizičkog izgleda. Statistička analiza provedena je pomoću SPSS softvera, a korišteni su hi-kvadrat test i Spearmanov koeficijent korelacije na razini značajnosti p<0,05.
Rezultati su pokazali da mlađi ispitanici imaju nižu razinu samoprocjene fizičkog izgleda u usporedbi sa starijim skupinama. Postoji značajna povezanost između duljine izloženosti medijskim sadržajima i percepcije vlastitog tijela – ispitanici koji provode više vremena na društvenim mrežama i digitalnim medijima pokazuju veće nezadovoljstvo svojim izgledom. Žene su značajno sklonije osjećaju pritiska da odgovaraju idealima ljepote prikazanima u medijima u odnosu na muškarce.
Ovo istraživanje potvrđuje negativan utjecaj medijskih prikaza na percepciju tjelesne slike i samopouzdanje, osobito među mlađim generacijama i ženama. Rezultati naglašavaju potrebu za edukacijom o medijskoj pismenosti kako bi se smanjio negativan utjecaj nerealnih standarda ljepote na pojedince.Introduction and Research Objective: the aim of this study was to examine the impact of media on self-perception of physical appearance across different age groups. The research is based on the sociocultural model of body perception and investigates the relationship between exposure to media content, body image perception, and self-esteem.
Materials and Methods: the study included 222 participants divided into three age groups (18-29, 30-39, and 40+ years). Data were collected through an online survey that included sociodemographic variables, the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ), and a specially designed questionnaire on the perception of physical appearance. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing the chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of p<0.05.
The results indicated that younger participants had lower self-perceived physical appearance compared to older groups. A significant correlation was found between the length of exposure to media content and body image perception—participants who spent more time on social media and digital media reported greater dissatisfaction with their appearance. Women were significantly more likely than men to feel pressure to conform to beauty ideals portrayed in the media.
This study confirms the negative impact of media representations on body image perception and self-esteem, particularly among younger generations and women. The findings emphasize the need for media literacy education to reduce the negative effects of unrealistic beauty standards on individuals
Croatian nursing students’ motives for enrolling in the Master of Nursing program despite limited career opportunities: a qualitative study
No full textBackgroundIn 2022, only 1.7% of nurses in Croatian healthcare were employed at a job defined as a Master of Nursing (MN) graduate. In the current labour market, most MN graduates in Croatia cannot hope for salary increases or better employment opportunities after graduation. Thus, it is unclear what motivates students to enrol in MN studies, and how they perceive their career possibilities after graduation.AimTo explore the motives of Croatian nursing students for enrolling in the MN program despite uncertainty regarding their future salary and career status.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted on the narratives gathered from semi-structured interviews with full-time and part-time students in Croatia.ResultsWe included 30 students of MN programs attending seven MN institutions. The main themes identified for both full-time and part-time students' motivation to enrol in MN studies were a desire for personal and professional growth and various practical considerations. Optimism about future career prospects was a strong motivation for part-time students. Involvement in scientific work and education was the most common perceived benefit for future professional development with an MN degree for both groups of participants.ConclusionOur findings offer valuable insights into the motivating factors behind MN studies, especially in situations where the value of the MN qualification is under scrutiny, and immediate career or financial benefits may not be apparent upon graduation. Understanding these motivations allows educational and professional organizations to enhance their support for MN graduates looking to advance their careers. By aligning career pathways with their aspirations and motives, nurses can achieve personal fulfilment, even if financial compensation is not their primary motivatio
Influence of Talocrural Joint Position on the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Torque Measured with an Isokinetic and EasyForce® Dynamometer in Young Adults
No full textBackground: Motor irradiation is a concept in which the muscles of the talocrural joint can influence the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The aims of this study are to compare the effects of three different talocrural joint positions on the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle and to analyze the differences in torque measurements between two dynamometers. Methods: 33 students from the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Rijeka participated in the study. The torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle was measured using the Cybex CSMi isokinetic dynamometer and the EasyForce® hand-held fixed dynamometer. The measurements were performed three times continuously for each talocrural joint position. Results: When measured with the isokinetic dynamometer (p = 0.210) and the EasyForce® dynamometer (p = 0.925), no significant difference was found in the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle between the three talocrural joint positions. The dynamometers measured the torque consistently and showed a significant, from very good to excellent correlation of the data (p < 0.001), but did not provide identical results due to constant and proportional differences. Conclusions: There was no significant influence of the three talocrural joint positions on the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle under isometric contraction conditions without a specific angular velocity. The use of the two dynamometers led to similar but inconsistent results in the measurement of muscle torque. This inconsistency is not only because of the differences between the devices themselves, but also due to fundamental methodological differences in participant stabilization and testing procedures
Holistic Approach to Healthcare: The Practice of Using of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Methods Among Cancer Patients and Healthcare Professionals
No full textKomplementarna i alternativna medicina (KAM), prema Svjetskoj zdravstvenoj organizaciji, je dopuna konvencionalnoj medicini i obuhvaća širok spektar praksi koje nisu dio tradicionalnog medicinskog sustava. Unatoč tome, ove prakse postaju sve značajniji dio zdravstvene skrbi, osobito među pacijentima koji se suočavaju s onkološkom bolesti. Predmet ovog istraživanja bio je ispitivanje prakse korištenja metoda komplementarne i alternativne medicine kao nekonvencionalnih terapijskih pristupa kod onkoloških pacijenata i zdravstvenih radnika. Glavni cilj bio je istražiti raširenost primjene KAM metoda u praksi, te utvrditi prediktorske varijable koje utječu na primjenu prirodne, energetske i duhovne medicine. Istraživanje je provedeno kao presječna studija u razdoblju od studenog 2022. do svibnja 2023., primjenom anketne metode na uzorku od 832 sudionika (411 onkoloških bolesnika, 100 liječnika te 321 medicinskih sestara/tehničara) u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Sestre milosrdnice u Zagrebu. Rezultati su pokazali da onkološki pacijenti iskazuju višu razinu primjene KAM metoda liječenja u usporedbi sa zdravstvenim djelatnicima. Osim toga, žene, stariji ispitanici i vjernici pokazali su veću sklonost prema korištenju KAM metodama. Obrazovna razina i profesionalni status su se pokazali ključnima budući da su liječnici i visokoobrazovani sudionici imali niže razine prihvaćanja nekonvencionalnih terapija. Nije utvrđena statistički značajna razlika s obzirom na bračni status, rad u onkološkim odjelima ili područje stanovanja.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) represents a supplement to conventional Western medicine. It encompasses a wide range of practices that are not part of a country’s traditional medical system nor fully integrated into the healthcare system. Nevertheless, these practices – often including natural, energetic, and spiritual methods – are becoming increasingly significant in healthcare, especially among patients facing oncological diseases. In this context, nursing, as a fundamental healthcare discipline, is crucial in providing support to patients through a holistic approach that integrates both conventional and complementary methods. This study aimed to investigate the practice of using complementary and alternative medicine methods among oncological patients and healthcare professionals. The main aim was to investigate the prevalence of applying CAM methods in practice and to identify predictor variables that influence the use of natural, energy-based, and spiritual medicine. The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study from November 2022 to May 2023, using a survey method on a sample of 832 participants at the University Hospital Centre Sisters of Mercy in Zagreb. The sample included 411 oncology patients, 100 physicians, and 321 nurses/technicians. Non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests) were used to analyze group differences. The results revealed that oncology patients demonstrated a higher level of use of unconventional therapeutic methods compared to healthcare professionals. Additionally, women, older participants, and religious individuals showed a greater inclination toward these methods. Educational attainment and professional status also proved to be significant: physicians and highly educated participants exhibited lower levels of acceptance of unconventional therapies. No statistically significant differences were found concerning marital status, employment in oncology departments, or residential areas. The findings underscore the need for a deeper understanding of attitudes toward unconventional therapeutic approaches and highlight their potential in shaping educational programs and developing healthcare policies to better integrate these methods into clinical practice
DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES ABOUT ELDERLY BETWEEN MEDICAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FACULTY OF HEALTH STUDIES RIJEKA STUDENTS
No full textUVOD Ulaskom u stariju životnu dob, češća je incidencija pojave bolesti i padova te ozljeda, smanjuje se sposobnost pojedinca za rad što dovodi do nižih financijskih prihoda te ovisnosti o drugima, stoga se starije osobe često doživljavaju kao teret društvu ili sustavima socijalne skrbi. Period donošenja odluka o profesionalnom usmjerenju mladih isprepliće se s razdobljem adolescencije kojeg obilježava psihičkog i emocionalnog sazrijevanja.Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi postoje li razlike u stavovima i predrasudama prema osobama starije životne dobi između učenika i studenata.
ISPITANICI I METODE Koganovom skalom stavova o starijim osobama provedeno je istraživanje na 117 ispitanika – 59 studenata i 58 učenika. Istraživanje je provedeno u periodu od ožujka 2025. godine do travnja 2025. Mjesto provođenja istraživanja bili u Fakultet zdravstvenih studija u Rijeci i Medicinska škola Pula. Kriteriji uključenja u istraživanje bili su dob od 18 do 24 godine, pohađanje obrazovnih programa: fizioterapeutski tehničar, medicinska sestra/tehničar opće njege, stručni studij Fizioterapije i stručni studij Sestrinstva. Kriteriji isključenja bili su odstupanje od ciljane dobi ispitanika i ne pohađanje ciljanih obrazovnih programa.
REZULTATI Sve su hipoteze odbačene zbog nepostojanja statistički značajne razlike. Po hipotezama dobiveni su slijedeći rezultati: Studenti Fakulteta zdravstvenih studija Rijeka imaju pozitivnije stavove o osobama starije životne dobi u odnosu na učenike srednje medicinske škole (p = 0,24), ispitanici koji žive u domaćinstvu s osobom starije životne dobi imaju pozitivnije stavove o starijim osobama u odnosu na ispitanike koji ne žive s osobama starije životne dobi (p = 0,47), ispitanici koji su do sada u obrazovanju imali edukaciju koja se ciljano usmjerava na osobe starije životne dobi imaju pozitivnije stavove u odnosu na ispitanike koji do sada nisu prošli istu edukaciju (p = 0,70).
ZAKLJUČAK Iako su hipoteze odbačene, minimalna razlika u stavovima između skupina ispitanika postoji. Dobiveni rezultati upućuju na potrebu za kvalitetnijom edukacijom i senzibilizacijom mladih medicinskih djelatnika, prvenstveno fizioterapeuta i medicinskih sestara kako bi se unaprijedila gerijatrijska skrb te smanjila prisutnost stereotipa i ageizma u zdravstvenom sustavu.INTRODUCTION With advancing age, there is a higher incidence of disease, falls, and injuries, accompanied by a decline in an individual’s ability to work, leading to lower financial income and increased dependence on others. As a result, older individuals are often perceived as a burden to society or social welfare systems. The period in which young people make decisions about their professional orientation coincides with adolescence, a stage marked by psychological and emotional maturation. The aim of this research was to determine whether there are differences in attitudes and prejudices toward elderly individuals between high school students and university students.
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Using Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People Scale, a study was conducted on 117 participants—59 university students and 58 high school students. The research was carried out between March 2025 and April 2025. The study locations were the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka and the Medical School in Pula. Inclusion criteria were: age between 18 and 24 years, and enrollment in the following educational programs: Physiotherapy Technician, General Care Nurse/Technician, Professional Study in Physiotherapy, and Professional Study in Nursing. Exclusion criteria included deviation from the target age group and not being enrolled in the specified educational programs.
RESULTS All hypotheses were rejected due to the absence of statistically significant differences. The results by hypothesis were as follows: Students at the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka have more positive attitudes toward elderly individuals compared to students at the secondary medical school (p = 0.24); participants living in a household with an elderly person have more positive attitudes toward the elderly compared to those who do not live with elderly individuals (p = 0.47); participants who have received education specifically focused on older adults during their studies show more positive attitudes compared to those who have not had such education (p = 0.70).
CONCLUSION Although the hypotheses were rejected, a minimal difference in attitudes between the examined groups does exist. The results indicate a need for improved education and sensitization of young healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists and nurses, in order to enhance geriatric care and reduce the presence of stereotypes and ageism in the healthcare system
ASSESSMENT OF SARS-COV-2 PNEUMONIA SEVERITY ON THORACIC RADIOGRAMS USING MODIFIED BRIXIA SCORING SYSTEM: RESEARCH
No full textSARS-CoV-2 virus je koji uzrokuje respiratornu bolest COVID-19. Bolest ima veliki raspon simptoma od asimptomatske infekcije do teške pneumonije. Digitalnom radiografijom dobivamo uvid u procjenu zahvaćenosti plućnog parenhima i stanju pacijenta. Vrijednostima modificiranog Brixia sustava želimo saznati prediktore težine ove bolesti.
Ciljevi ovog istraživanja su bili analizirati inicijalne digitalne torakalne radiograme u hospitaliziranih bolesnika s COVID-19 pneumonijom dokazanom lančanom reakcijom polimeraze (engl. Polymerase Chain Reaction-PCR) i odrediti vrijednost težine pneumonije prema modificiranom Brixia sustavu bodovanja (MBSB) te utvrditi prisutnost komplikacija kod bolesnika s niskim i visokim modificiranim Brixia sustavom bodovanja.
U istraživanje je bilo obuhvaćeno 150 ispitanika, koji su bili podijeljeni u dvije grupe po 75 ispitanika. Prvu grupu činili su pacijenti koji su izliječeni, a drugu grupu pacijenti koji su preminuli. U ispitanike su bili uključeni bolesnici s PCR dokazanom COVID-19 infekcijom hospitalizirani u Klinici za infektivne bolesti „Dr. Fran Mihaljević“ od 01.07.2021. do 31.12.2021. godine. Metoda uzorkovanja je jednostavni slučajni uzorak s određenim kriterijima.
Zaključno s analizom rada utvrdili smo da su bolesnici prema MBSB vrijednostima težine pneumonije imali sljedeće rezultate: bolesnici s blagom i umjerenom težinom bolesti imali su niži rezultat bodovanja, dok su bolesnici s teškim i kritičnim oblikom bolesti imali viši rezultat bodovanja. Ova spoznaja može pomoći kliničarima u procjeni težine bolesti kod prijema bolesnika i usmjeriti liječenje i daljnje postupke, kako bi se smanjile komplikacije bolesti.SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the respiratory disease COVID-19. The disease has a wide range of symptoms from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia. Digital radiography provides insight into the assessment of lung parenchymal involvement and the patient's condition. We aim to find predictors of the severity of this disease using the values of the modified Brixia system.
The objectives of this study were to analyze initial digital thoracic radiographs in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia proven by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to determine the severity of pneumonia according to the modified Brixia scoring system and to determine the presence of complications in patients with low and high score od the modified Brixia scoring systems.
The study included 150 subjects, who were divided into two groups of 75 subjects each. The first group consisted of patients who have recovered, and the second group of patients who have died. The study subjects were include patients with PCR-proven COVID-19 infection hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević" from the 1st july 2021. to the 31st 2021. The sampling method was a simple random sample with certain criteria.
In conclusion, with the analysis of the work, we determined that the radiologic value of the severity of pneumonia according to the modified Brixia scoring system, with patients with mild and moderate severity of the disease having a lower scoring result, while patients with severe and critical forms of the disease having a higher scoring result. This statement may assist clinicians in assessing disease severity and establishing guidelines for further therapeutic procedures
Prevalence and eligibility criteria for birth in midwifery led units : research
No full textPrimaljske jedinice (eng. Midwifery-led units, MLU) su zdravstvene ustanove u kojima primalje imaju primarnu profesionalnu odgovornost za pružanje skrbi ženama s niskorizičnom trudnoćom. Unatoč postojećim preporukama i smjernicama koje ističu primaljske jedinice kao sigurno i podržavajuće okruženje za porođaje žena s trudnoćom niskog rizika, takav model skrbi u RH još uvijek nije integriran u zdravstveni sustav. Sustav maternalne skrbi i dalje je primarno vođen opstetričkim pristupom, uz ograničen kontinuitet skrbi i smanjenu profesionalnu autonomiju primalja. Iako je u RH registrirano 447 prvostupnica i magistri primaljstva, koje imaju kompetencije za samostalno vođenje fizioloških porođaja, u praksi im se te kompetencije uskraćuju.
Glavni cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi udio rodilja koje zadovoljavaju kriterije za porođaj u primaljskim jedinice prema islandskim kriterijima. Dodatni ciljevi bili su prikazati raspodjelu i prevalenciju najčešćih i najrjeđih kontraindikacija za porođaj u primaljskim jedinicama te utvrditi postoji li dovoljan broj prvostupnica i magistri primaljstva u RH za organizaciju rada primaljskih jedinica. Istraživanje je provedeno retrospektivno u Općoj bolnici Pula. Ispitanice su bile sve rodilje koje su ispunjavale kriterije uključenja te koje su rodile u razdoblju od siječnja do prosinca 2024. godine.
Od ukupno 1239 rodilja koje su bile uključene u istraživanje, njih 604 (48,7 %) je zadovoljilo kriterije za porođaj u primaljskim jedinicama te nisu imale zabilježenu niti jednu kontraindikaciju. Najčešće kontraindikacije u uzorku ispitanica bile su gestacijski dijabetes (20,3 %), prisutnost kroničnih bolesti (20,0 %) i prethodni carski rez (10,3 %). Najrjeđe su zabilježene placenta previja (0,2 %) i pušenje (0,1 %). Iako trenutačno u RH još uvijek ne postoji dovoljan broj prvostupnica i magistra primaljstva za uvođenje primaljskih jedinica (procijenjeni potreban broj je 541, dok ih je trenutačno 447), njihov se broj postupno povećava te, uz usmjerenije ulaganje u obrazovanje i stručnu podršku, taj cilj postaje dostižan u bliskoj budućnosti.Midwifery-led units (MLUs) are healthcare facilities where midwives have primary professional responsibility for providing maternity care to women with straightforward pregnancies. Despite the strong evidence and guidelines highlighting midwifery-led units as a safe and effective setting for straightforward pregnancies, this model of care has not yet been integrated into the Croatian healthcare system. The maternal care system remains primarily obstetric-led, with limited continuity of care and reduced professional autonomy for midwives. Although 447 qualified midwives possess the competencies to autonomously provide care during physiological births, their competencies are underutilized in practice.
The main objective of this study was to determine the proportion of women eligible for birth in midwifery-led units and to assess the need for introducing such units into the Croatian healthcare system. Additional aims included identifying the distribution and prevalence of the most common and rarest contraindications for birth in midwifery-led units, as well as evaluating whether there are sufficient midwives in Croatia to provide this model of care.
This retrospective study was conducted at the General Hospital Pula, analysing all women who met the inclusion criteria and gave birth between January and December 2024.
Out of 1,239 women included in the study, 604 (48.7%) met all the criteria for giving birth in a midwifery-led unit and had no recorded contraindications. The most common contraindications in the sample were a gestational diabetes (20.3%), chronic medical conditions (20.0%) and previous caesarean section (10.3%). The rarest documented contraindications were placenta previa (0.2%) and smoking (0.1%). Although there is currently still an insufficient number of qualified midwives, to integrate midwifery-led units in Croatia (the estimated required number is 541, while there are currently 447 midwives), their numbers are gradually increasing. With targeted investment in education and professional support, this goal is becoming feasible in the near future
Lifelong learning in midwifery
No full textCjeloživotno obrazovanje u primaljstvu predstavlja ključan element profesionalnog
razvoja i osiguravanja kvalitetne zdravstvene skrbi za žene i novorođenčad. Ono omogućuje
kontinuirano unaprjeđenje znanja i vještina primalja te usklađivanje s globalnim standardima i inovacijama u profesiji.
Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je analizirati trenutačno stanje vezano uz motivaciju
primalja za cjeloživotnim obrazovanjem i informiranost primalja u Hrvatskoj o cjeloživotnom obrazovanju kako bi se na temelju rezultata donijeli adekvatni zaključci i ideje za promicanje nastavka njihova cjeloživotnog obrazovanja i usavršavanja.
Prikupljanje podataka provedeno je od ožujka do svibnja 2025. godine putem online anonimnog upitnika distribuiranog na internetskim platformama Hrvatske komore primalja te putem elektroničke pošte. Uzorak čini 17 prigodno odabranih prvostupnika primaljstva zaposlenih na radnom mjestu primalje u Hrvatskoj i 39 studenata svih triju godina redovnog prijediplomskog studija primaljstva u Rijeci. Od studenata je prikupljen podatak o razini motivacije za cjeloživotnim obrazovanjem, a od prvostupnika dodatno i podaci o informiranosti o organizatorima cjeloživotnog obrazovanja.
Prema prikupljenim podacima, kao značaj cjeloživotnog obrazovanja prvostupnici primaljstva najčešće navode unaprjeđenje znanja (6 odgovora). Kao jedan od najčešćih čimbenika motivacije za cjeloživotnim obrazovanjem navode usavršavanje vlastitog znanja (5 odgovora). Ispitanici u prosjeku navode poznavanje po jednog organizatora cjeloživotnog obrazovanja i to najčešće Hrvatsku komoru primalja (13 odgovora), kod koje su i najčešće pohađali edukacije (8 odgovora). Rezultati ukazuju na podjednaku i to visoku motivaciju za cjeloživotnim obrazovanjem kod studenata i prvostupnika (U = 315, p = 0,776).
Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju na visoku i ujednačenu motiviranost primalja i studenata primaljstva za cjeloživotnim obrazovanjem, pri čemu Hrvatska komora primalja ima središnju ulogu, što stvara snažan temelj za daljnji razvoj profesije i unaprjeđenje kvalitete zdravstvene skrbi u Hrvatskoj.Lifelong learning in midwifery represents a key element of professional development and ensuring quality healthcare for women and newborns. It enables the continuous improvement of midwives’ knowledge and skills, as well as alignment with global standards and innovations in the profession.
The aim of this research was to analyze the current situation regarding midwives’ motivation for lifelong learning and awareness of midwives in Croatia about lifelong learning in order to draw adequate conclusions and ideas for promoting their continuous learning and professional development.
Data collection was conducted from March to May 2025 through an anonymous online questionnaire distributed on the online platforms of the Croatian Chamber of Midwives and by email. The sample consisted of 17 conveniently selected bachelor-level midwives employed in the midwifery profession in Croatia, and 39 students from all three years of the undergraduate midwifery studies in Rijeka. Data collected from students related to their level of motivation for lifelong learning, while bachelor midwives additionally provided information on their awareness of lifelong learning providers.
According to the collected data, graduated bachelor midwives most often state the importance of lifelong learning as improving their knowledge (6 responses). One of the most common motivating factors for lifelong learning was the improving their own knowledge (5 responses). On average, respondents state that they know one provider of lifelong learning, most often the Croatian Chamber of Midwives (13 responses), where they also most often attended educational programs (8 responses). The results indicate an equally high level of motivation for lifelong learning among both students and bachelor-level midwives (U = 315, p = 0.776).
The findings suggest a high and consistent motivation for lifelong learning among midwives and midwifery students, with the Croatian Chamber of Midwives playing a central role. This creates a strong basis for further development of the profession and for improving the quality of healthcare in Croatia
Informatizacija i administracija u primaljstvu : priručnik za studente/ice sveučilišnog prijediplomskog studija Primaljstvo
No full textRazvoj informacijsko-komunikacijske tehnologije (IKT) ima sve značajniju ulogu u različitim segmentima zdravstvene skrbi, uključujući i primaljstvo (1). Primjena IKT-a utječe na transformaciju kliničke i administrativne prakse, čime se poboljšava kvaliteta zdravstvene skrbi (2). Uvođenje zdravstvenih informacijskih sustava (ZIS) u primaljstvo ima brojne prednosti, a vodeća je brzi pristup zdravstvenim podatcima. Središnji dio informatizacije u primaljstvu predstavlja upravljanje elektroničkim zdravstvenim zapisom (EZZ) u kojem su zabilježeni svi podatci vezani za trudnoću, porod i postnatalnu skrb (3). Primalje, kao ključni akteri u skrbi za žene i novorođenčad, sve više preuzimaju aktivnu ulogu u upravljanju ZIS-om, a njihova osposobljenost za rad s digitalnim alatima postaje ključna kompetencija (4). Korištenje specijaliziranih programskih rješenja olakšava im vođenje registra poroda, praćenje i izdavanje medicinske dokumentacije, te izvještavanje o ishodima liječenja, dok automatizacija ovih procesa smanjuje mogućnost pogrešaka (5). Informatizacija također omogućava praćenje ishoda trudnoće i poroda, sistematizirajući podatke o majčinskoj i neonatalnoj skrbi, što može poslužiti kao temelj za unaprjeđenje zdravstvene politike i prakse. Osim toga, ZIS poboljšava kontrolu kvalitete usluga i identifikaciju potencijalnih problema, omogućujući prilagodbu procedura za bolju zdravstvenu skrb. S obzirom na sve veći utjecaj digitalizacije, kontinuirano usavršavanje i edukacija primalja postaju neophodni za unapređenje digitalnih kompetencija (6). Stoga, primjena IKT-a ne samo da optimizira kliničku praksu, nego značajno doprinosi sigurnijoj, bržoj i personaliziranoj skrbi za majke i novorođenčad. Primalje osim što stječu nove kompetencije i preuzimaju aktivnu ulogu u upravljanju informacijama, također postaju i važni dionici u procesu digitalne transformacije zdravstva i zdravstvene skrbi (7)